Study Tour 2012 -
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A journey of dialogue and encounter in Israel and Palestine
Nowhere on earth evokes such a sense of purpose and passion as the Land we call Holy. Jews, Christians and Muslims have prayed for and fought over this piece of land for centuries. It is often hard to know how best to respond to the terrible situation there; different approaches and perspectives make for divisions and conflicts within British society. However, the Holy Place plays a large part in our prayers, liturgies, traditions and backgrounds.
This seminar will provide an opportunity to see the realities, hear the voices and stories of those living there and learn more of their endeavours, hopes and fears for the future. It will also provide an opportunity to explore the significance of this Land for our religious traditions. It will not be an easy journey.
We invite Jews, Christians and Muslims - and those who want to experience or understand - to travel together, engage together in a spirit of dialogue, weep and laugh together, and perhaps take home a new vision for our own communities and their interaction with 'the other'.
God willing, the seminar will include:
The group leader, Jane Clements, has over fifteen years' experience of taking study groups to the region to engage with various issues of inter faith dialogue. Fodip's partners will be ICCI (the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel - www.icci.org.il).
Nowhere on earth evokes such a sense of purpose and passion as the Land we call Holy. Jews, Christians and Muslims have prayed for and fought over this piece of land for centuries. It is often hard to know how best to respond to the terrible situation there; different approaches and perspectives make for divisions and conflicts within British society. However, the Holy Place plays a large part in our prayers, liturgies, traditions and backgrounds. This seminar will provide an opportunity to see the realities, hear the voices and stories of those living there and learn more of their endeavours, hopes and fears for the future. It will also provide an opportunity to explore the significance of this Land for our religious traditions. It will not be an easy journey.
We invite Jews, Christians and Muslims - and those who want to experience or understand - to travel together, engage together in a spirit of dialogue, weep and laugh together, and perhaps take home a new vision for our own communities and their interaction with 'the other'. God willing, the seminar will include:
- Jerusalem, the Old City - its congregations and communities
- Jerusalem, the new city - problems and opportunities; East Jerusalem today
- The Galilee: the ministry of Jesus; Nazareth; kibbutzniks
- The narrative of the 'lost' villages; the refugee issue
- The narrative of the Holocaust and its meaning for all Israeli citizens
- Tel Aviv/Jaffa
- The West Bank: Bethlehem; Hebron
- Opportunities to pray and experience the worship of others (in church, synagogue and mosque)
- Co-existence and community projects
- Home hospitality
- Input from Israelis and Palestinians - educators, religious leaders and activists - under the direction of an experienced and exceptional scholar-in-residence, Ophir Yarden (to be confirmed.)
The group leader, Jane Clements, has over fifteen years' experience of taking study groups to the region to engage with various issues of inter faith dialogue. Fodip's partners will be ICCI (the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel - www.icci.org.il).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real purpose of this tour?
What is the real purpose of this tour?
- To introduce you to the land considered 'holy' in all our traditions, its daily life, its geography and, crucially, the hopes, fears and very difficult circumstances of some of its people
- To be informed about some of the special initiatives in the region
- To experience the spiritual possibilities which the Land has to offer
- understand a little better the traditions of those with whom we travel
- To pose far more questions than answers
Who is this aimed at?
Youth workers, lecturers, students, community workers, faith leaders, activists, writers, artists…..anyone who has always wanted to visit, or who wants to explore further the region in a multi-faith context.
How much will it cost?
We will try to achieve the best possible price and we are working to provide bursaries and subsidies. However, we anticipate that the full price will be between £1200 - £1600 per person.
What will be included in the price?
Flights, including all taxes and surcharges at time of booking, accommodation (based on shared rooms; single supplements available), meals on a half board basis (plus some dinners), pre-reading pack and information, travel in private bus, entrance fees where applicable, guides and lecturers.
These sorts of tours all tend to be 'one-sided'; will we be offered a balanced picture?
