Showing posts with label Palestine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Palestine. Show all posts

Friday, September 11, 2015

JOURNAL of a PILGRIM to the LAND CALLED HOLY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: Nazareth - Consider your Calling.
Today was the day we spent time in Nazareth, Considering Mary's - and our - call, as temp. climbed into the 30's.  Time at the Orthodox Church at Mary's Well before walking through the Old City and the souk to spend two hours at the Basilica of the Annunciation. Then time in Cana where people renewed wedding and partnership commitments.  Moving.  Eucharist back at the Convent of the Beatitudes.   Touched by deep sense of continuity as we encountered places still occupied by people over millennia.  Signs of Palestinian anger at Israel 's occupation evident even here.   We ended the day with moving hour of reflection in Chapel.   All early to bed tonight after not getting here until 2am this morning.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3: Galilee - Living out our Calling.
Just back from our 'cruise' on the Sea of Galilee after Mass on the shore at the site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes.   This is the place where, sadly, Jewish extremists recently tried to set fire to the church but only a part of the cloister was destroyed.   I am told that there have been further threats to destroy churches unless the Pope abandons support for a Palestinian State and 'recognises' the areas occupied by Israel (i.e. the Territories which the UN confirms are illegally occupied by Israel).  Once again it is Christians who are caught in the middle of the struggle between Jews and Muslims.  O pray for the peace of Jerusalem!   And we have seen signs of the ongoing attempts at reconciliation.   So staying here seems very appropriate and we will have a time of reflection on the Beatitudes before supper.

So - Mensa Christi, Church of the Multiplication,  a visit to Capernaum and then a leisurely time sailing on the Sea/Lake.  And lots of silence between the laughter and liturgies.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: Mount Tabor and Jericho - the Passion begins.
Left hot and humid Galilee  (38c.) and drove to Mount Tabor to visit Church of the Transfiguration where we celebrated Mass.  Such a beautiful spot where heaven touched earth and glory shone out.   But love also made itself known at the Jordan where we
stopped at the newly re-opened Baptism site.   And here I was truly moved for after travelling down mile upon mile of barbed wire border fencing between Israel and Jordan here all bathed in the waters of the Jordan just 12 feet wide.  And who urged Israel to reopen the site for Christians?   King Abdullah of Jordan  (and  'some" foreign governments  - I dare not hope one might have been our Government - might we ever regain any moral authority  - or interest?). 

So here we are at the Lutheran Hostel in the Old City where the Dome's of Holy Sepulchre and the Rock stand out just a stones throw away.  Tomorrow the Via Dolorosa after Mass in the acoustically wonderful Church of S. Anne

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5: 'Jerusalem, Jerusalem! '
Salve Regina sung in the most wonderful Church of S. Anne (at the request of one of the pilgrims)  whose acoustics are renowned; a Liturgy for Healing at the Pool of Bethesda; Stations of the Cross including prayers at Station 10 (the Coptic Patriarchate) beneath a banner in memory of the Copts murdered on the beach by ISiL, and walking down the Mount of Olives praying at the churches of Dominus Flevit, the Pater Noster until we reached the Church of All Nations and Garden of Gethsemane - a rich and full day.   At the heart of which - and the goal of this Pilgrimage  - to venerate Calvary and be present at Holy Sepulchre where we shall be at 6.45am tomorrow!  DV.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6: 'This is my body, given for you.'
Awoken by the call of the minaret(s) from 4.30am!  These Jerusalem days start with invitations to pray which last until the booming bells of Holy Sepulchre begin 40 mins. later.   What to do apart from get up  - which 6 of us did - and go to pray with the Ethiopian's (and Copts, Latins and Armenians) in Holy Sepulchre. At least one can enter Christ's Tomb and pray there!

Later most of us attended the Eucharist at S. George's  (Anglican) Cathedral, which felt a bit like an Arabic outpost of the USA...  Good sermon from the Dean, Fr. Hosam, who preached on the text of the healing of the Syro -Phoenician Woman and drew out the parallels between the lengths she was prepared to go to have her daughter healed and the lengths Syrian mothers go to today to save their children.

