Learning about Life Under Occupation with The Holy Land Trust

The founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, recently told Fast Company “Travel is my form of self-education.” The Holy Land Trust leads a special trip offering a hands-on educational experience in the volatile and historic Middle East.  The trips support tourists in going beyond the media portrayals of the region and  share with them an experience of everyday life in this region. To this end, guests spend 10-15 days visiting the “dead stones” (churches, temples, mosques) and interacting with  the “living souls.”

Trips are mostly customized to guests needs and interests, as well as the current security situation.  Every opportunity and activity offers total immersion with the myriad of cultures.  Visit the Church of the Nativity, the oldest continuously operating church in the world, marvel as the sun catches the golden Dome of the Rock, and wander around the different quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem.  Experience the hospitality of your hosts during a stay in a local’s home.  “The family I stayed with opened their home to my companion and I and showed us a hospitality unlike anything I had ever seen,” our friend Kiel remarked of his homestay.

The Holy Land Trusts seeks to help their guests learn about the struggles of life under occupation and introduce them to peace activists who work daily to bring peace to the region.  They also run a summer encounter program where you can stay for two months, learn Arabic, or volunteer while staying with a family. Visit their site to learn more or contact Elias at operation@holylandtrust.org.

Click here to read about the medical precautions you should take when visiting the West Bank.