There is no 'sort of tour' like this; we truly believe it is unique in that we understand where all views are coming from, even though we may not agree with them. There's no 'party line' here, although each of us comes to this issue from a different perspective. We prefer the word 'recognition' to 'balance': this tour will acknowledge the range of perspectives, recognise different issues of identity and try to avoid any generalisations. We cannot guarantee that anyone will come back with a particular view; our long experience in this work teaches us that no one can predict how anyone will respond. But we do undertake to provide a wide range of encounters and stimuli to help you build your own, informed picture.
I am interested in learning what actually happened in 1948. Will this tour help?
This tour will help you to understand individual stories of people who have lived with the conflicts, but it cannot provide any sort of objective history (if that were possible in any case). We will provide a pre-tour reading list.
Will it be dangerous?
All travel includes an element of risk. However, most of the region is fairly quiet for most of the time and generally people forget, once they are there, that there is an issue about this. Safety is always important to us, however, and we will not compromise on this. For that reason, we cannot guarantee that we will keep to the published itinerary. Neither will we be going to Gaza or Sderot or areas nearby.
I have heard about the strict Israeli security. Will I get in? Or be able to travel freely?
Security is a major concern in Israel. The probability is that yes, you will. However, on entering, leaving and in travelling around, you must be prepared for long waits, searches, refusals, diversions, questions, annoyance and frustration. It's also important that you stay with the group; arrangements to visit friends or relatives may be difficult to engineer.
I really want to pray at a particular holy site. Can I do that?
We do include opportunities for prayers at major sites for those who wish, and we try to arrange opportunities to experience something of the worship of others. Our only caveat is that, in the Middle East, nothing is certain.
Will we visit all the major sites of interest?
You will be amazed at how many we will pack in. But we do have only a small amount of time and we also want you to meet, speak with and listen to people and so, inevitably, many places of interest have to be missed.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
No vaccinations are needed. Visas are not required for passports from the UK or elsewhere in the EU, and some other countries such as Canada and Australia. If your passport is from anywhere else, you should check and, if necessary, apply for a visa directly from the Embassy of Israel (http://israel.embassyhomepage.com/). (Please note, this will take some weeks.)
I'm not Jewish, Christian or Muslim. Can I still apply?
Absolutely - all are welcome. However, you might find some things particularly confusing - especially if you are being calm while everyone else is getting het up!
I've been before: how is this different?
Since this is a Study Tour with specific aims, we think you will find this complements anything you've experienced before.
Lots of organisations offer study tours or pilgrimages. Why should I come with you?
Look at our aims for this tour above. If they don't resonate with you at some point, then this probably isn't for you.
How much does it cost?
£1500 per person, based on two people sharing. All flights, accommodation on a half-board basis, travel within the region in private minibus, drivers, guides, entrance fees where appropriate and all seminar costs are covered. Light lunches, travel insurance, extra drinks, bottled water and personal shopping are extra, as are single room supplements.
Study Tour 2009 Report:
Despite the shock of leaving the open air street cafes of Jaffa at lunchtime to fly back to gridlocked icy roads, participants in FODIP’s first Study Tour to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Seventeen strangers - Jews, Christians and Muslims - travelled together for 9 days, meeting people and ‘hearing the voices’. Although coming from different backgrounds and perspectives, we soon ‘gelled’ as a group. As well as our own individual opportunities for worship, we attended together mosque prayers in Nazareth, a church service in Bethlehem and Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem.
While exploring our own and each others’ religious traditions in ‘the Holy Land’, we also engaged with the difficult issue of Israeli/Palestinian relations. We heard from young people involved in dialogue, as well as inspirational speakers such as Rabbi Arik Ascherman of Rabbis for Human Rights and Ali Abu Awwad, who has visited Britain many times with the Bereaved Families Forum. An early visit to the Centre for Humanistic Education at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum and Wahat al Salam/Neve Shalom highlighted practical educational work.
There were painful and poignant moments. These began on our arrival when six members of the group spent three hours in a small room at Ben Gurion airport being ‘checked out’. Other such experiences included the ‘refusal of entry’ of some of us to some places of worship, the visit to a ground-breaking Bedouin school and the Deheisha refugee camp. At the last place, we were all moved when one of our (Jewish) participants took the hand of a young Palestinian boy as a truck squeezed past on the narrow track.