After excellent buffet lunch at the College we split up for the afternoon with people visiting the Western Wall,  Armenian Cathedral (and how many people know of the Syrian Genocide of 1915?) etc.  I discovered that the S. Alexander Nevsky Church and Museum was open so visited there with some of the party - and was staggered to see a complete room from the days of Imperial Russia preserved there,  looked after by some young nuns of the Nursing Order founded by the Grand Duchess St. Elizabeth who was martyred in the Revolution.  And a solitary visit to Dormition Abbey and the State - run Chapel of the Upper Room.   Just a museum now...

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: Bethlehem - 'And we have seen His glory'
Today we're spending time in Bethlehem.  This meant passing through the Wall of Separation and considering what it means to be living in a virtual ghetto.  That's both Palestinians and Israeli 's for whilst the former suffer ongoing oppression and injustice (illegal Settlements, loss of  land,  destruction of property, curtailment of basic rights etc...) the latter are victims of their own violence and history.  

So, on the day we celebrated the Nativity of our Lord with Mass in the Shepherd's Fields we also reflected on how His members suffer today.  And, through an unfortunate event, we also experienced the way those members help each other when in need.   As we left the Fields one of our party talked of feeling unwell - and where should we be heading but to lunch at the (Christian run - but open to all) Arab Rehabilitation Centre in Beit Sahour, a centre which includes a hospital!!!  Immediately  (!) she was seen by a doctor, tests then carried out and results awaited.  Thankfully not serious and the doctors gave their all-clear 10 mins. before the pilgrims returned from visiting the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem. The angels were on our side!

But it gave me a chance to talk with the administration  manager who is Syrian Orthodox.  Having fled the Turkish Great Genocide (the generic name for that genocide which the Turks inflicted on minority religious groups in the region) in 1915 her family moved to Bethlehem and now fears the total destruction of their Church.  So many Christians leaving, little hope for the future in their countries, a minority Arab group amongst Arabs - who wants the Christians?  They are so grateful for our interest and support but now fear further take-over of their land - even in the Palestinian Territories - by the Israelis.  There was a deep and painful sorrow in her words and I remembered with sadness the way our government seems to have washed its hands of  (moral) responsibility to protect a deeply persecuted minority in this region.  God forgive our hardness of heart!


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th: The Desert
Phew - another hot one!  This was to be our 'Desert Day', and the temperature was forecast to be in the 40's. But, in the event,  the sun was hidden all day by the effects of the 'shakir', a combination of events which brings a smog-like atmosphere throughout the region as fine dust from Egypt fills the air.  So at 8.30am we walked the steep path down (and up) the Wadi Qelt to the Monastery of S. George where Elijah is reputed to have lived in a cave.   Women with dresses and men in trousers were allowed in, together with a large group of Romanians led by their priest (in cassock - I felt I'd let the side down, being a wimp in shorts and polo shirt). Some of our group were allowed in and two came out an hour later glowing with wonder having shared in prayers with the Romanian 's,  been given a tour of the monastery (including seeing the skulls of the monks martyred by the Persians in the 7th.c.), and talking with one of the five - young - monks who seem to form the community. Others less modestly dressed walked further down the Wadi and wondered at the sheer silence,  beauty and sense of remoteness of the place which, in reality, is only a few kilometers from Jerusalem.  Yet it wasn't completely silent as all the time we heard the song of scores and scores of birds.

By noon we had left and were at the site of another community - at Qumran - probably inhabited by the Essenes at the time of Jesus where John the Baptist may have spent time and which must provide one of the roots of early Christian monasticism.  Having considered some of their practices I was struck by certain commonalities, not least by the way we all practice ritualised washing - the Essenes with twice-daily purification baths; Muslims who wash before praying, and  Christians who, apart from the bath of Baptism 'wash' themselves with Holy Water on entering a church and then may throw it over people at Asperges!  

Finally we went on to wash ourselves in the waters of the Dead Sea - and smear ourselves in mud.  And our skin feels utterly renewed!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: Ein Karim, Abu Ghosh - 'Did not our hearts burn within us!'
Today we journeyed to Ein Karim and Emmaus: the first the place of Visitation (between Mary and Elizabeth), the second where the eyes of disciples were opened on the day of Resurrection as they travelled, talked together and broke bread.

