The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Invite you on a Homecoming Journey to PALESTINE July 8 th 21 st, 2016 14 Days/13 Nights
This is your chance to return to Palestine! Through this Homecoming Journey, you will reconnect with your past and rediscover your heritage. This trip is about you and your history. It is about family and a culture that you belong to. Join us to explore the land of your ancestors and the spiritual sites important to us all. You will be moved and inspired by the land, but more importantly, you will connect with the people. They are your brothers and sisters, all Palestinians. This is your opportunity to come home. Price: 2200.00 USD/Person Through this Homecoming Journey, you will: Reconnect with your Palestinian roots Learn about the economic and social state of Palestine Meet important religious, civil and national leaders Visit the most sacred sites of the Holy Land Support local Palestinian businesses and communities Experience the beauty and diversity of Palestine s landscape Connect with Palestinian youth from all over the world this trip coincides with HCEF s Know Thy Heritage Leadership Program to Explore and Live Palestine! Reconnect with family Meet and stay with local Palestinians Participate in the 5 th International Diaspora Conference. And much more You also have the option to extend your stay after the trip to personally explore your roots!
Homecoming Itinerary Day 1 - Friday, July 8 th : Departure Our journey home begins as we depart on our international flight. Our trip will be made more comfortable with inflight movies, in-flight meals, good conversation, and restful sleep. Day 2 - Saturday, July 9 th : Arrival Al Lud Airport - Bethlehem After arriving to Tel Aviv, we will go directly to Bethlehem. There, we will meet with the Know Thy Heritage (KTH) delegation who will have just arrived from Jordan. Together, we will celebrate our homecoming with a celebration organized by the people of Palestine. Our welcoming festivities start with a procession led by scout troops through the Old City of Bethlehem (the Road of Kings) towards Manager Square at the Church of Nativity. After the welcoming celebration, we will go to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and our first night s stay.
Day 3 - Sunday, July 10 th : Bethlehem, Hebron After an early breakfast, we will visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus, and we will have the chance to worship and pray with local Palestinian Christians. Afterward, we will embark on a tour of Manger Square, visiting the Mosque of Omar, one of the oldest mosques in the Bethlehem Governorate. We will then visit the Milk Grotto Church. The "Milk Grotto," over which today a small Chapel rises, is frequently visited by local women, Christians and Muslims alike, to ask for the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus. As legend has it, this is the site where Mary spilt breastmilk while feeding baby Jesus, and this is the reason for the brilliant white stone of the cave. Afterward, we will visit Shepherd s Field in Beit Sahour, where the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. After that we will make our way to Hebron. As we make our way from Bethlehem to Hebron our tour guide will provide information about the settlements and their effects on the geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic life of Palestinians. In Hebron we will meet with officials and representatives from the community, followed by lunch. After lunch, we will take a tour of the Old City of Hebron and interact with the locals. We will then visit the Ibrahimi Mosque where the patriarch, Abraham, and his family are buried. Before heading back to Bethlehem, we will visit the famous ceramic and glass factories in Hebron. Afterward, we will stop at the Solomon Pools located south of Bethlehem on the road to Hebron. The three legendary pools, a water source for Jerusalem in ancient times, lie surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Our visit will be followed by a traditional dinner and cultural event. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 4 - Monday, July 11 th : Bethlehem We will begin our day with a traditional breakfast meal of falafel and hummus at Afteem Restaurant, one of the most important family owned restaurants in Bethlehem; the Afteem family were exiled from Jaffa in 1948. After breakfast, we will visit the Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ) for an educational session on the geopolitical and economic situation in Palestine presented by Dr. Jad Isaac. After that, we will take a tour of Aida Refugee Camp near the separation wall followed by lunch hosted by women of Aida camp. After lunch, we will visit Bethlehem University to meet with the students and learn about their challenges, dreams and lives. Later on, we will have some time to rest before we visit the Bethlehem Museum. Our tour will be followed by a delicious dinner of traditional Palestinian cuisine at Al- Karmeh Restaurant. Overnight in Bethlehem. Day 5 - Tuesday, July 12 th : Ramallah, Birzeit After breakfast, we will head to Ramallah where we will meet with officials and representatives of the local authorities. Afterward, we will visit the Mahmoud Darwish Museum, and then the Bank of Palestine, the first national bank in Palestine where we will learn about the Palestinian economy. After lunch, we will visit the tomb of our former President, Yasser Arafat. Afterward, we will visit the El- Founoun Palestinian Folkloric Dance Troupe, and we will enjoy a Dabkeh session. Then we will spend unforgettable moments with elders of HCEF s Birzeit Senior Citizen Center (BSCC), as we join them for a special dinner. During this time, we will have the chance to talk with the elders of Birzeit and hear their stories. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 6 - Wednesday, July 13 th : Jerusalem; the Old City After an early breakfast, we will drive to Jerusalem. Our first stop will be a visit and tour of Al Aqsa Mosque, we will then walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) through the narrow alleys and bazaars of the Old City of Jerusalem, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Tomb of Christ. Afterward, we will have a traditional homemade lunch hosted by Jerusalemite families. After lunch, we will meet with a representative of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem; our hosts. Afterward, we will have some free time to enjoy and tour the old city of Jerusalem. Overnight in Bethlehem. Day 7 - Wednesday, July 14 th : Nablus, Jenin In the early morning, we will drive north to Nablus. Our visit will include a tour of the historical & religious sites, starting with the Samaritan Museum and Jacob s well. After that, we will tour the old city visiting the olive oil and soap factories, followed by lunch, where we will enjoy the traditional Nablus Kanafeh sweets. After that, we will tour Jenin where we will visit the third-oldest church in the world, the Church of St. George in Burqin. If time allows, we will also visit the town of Sebastia, where there is an ancient religious community associated with John the Baptist which is still active. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 8 - Friday, July 15 th : Jericho, Dead Sea After breakfast, we will head to Jericho and tour the old city where we will meet with locals. We will then proceed to Hisham s Palace, one of the main archeological sites in Jericho. On our way, we will view the Monastery of Temptation on the summit of the Mount of Temptation. After lunch, we will visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Later in the day we will enjoy ourselves around the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem. Day 9 - Saturday, July 16 th : Jerusalem After Breakfast, we will drive to Jerusalem and begin the day with a panoramic view atop the Mount of Olives. Then we will visit the Dominus Flevit church and descend the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its 2000 year old olive trees. After that, we will tour the old market of Salah Al Din Street and from there, we will visit Yabous Cultural Center, where we will be introduced to their work and learn more about the challenges that face Palestinians in Jerusalem. Afterward, we will attend a special reception with the religious leaders of Jerusalem at Notre Dame Centre. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 10 - Sunday, July 17 th : The 5 th Annual International Diaspora Conference: Launching and Banquet event. After breakfast, we will have a guided educational tour around Bethlehem to discover the reality of life under occupation and understand more about the geopolitical situation. After lunch, we will have some time to rest and get ready for a special banquet and opening ceremony event of the 5 th Annual Diaspora Conference which will be held at the Convention Palace in Bethlehem under the auspices of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas. The event will be in honor of the delegation and in celebration of the 5 th International Diaspora Conference. Overnight in Bethlehem. Day 11 - Monday, July 18 th : The 5 th Annual International Diaspora Conference The 5th International Diaspora Conference will take place at the Convention Palace in Bethlehem. The conference will include workshops and lectures introducing attendees to the political, social, cultural and economic situation in Palestine. This will also give Palestinian leaders the opportunity to share experiences and ideas in order to create a space for innovation and mutual cooperation aimed at serving Palestine and its people. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem. Day 12 - Tuesday, July 19 th : Nazareth, Haifa After an early morning breakfast, we will drive north toward Galilee. On our way to Nazareth we will visit the Cana Church where Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding (changing water into wine!) Imagine we are sitting in the same seat where the Lord attended a marriage; we will have a great opportunity to renew our wedding vows here in Palestine. After that we will head to Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, the site that incorporates the cave in which the Virgin Mary received the news from Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. After lunch, we will walk in the old market and visit the White Mosque. We will later depart to Haifa, where we will visit the Baha i garden and enjoy its natural beauty. We will then meet with Palestinian Arab families in Haifa to learn more about their lives, challenges, and struggles. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.
Day 13 - Wednesday, July 20 st : Acre, Iqrit, Jaffa, Bethlehem After breakfast, we will depart to Acre and begin our day with a walking tour of Old Akko, visiting the Old Crusader sites, St. George Church and his tomb and the Al-Jazzar Mosque, one of largest mosques outside of Jerusalem and the largest one among the mosques built in Palestine during the Turkish period. We will then have an outstanding lunch of fish by the sea. After lunch, we will head to Iqrit, a Palestinian Christian village, where we will be welcomed by the Iqrit youth community and have the chance to learn more about three generations of Iqrit families. Later we will have an open discussion. We will then drive south to Jaffa, which was the largest city in historic Palestine during the years of the British mandate. We will visit the Clock tower, the ancient port, and have some time to relax. Afterward, we will return to Bethlehem and participate in a farewell dinner organized by HCEF. Day 14 Thursday, July 21 st : Departure As Palestinians living in the diaspora, our journey to Palestine is more than a tour; it is a homecoming. Palestinians will always be the heirs of the Holy Land. Their heritage is just as much a part of its history as the brick and mortar of the holy sites they keep. There is only one place on earth where so much human history converges, uniting people all over the world in the three great monotheistic faiths which were born here. Our hope is that during your homecoming journey you gained valuable insight into the region s complex history, politics, and religious context. We hope that your experience in Palestine has given you a deeper longing for the land of your ancestors and that you are empowered to strive for justice, peace, and reconciliation for your fellow Palestinians and your homeland.
Price for land arrangement is 2200.00 USD/Person Price Includes: Double-occupancy accommodation. Tour participants requesting a private room will pay an additional 400 USD. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) English/Spanish-speaking tour guide Transportation in deluxe motor coach Entrance fees to holy places Transportation for groups of 10 persons or more between airports, borders and Bethlehem Price Excludes: Airfare. Tour participants should make their own arrangements for air travel between their country of origin and Tel Aviv or Amman. The tour program in Palestine begins on July 9, 2016 and ends on July 21, 2016. Specifics regarding the location and commencement time of the tour will be provided to tour participants well in advance of departure. Participants may extend their stay beyond July 21st at their own expense. Tips to drivers, tour guides, restaurant employees and/or hotel staff (average of 10 USD/person/day); and any other services not mentioned in the program. Beverages Travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of travel insurance. Trip cancellation and overseas medical coverage are two important considerations. There are a number of options for such insurance your own insurance agent may have a recommendation. It is the sole responsibility of the tour participants to consult with their health insurance provider to determine what international coverage is provided and if supplemental health coverage should be purchased. Transportation charges for groups of 10 persons and above between Tel Aviv airport or King Hussein Allenby bridge and Bethlehem. Please note that if you are traveling alone, or if you are traveling in a group of 9 or less, transportation is available upon request for an extra charge (130 USD each way). Please contact HCEF to make arrangements. Any other services or activities not mentioned in the program/ Notes: Itinerary is subject to change without notice