There were enjoyable times, too. One particular feature was the opportunity for home hospitality with kibbutzniks, Jewish Orthodox and Reform families on Friday evening and Christian and Muslim hosts in East Jerusalem.
FODIP's remit is to encourage religious people to work together in the UK despite our different perspectives. This was underlined by Ali Abu Awwad who told the group: ‘If you can’t be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem’ and asked us ‘not to export the conflict to Britain’.
The programme was put together and delivered by Ophir Yarden of the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel (ICCI) and FODIP’s Director Jane Clements.
Despite the shock of leaving the open air street cafes of Jaffa at lunchtime to fly back to gridlocked icy roads, participants in FODIP’s first Study Tour to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Seventeen strangers - Jews, Christians and Muslims - travelled together for 9 days, meeting people and ‘hearing the voices’. Although coming from different backgrounds and perspectives, we soon ‘gelled’ as a group. As well as our own individual opportunities for worship, we attended together mosque prayers in Nazareth, a church service in Bethlehem and Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem.While exploring our own and each others’ religious traditions in ‘the Holy Land’, we also engaged with the difficult issue of Israeli/Palestinian relations. We heard from young people involved in dialogue, as well as inspirational speakers such as Rabbi Arik Ascherman of Rabbis for Human Rights and Ali Abu Awwad, who has visited Britain many times with the Bereaved Families Forum. An early visit to the Centre for Humanistic Education at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum and Wahat al Salam/Neve Shalom highlighted practical educational work.
There were painful and poignant moments. These began on our arrival when six members of the group spent three hours in a small room at Ben Gurion airport being ‘checked out’. Other such experiences included the ‘refusal of entry’ of some of us to some places of worship, the visit to a ground-breaking Bedouin school and the Deheisha refugee camp. At the last place, we were all moved when one of our (Jewish) participants took the hand of a young Palestinian boy as a truck squeezed past on the narrow track.There were enjoyable times, too. One particular feature was the opportunity for home hospitality with kibbutzniks, Jewish Orthodox and Reform families on Friday evening and Christian and Muslim hosts in East Jerusalem.
FODIP's remit is to encourage religious people to work together in the UK despite our different perspectives. This was underlined by Ali Abu Awwad who told the group: ‘If you can’t be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem’ and asked us ‘not to export the conflict to Britain’.
The programme was put together and delivered by Ophir Yarden of the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel (ICCI) and FODIP’s Director Jane Clements.
Study Tour 2011 Report:
An important part of travelling and studying with a group is the possession of a sense of humour. FODIP’s 2011 Study Tour – Questions Without Borders – involved listening to so many different voices that often we asked ourselves ‘did he/she really say that?’ The great thing about the 14 Jews, Christians and Muslims who travelled together was that we were able to share jokes and perspectives openly as a group. On one occasion, the appearance of a camel was enough to put into perspective the difficult words of the ‘gentleman’ then addressing us.
We also enjoyed some very special moments and visited sites of significance for each of our traditions. There were opportunities to be ‘silent spiritual participants’ at times and in places of each other’s worship. This included mosque prayers in Nazareth, where we were treated to traditional hospitality, an Arabic-speaking Christian service in Jerusalem and Shabbat evening worship, followed by dinner in congregants’ homes. Together we visited Capernaum, the Western Wall and the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount.
We heard from a range of voices, including a respected Qadi (Judge) from Israel’s Shariah Courts, workers at a women’s cooperative in the Galilee, the mayor of a settlement in the West Bank and young people engaged in inter faith dialogue in Jerusalem. Places visited included Yad Vashem, an innovative radio station run by a former Member of the Knesset and a children’s rehabilitation hospital. Accommodation ranged from the (less-than-successful) home hospitality in the West Bank, to a Druze B & B and an amazing 5 star luxury hotel in Ramallah with more items in the bathrooms than a branch of Boots.
Special moments included Muslim prayer outdoors at the village of Wahat al Salam/Neve Shalom, hearing the women’s choir in Bethlehem and looking out over the lights of Jerusalem on our arrival. Just as important was the ability of group members to express their frustrations, fears and joys in each other’s company. Undoubtedly, there were very challenging moments for all of us but as we reflect on the trip, it becomes obvious that going and meeting people who live there, in the ‘Holy Land’, is so important.