And that has been our pattern - to 'break bread' eucharistically (joyfully), break bread in shared meals and talk together.  So each evening - and all this afternoon - pilgrims have reflected silently, shared in pairs and then amongst us all as they have considered what this Terra Divina has communicated to us.  And today, after our Eucharist and lunch in the tranquil setting of the Convent of the Sisters of Sion (founded by a Jew who converted in 1845), we spent the whole afternoon in that simple exercise before attending Vespers in the glorious,  ancient, beautiful and sacred space of the Benedictine Abbey of Abu Ghosh, one of the sites of the village of Emmaus.  So our pilgrimage from the Annunciation to the Resurrection concluded with the haunting song ofFrench nuns and monks from le Bec Hellouin twinned, of course, with Canterbury Cathedral.

But our first stop at Ein Karim had seen us acknowledge the Visitation by singing the Magnificat and Ave in the beautiful church dedicated to that mystery and then walking through that - sacred - village, now haunted by the murder of so many Christians and Muslims in 1948 as Jewish brigades fought their way up to Jerusalem.  And houses once homes to generations of mostly Christian Arabs are now bijou residences for artists,  their Christian symbols defaced and the ancient mosque under threat of demolition.  One is never far from the realities of history and the pain of people's thwarted lives as one seeks to be open to this Land made Holy by God.

One final reflection.  Throughout it has become clear - by many conversations with different people - that it is not the obvious injustices carried out by those who exercise power and control but the gradual drip, drip of injustices - the development of illegal Settlements,  confiscation of small amounts of land, daily oppressive treatment of one people by another, obfuscation by the State - all this and more which is, slowly, wearing down a people until a sense of hopelessness sets in.  Or until people say enough is enough - which is when their pain and anger can erupt in violence.

We ended today's journey with a sense of sadness as we said farewell to Bassam Abdalla, our excellent Guide who, for nine days, had shared his faith and passion, as well as his wisdom, knowledge, hopes and fears for this Land.  Tomorrow our journey ends as we celebrate for one last time that meal which our Lord shared with His disciples in a room just metres from here.  And we shall take as our theme His Ascension which occurred from a spot we shall gaze upon from our roof top setting.  So finally we must say : O pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Monday, November 15, 2010

PILGRIMS PROGRESS (6)

MONDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER – Bethlehem

Another beautiful day and early start. Drove via valleys through quiet Checkpoint to Shepherd’s Fields where I celebrated Mass at the edge of the domain overlooking the hills and nearest Jewish Settlements. Taught the pilgrims to sing the Angelus (and other things) then to see the Chapel of the Angels (by Antonio Barluzzi) before the group were let loose in the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society where they managed to fund the Palestinian economy for the next year… After that we went for lunch via a detour to view the Security Wall at the Beit Jalla Refugee Camp. This had a profound effect on many of us as we saw close up the massive concrete blocks which now intrude into the lives of the population. Many people from many countries have used the wall, as they did in Belfast, to express their rage and anger, fears and philosophy about this development. It is a reminder of the walls one finds in any divided society but in particular of those places which have found a need to separate communities. Whatever the short term benefits of this form of security, the long term effects can only add to the divisions and the violence associated with frustration and anger. Yet as the Jewish writer, Amos Oz, pointed out the Jews have become accustomed to living behind walls and the ‘ghetto mentality’ is deeply ingrained in the experience of many. Yet who is imprisoned? Who, exactly, is walled in? They have created another ghetto, but just who exists in it is questionable.

Lunch was at the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, a project founded by Gp. Cpt. Leonard Cheshire in 1960 and still run by Christians and now an important hospital for the West Bank. Whilst we were there we were told that Christians now form only 1.5% of Israel’s population of app. 5mill. Many have emigrated because of the situation and because of the fear that this exodus will continue, but there are some who are trying to create work for young Christians to help them remain in the land.

After lunch we drove into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem where we were able to venerate the birth-place of Jesus and visit the caves associated with S. Jerome and the early monks. We were lucky to have to queue for only 30mins before we gained entrance and were able to sing our Christmas carols in the grotto of the Nativity. It was first erected by Empress Helena in 323, destroyed during a revolt in 529 and subsequently rebuilt by the Emperor Justinian. The building we is a remarkable place in that it has avoided destruction since that time.

