There is truly nothing like arrival day in Israel! Once through passport control and customs, we enter the cavernous baggage claim area where the first sight we see is a large wall with the message, “Welcome to Israel!” We’re here!
For those of you just tuning in, our February 2024 EXPERIENCE ISRAEL TOUR was scheduled to be underway right now, but for obvious reasons, was cancelled. Yet, the tour goes on virtually as we rewind the February 2023 tour!
From baggage claim, we head out to the Arrivals Hall where we meet up with our guide, Aly, and the rest of our group who arrived from various places around the globe! Here is the account…
PS: A word of commentary here. The post talks about our anticipated time in the West Bank, witnessing Jews and Palestinians living peacefully together. I realize that picture is a bit shattered at the moment, but I hope you will join me in asking the Lord to provide a clear, accurate view of the Jewish-Palestinian conflict. Make no mistake: what Hamas did was pure evil and they are not to be trusted. The more difficult line to discern is between terrorists and truly innocent Palestinians.
It is true that Jews and Palestinians (and others) work peacefully side-by-side in many places in Judea and Samaria (today’s West Bank). It is a reality. However, it is equally true that, in Gaza, 85+% of Palestinians living there supported Hamas’ attack on Israel. Gaza and the West Bank are two different areas, though the West Bank also has known areas of Iranian-backed terror cells. It is important to know our tours do not go Gaza or to areas of known terrorists.
Regardless, given the situation we see in Israel today, it is very difficult not to paint with a broad brush and deem all Palestinians as terrorists. Certainly, trust is eroded, but as yet, it is difficult to have clarity on the motives of all Palestinians. We must tread gently and allow the Lord to provide wisdom and discernment in our perception of Palestinians.
Looking for the Blessed Hope 