The programme was put together and delivered by Ophir Yarden of the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel (ICCI) and FODIP’s Director Jane Clements.
November 2011
An important part of travelling and studying with a group is the possession of a sense of humour. FODIP’s 2011 Study Tour – Questions Without Borders – involved listening to so many different voices that often we asked ourselves ‘did he/she really say that?’ The great thing about the 14 Jews, Christians and Muslims who travelled together was that we were able to share jokes and perspectives openly as a group. On one occasion, the appearance of a camel was enough to put into perspective the difficult words of the ‘gentleman’ then addressing us.
We also enjoyed some very special moments and visited sites of significance for each of our traditions. There were opportunities to be ‘silent spiritual participants’ at times and in places of each other’s worship. This included mosque prayers in Nazareth, where we were treated to traditional hospitality, an Arabic-speaking Christian service in Jerusalem and Shabbat evening worship, followed by dinner in congregants’ homes. Together we visited Capernaum, the Western Wall and the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount.
We heard from a range of voices, including a respected Qadi (Judge) from Israel’s Shariah Courts, workers at a women’s cooperative in the Galilee, the mayor of a settlement in the West Bank and young people engaged in inter faith dialogue in Jerusalem. Places visited included Yad Vashem, an innovative radio station run by a former Member of the Knesset and a children’s rehabilitation hospital. Accommodation ranged from the (less-than-successful) home hospitality in the West Bank, to a Druze B & B and an amazing 5 star luxury hotel in Ramallah with more items in the bathrooms than a branch of Boots.
Special moments included Muslim prayer outdoors at the village of Wahat al Salam/Neve Shalom, hearing the women’s choir in Bethlehem and looking out over the lights of Jerusalem on our arrival. Just as important was the ability of group members to express their frustrations, fears and joys in each other’s company. Undoubtedly, there were very challenging moments for all of us but as we reflect on the trip, it becomes obvious that going and meeting people who live there, in the ‘Holy Land’, is so important.
The programme was put together and delivered by Ophir Yarden of the Inter Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel (ICCI) and FODIP’s Director Jane Clements.
November 2011
Terms and Conditions
Participants are deemed to be in agreement with these on payment of the Deposit.
Participants are deemed to be in agreement with these on payment of the Deposit.
1. FODIP is not a travel agent.
In connection with this tour, FODIP acts as a group leader in arranging the flights and liaising with the tour providers in Israel/West Bank. The organising company is the Interreligious Coordinating Council of Israel (www.icci.co.il), working with Regina Tours.
2. Payment
A deposit of £100 is required to be received by FODIP within 10 days of booking (or, in special circumstances, by arrangement with FODIP). The deposit is non refundable. Full payment is required 4 weeks prior to travel. For bookings confirmed where the departure date is less than 4 weeks from the date confirmation is received, we will require full payment immediately to confirm the booking. Full payment is required before your booking can be confirmed.
3. Insurance and Risk
You are responsible for taking out personal travel insurance. FODIP takes every care to ensure that its partners act responsibly and with care for participants' welfare at all times. However, FODIP accepts no liability for any loss of personal belongings, accidental or malicious injury, delays or actions by officials and agents of the Sate of Israel or the Palestinian Authority. Neither is FODIP liable for expenses incurred should entry be refused either to Israel or the West Bank, although we will do all we can to assist you in such circumstances.
4. Check-in/Departures
It is your responsibility to leave ample time for your journey to the nominated departure point and appointed time at the airport. We cannot refund you for missing the flight through late arrival as a result of delays on other transport services such as traffic, underground, buses and/or railways. Given the security issues with flying to this part of the world, it is vital that we check in as a group; individual delays inconvenience the whole party.
5. Travel Documentation
You are responsible for ensuring that you are in possession of the required travel documentation such as visas and passports and that they are valid and effective. FODIP will require all passport information at the time of booking. We cannot be held responsible for expenses incurred if travel documentation does not meet the required criteria. If you are in doubt, please contact FODIP in the first instance.