We were able to spend time in prayer here before returning to the hotel – and the noisy bustle of the final day of the Muslim feast of the Hajj. On the way back I discovered that the Muslims in Israel are Sunni, not Shi’ite, which explains why they are less ‘fundamentalist’ than their Shi’ite counterparts. Certainly it’s more relaxing here than in West Jerusalem and more welcoming – maybe another example of the way in which living in ghetto’s and formed by a religion that is very exclusive affects the way in which one deals with strangers.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

PILGRIMS PROGRESS (5)

SUNDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER


Early visit to the Holy Sepulchre with Phyllis, Ken, Kaye and Cathy. Time with the Ethiopians, Greeks (beware the man with the fez and silver stick) and Franciscans and then Mass at S. George’s Cathedral. The readings couldn’t have been more appropriate and the sermon addressed the issue of persecution of Christians in Iraq in a way that pointed out the positive influence of this small community in the Middle East.

Lunch was at the Jerusalem Hotel and then on to the Jeel al-Amal Boys Home in Bethany. Here, as in many other places, Christians and Muslims work together for the benefit of others and the group were introduced to the plight of Palestinians in a way that they will continue to experience first-hand. Afterwards we were able to visit the Church of Mary, Martha and Lazarus before coffee in the ‘real’ arab tent – diwans et al.

Tonight’s processing of the day after dinner led to some difficult discussions. I should have explained more about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre before we made our first visit but the difficulty of encountering the crowds of such a wide variety of different cultural expressions of faith cannot be understood without experiencing it. I was also grateful to Basaam for pointing out that this is a pilgrimage, not a tour, as well as his comments that the Temple buildings are not important to Christians as we have Christ as the true Temple.

Finally I reflected on the contrast between society here and back home. I was reminded of the lack of violence, drunkenness etc. in the streets and the way in which (by and large) people respect each others, not least visitors like us.

PILGRIMS PROGRESS (4)

SATURDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER – In Jerusalem



Another glorious morning with the sun shining down and some high cloud but little sign of autumn. We left at 8am and travelled to the Mount of Olives where we began the Palm Sunday journey, first descending into the Kidron Valley by way of the churches of the (French Carmelite) Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit and All Nations. The environs of this church include the Garden of Gethsemane and, although it was very full, it was strangely possible to find – at the enclosed rock of the Agony, a space to pray and for a few moments it seemed as if one was alone in spite of the hundreds of people around.

Basaam guides very well and gave a very full description of the history of this city from a vantage point in a Jewish cemetery overlooking the eastern side of the city. From here we continued down (visiting Dominus Flevit and All Nations as we descended) into the Kidron Valley where we passed the Tomb of the Virgin. The Orthodox tradition is that it was here that the Virgin Mary died and was taken by angels into heaven (a belief shared by Muslims who, when the Caliph Hakim was destroying churches in 1091 spared this place because of their veneration for this site.

We began our climb into the city passing through S. Stephen’s Gate (known as the Gate of Miriam by Muslims) and stopping at S. Anne’s Church (whose acoustics are world famous and where we sang the Salve Regina) and the Pool of Bethesda. In the church we visited the Grotto of the Virgin, where we prayed, then onto the Chapel of the Flagellation where Basaam talked about the city using the model displayed there. After that it was onto lunch at the Convent of the Sisters of Sion (Ecce Homo) and Mass in their wonderful chapel with the dramatic arch - part of the Antonia Fortress – enclosing the sanctuary. We sang again and found the acoustics were almost as good as in S. Anne. After Mass we returned to the Chapel of the Flagellation as the actual First Station is n the Islamic school opposite. Basaam explained that to avoid being pestered by shopkeepers we should pray as we went so we prayed the Jesus Prayer throughout right up to Calvary. I think this may have been the first time some of us had prayed in such a public way but no one took any notice of us and did, indeed, respect our devotion.

