Holy Land Pilgrimage

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Sept. 18, 2023 | Message from The Society for Biblical Studies

A Message from the Society for Biblical Studies regarding the Holy Land Pilgrimage 2024

Beloved in Christ,

We are in deep prayer for peace in the places where violence threatens God's beautiful creation in all parts of the world. And, in particular, we are watching carefully the unfolding war in the Middle East, as it has implications for our planned pilgrimage to the Holy Land in early 2024. Registrations for this pilgrimage are due by the end of this month. We are working closely with the Society for Biblical Studies, our tour operator, to determine whether we will continue with the plans as sheduled. We share this message from the executive director for your own discernment:

The events in Israel-Palestine over the past few days are astonishing, deeply troubling and exceptionally tragic, all the more so, because all this violence could have been avoided. I am sure you share my care and concern for the people of Israel and Palestine. These events raise additional concerns for you and I, because now we have to consider what becomes of our journey to the Holy Land departing 29 January 2024.

Many of our travelers enroll in their journeys because their faith motivates them to come and walk where Jesus waIked. While it may seem like there is no thrill greater than doing so, my experience is that walking where Jesus is walking right this minute, with us in these days is an even greater one. You will walk where Jesus walked. More importantly, you will walk where Jesus is walking right now. The journeys that The Society for Biblical Studies specializes in are now more relevant than ever and your journey would be even more meaningful, inspiring and helpful to others. Regardless of the circumstances, when you travel with us we are on a journey of walking where the risen Jesus is walking today. You will walk how Jesus walked. Right now our Christ is with those who are afraid, who are hurting, who are confused, who despair and are cut off and forgotten. Walking with Jesus is more than a memory. Our gospel of reconciling love is more of an imperative now than at any other time.

It should go without saying, but I want to remind you now anyway that The Society for Biblical Studies never exposes any traveler to heightened risk. The safety of our travelers is our paramount concern. We are dedicated to biblical learning, to the spiritual enrichment of all our travelers and to the application of the biblical faith in mission.

SBS has operated under a wide range of circumstances for 26 years during which there have been several events similar to the current ones. Not only have our travelers never been exposed to physical danger, we avoid anxiety as well. I, personally, have lived and worked in Israel and Palestine for 30 years in my current capacity and as the United Methodist Liaison in Jerusalem. I have welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims to the Holy Land. I know the land. I hope I can reassure you that I know the people too.

If the journey were scheduled to depart today or in the next few days, we would not be able to accomplish these objectives and discharge our obligations to you to deliver the program, as it is defined in the syllabus, and the journey would be cancelled. However, as of now, the journey is on schedule.

In addition to our natural concern for our friends, colleagues and co-workers in Israel-Palestine, we (SBS) also have to assess the current circumstances. January is a long way off. SBS has the advantage of a very deep and broad range of contacts in Israel and Palestine that help us assess circumstances. We are always and especially now, keeping our fingers on the pulse, so to speak. A lot will change over the next few days not to mention the next 110 days, so for now there are a lot of unknowns and variables. SBS continues to monitor things daily. I am currently in Rome, Italy anticipating the arrival of our next biblical journey. On 29 October I will travel to Israel to gain first hand information, not only to help asses the viability of this journey but of others as well. Experience matters.

In light of all this, rather than try to enumerate the many and various scenarios that might play out and answer questions that you might not even have, I invite you to reply to me with your specific questions. Please ask whatever questions you have by replying to this email. I appreciate your direct communication. I will be in consultation with Bishop Easterling closely as the days unfold.