6. Refunds/Cancellations Policy
You must inform us in writing (by post/fax or email) as soon as possible if you wish to cancel your booking. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective from the moment we receive it in writing. On cancellation the charge per person will be:
- At any time - deposit lost
- 6-4 weeks prior to departure date - 40% of tour cost
- 4-2 weeks prior to departure date - 80% of tour cost
- Less than 2 weeks prior to departure date - 100% of tour cost
7. Variation of Brochure
We reserve the right, before you book, to vary the services described in our information, including prices and departure dates and times. You will be notified of these changes before you are committed to the tour. FODIP reserves the right to make alterations to the planned itinerary, including places (though not quality) of accommodation, at any time.
8. Alterations
If we must change your hotel or other details of the tour, which may be for reasons beyond our control, we will notify you as soon as possible and give you the information as to the alterations. If the change significantly alters an essential term of the contract, you will have the right to withdraw from the contract in which event we will repay all money already paid by you to us, minus the deposit.
You undertake to let us know as quickly as possible your decision in the event of our having to advise you of any such alteration.
9. Force Majeure
Should we cancel the whole tour before departure because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, then we will refund all money already paid by you, including the deposit, but you will not be entitled to any compensation for the loss of the tour. Where the tour is interrupted to a significant extent by circumstances beyond our control we will make every effort to refund what is deemed to be a fair proportion of the cost of the tour through negotiation with the tour operators or organisations concerned.
10. Behaviour
We ask that you respect the other participants at all times. This includes thoughtless comments, unhelpful behaviour and, especially, time-keeping. You will be responsible for your conduct and you will indemnify us against any liability for damage caused by you. This is a sensitive study tour and we reserve the right to arrange for any individual group member to be flown home in the event of behaviour deemed to be unreasonable.
11. Complaints
Should you have a complaint or concern during your tour, it is essential that you inform your tour leader as soon as possible and we will do our best to rectify your problem. If we cannot resolve your complaint at the time, you should make a written record of your complaint and send it to FODIP marked 'For the Attention of Trustees' within 21 days of the end of the tour.
FODIP offers a range of opinion and perspectives. Articles featured on this site reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fodip or our associates.
We welcome articles from individuals and organisations in consideration for publication.
FODIP relies entirely on donations and grants from private charitable trusts. Every donation helps us to maintain and develop this important work.
FODIP relies entirely on donations and grants from private charitable trusts. Every donation helps us to maintain and develop this important work.
Registered Charity no. 1139005
Contact: 52 Cornmarket Street, OXFORD OX1 3HJ
Tel: ++(0)1865 304 074; email: info [at] fodip [dot] org; www.fodip.org
(Company No. 07343229 - Star House, 104 Grafton Rd. NW5 4BA)
"I have never had such a wide-ranging and thought-provoking travel experience in such a short time. It was stunning and overwhelming to discover new dimensions of my own faith whilst sharing important 'moments of faith' with Muslims and Jews. It was an absolute privilege to be included in the group and even in the more uncomfortable and challenging moments I have learned a great deal. [I] was humbled, angered and upset - often in just the space of a few minutes. I will always treasure the experience and fully intend to translate it into practical action which will work to unite faith communities both in the UK and in Israel/Palestine."
"The most stimulating of my 4 visits to Israel/Palestine to date."
"I went with 17 strangers and came back with 17 friends."
"The tour provided a learning opportunity that text books, articles or documentaries read and observed in the UK could never give. It gave a range of physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual experiences which I am now drawing on to develop my understanding and personal views about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Sharing these experiences with Christians and Jews from Manchester deepened my understanding and, crucially I hope will enable us to continue, back in the UK, the sometimes difficult conversations we had in the Holy Land."
"A really brilliant trip! For me, it enabled what had been strong opinions based on second-hand evidence to come really alive in first-hand encounter. This is a mixed blessing, since a black-and-white taking of sides will no longer do. Any cherished idea of a 'solution' seems more intractable than ever. Yet the underlying theme - with such inspiring examples - of hearing and respecting 'the other', and working at face-to-face human contacts, did offer at least a glimmer of hope. Lessons there for all of us……."
"Organisation and leadership very much appreciated."