Holy Sepulchre was not as crowded as I had expected and we were able to venerate Calvary although there were long queue’s to enter the Holy Sepulchre so I suggested we make our veneration using the chapel of the Copts at the rear as it provides an access point to the marble of the Tomb inside the Sepulchre.

I realise that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a shock for many pilgrims as it doesn’t quite conform to our English sense of decorum. At the time when we visited (app. 4pm) it was noisy, pushy, hot and sweaty with people from every nation jockeying for position. And if, for some, that meant pushing in – so be it. But, as Basaam pointed out, it is not the building that matters for, as Christ said, the true Temple of God was his body. So it matters not that the place seems chaotic (it is actually carefully organised to maintain the ‘Status Quo’ and prevent real chaos) what matters is that one is present where Christ died and rose again.

So, after our long Via Dolorosa we sat down for coffee and then wandered through he lanes of the Old City back to the Hotel where the evening was rounded off by the ‘Sultan’s Feast’ and those wonderful dancing boys!



FRIDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER - The Jordan Valley

Off again to a blinding sun at 8am and down the Jordan Valley taking in the ‘Baptism Site’ – created by the Israeli Govt. since they declared the actual site a military zone near the Allenby Bridge a prohibited zone. Then on down the barren valley stopping at the (Greek Orthodox) Monastery of S. Jeronimus (near the Allenby Bridge) and then on to the desert hilltop fortress of Masada. How the place had changed since I was here in 1998! The facilities for visitors now equal to its status as a World Heritage Site. Always, though, moving for its history as the final place of resistance by a Jewish garrison against the Romans. But was their suicide (recorded by the Roman convent Josepheus Flavius) ethical?

Then back to Jericho noting the water-mark of the Palestine Exploration Fund in 1911 (?), now many metres above the Dead Sea where we had lunch in a Palestinian restaurant. I ha d a sense that the difference between what was offered there and what we had experienced in the (Jewish) Galilee was beginning to be noted. After lunch we drove to see the Tree of Zaccheus, now enclosed in a building site paid for by the Russians as they develop a new church and museum (?), the Monastery of Quarantine and the ancient walls of Jericho, excavated by the redoubtable English archaeologist, Kathleen Kenyon.

Finally we drove down back to the Dead Sea so that people could bathe in its waters. And what a tale that was! I was moved by the way people who had a fear of water found they did not drown. A small but significant move.

All that happened as the sun set and after 45mins we set off for Jerusalem. The expectation built up about our arrival was dashed by the reality of living in Arab East Jerusalem. Dirty, noisy and crammed with people (hwy isn’t it as pleasant as the Galilee run by the Israeli’s?). So we disembarked in the run-down East Jerusalem Bus Station (ah, how many buses have I caught from there!). But the ‘Golden Walls Hotel’ proved an oasis of beauty in the apparent squalor of the city. So après-dejuener enabled me to answer questions focussing on the situation here until we all retired to bed …

Saturday, January 30, 2010

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND led by Fr. John-Francis Friendship

PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY – 9th to 18th November 2010

Tuesday 9th November JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND
We depart Heathrow at 1430 hours arriving in Tel Aviv at 2105. Transfer on arrival to our hotel in the Galilee. Three night stay at the Ron Beach Hotel by the Sea of Galilee with visits to places associated with Jesus' early life and ministry.

Wednesday NAZARETH
We ascend Mount Tabor in t axis to visit the Basilica of the Transfiguration and enjoy magnificent views over the plain of Armageddon. We continue to Nazareth where we visit the Nazareth village (including reconstructions of 1st Century Galilean life) and have lunch at St. Margaret’s Guest House. We visit St Gabriel’s Church (Mary’s Well), the Synagogue Church and the Basilica of the Annunciation. We celebrate Mass in the Anglican Christ Church. We return to Tiberias visiting Cana, scene of Jesus first miracle, en route. Here we have opportunity to renew marriage and partnership vows in the Wedding Church.

Thursday THE LAKESIDE MINISTRY
Today we visit the sites associated with Jesus' life around the Sea of Galilee. We drive to the north of the lake and visit the ruins of Capernaum, Jesus’ Galilean base. We continue to Mensa Christi (where Jesus appeared to his disciples after His resurrection) and celebrate Mass on the shores of the lake at Tabgha beside the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. Lunch is at the Convent of the Beatitudes. We visit the church and garden which commemorate the Sermon on the Mount. After lunch, we walk down to the lake and sail back across the Sea of Galilee to the hotel, returning by mid-afternoon to allow time to relax and swim.

Friday JORDAN VALLEY, JERICHO and MASADA
We leave Tiberias and drive down the Jordan Valley to Jericho. En route we also visit Herod ' s desert fortress of Masada, which we ascend by cable car. We have an opportunity to float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea before lunch in the Kibbutz Ein Gedi. We then continue to Jerusalem. Six night stay at the Golden Walls Hotel close to the Old City and the Biblical sites we shall be visiting.

Saturday AN INTRODUCTION TO JERUSALEM
We drive to the Mount of Olives where we have a panoramic view of the walled city. As we look across the Kidron Valley we see the Golden Gate, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On the Mount of Olives we visit the Pater Noster Church, Dominus Flevit Chapel, and the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane. We enter the Old City and visit St Anne’s Church (Mass) and then have lunch in Ecce Homo. We spend the afternoon following the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa through the lanes of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Sunday MEET THE PEOPLE
Some may wish to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the early morning to experience and share in the variety of liturgy. We then have the opportunity to join with the local congregation, for example at St George’s Cathedral. We lunch at the Jerusalem Hotel. Afternoon choices include a visit to Bethany to see the Jeel al-Amal Boys Home and the Lazarus Girls Home in Bethany, both supported by the McCabe Educational Trust.

Monday BETHLEHEM
We cross into Palestinian territory to visit Bethlehem. We celebrate Mass in the Fields of the Shepherds and have time to shop in the olive wood co-operative. We have lunch at the Bethlehem Arab Rehabilitation Centre in Beit Jala. In the afternoon we see Manger Square and visit the Basilica and Grotto of the Nativity and St Jerome's Caves.

Tuesday FREE TIME IN JERUSALEM
We have a relaxed walking tour around the Old City area in the morning and the afternoon is free for leisure time. Opportunity to reflect on the pilgrimage, to spend time wandering in the bazaars or to revisit sites of special interest.

Wednesday WEST JERUSALEM and EIN KAREM
We begin our day at the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu on Mount Zion. We then drive out to West Jerusalem and celebrate Mass at the Crusader church of Abu Guosh (a possible site of Emmaus). We continue to the picturesque village of Ein Karem where we lunch at the Sisters of Sion convent and spend time visiting the Church of John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation. We continue to the Israel Museum to visit the model of Ancient Jerusalem. We also see the Dead Sea scrolls (housed within the Shrine of the Book).

Thursday 18th November HOMEWARD BOUND
A relaxed start as we leave around lunch time for the airport. During the morning we celebrate a farewell Mass on the hotel roof terrace. Our return flight departs at 1715 hours arriving into London Heathrow Airport at 2045 hours.
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The cost of this tour is£1,345 sharing a twin-bedded room with private facilities.It is being organised by McCabe Travel.

We stay in two family owned and managed hotels. In Jerusalem, the three star Golden Walls Hotel overlooks the Old City walls and is walking distance of the Holy Sepulchre. In Tiberias, we stay at the four star Ron Beach Hotel in a wonderful situation right on the lakeside. The tour is on a full-board basis with buffet breakfast, lunch and table d'hôte evening meal included daily. Touring is in air-conditioned coaches and we will be accompanied by a local guide who will share leadership responsibilities and look after the formalities of hotel check-ins etc. All entrance fees are included. Flights are with EL AL Israel Airlines between London Heathrow Airport and Tel Aviv. All airport and security charges are included and a complimentary visa is issued on arrival in Israel.

We have included most expenses in the tour cost but some items are listed separately. The travel insurance premium is £49. Everybody travelling should be insured but some may have annual or another suitable insurance. You should budget for an amount of £40 per person for a group gratuity fund which we will disburse

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please contact the tour leader, Fr. John-Francis Friendship, The Rectory, 119 London Road, Romford, RM7 9QD Tel: (01708) 741256 Email: francis.jon@btopenworld.com