holy land tour march 2024

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Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

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Holy Land Tours & Trips

Visit the Holy Land with an expert tour guide and experience some of the most important locations in the history of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam for yourself. The tour companies we work with will escort you to everything from the Mount of Olives in Israel to Wadi Rum in Jordan. The most popular month to visit is October.

65 Holy Land tour packages with 1,299 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Premium Jordan

I had the BEST time on this tour with Osama and a great small group! Unforgettable stories, interesting history and context shared!

• In-depth Cultural

Highlights of the Holy Land Best Experience - 8 Days

Great tour. Knowledge guides - Destizna was excellent. We also saw a great variety of things. The pace was intense; adding another day to the tour with the same amount of sites would’ve been better. The hotels were below expectations except for the kibbutz (we even paid extra for 4*). Overall the tour was very good though & I would recommend.

• Sightseeing

Heritage of the Holyland Tour - 8 days

We were able to complete most sights listed on the tour. We missed the Sea of Galilee experience. We were not able to sail on it. The only vendor there was presenting itself as a party boat and the guide made the personal decision not to let us sail. We also missed the Yad Vashem, and a couple of other lesser-known sites. I feel it is really important to do the whole program as listed. I feel the guide executed too much personal judgment here regarding the length of time spent and the selection of sites. It would be better to trim the itinerary sold. The hotels provided everything needed and the food was fine. This tour was operated by CTO.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Cannot arrange for this type of trip on my own. I am glad we joined the tour and saw and experienced so many different places. For this is a great value. Hope folks will not take following two points as criticism but opportunity to improve .... 1) We spent 8 hrs to reach Cairo and early next morning has another 3 hr drive to reach Alexandria ... does not make sense. There are few other places where trip planner can do a better job of time management. 2) Felucca had only about 35 - 40 inch of clearance. It took few days for my back to recover ... This may be more for me but I had difficult time crossing Egypt ... I was suspected to be somebody else whose first name was spelled differently and had different last name. Either folks in that crossing were grossly incompetent or they did not Americans ... If I had known all these issues I will still take the trip. We had good time ... very good trip guides and we lucked out with excellent bunch of folks in our group.

Totally Jordan - 8 Days

I had high expectations of Jordan but this trip still managed to beat them. Petra was staggering and the night camping in Wadi Rum was great. I would strongly recommend booking this tour instead of the shorter one, as the free day at the Dead Sea is very welcome after a busy tour! All of the hotels were of a high standard, with good Wi-Fi and delicious meals. Our guide Mohamed was attentive and interesting, he made several stops that weren't on the itinerary, for example to see a historic Ottoman train in Wadi Rum. Jordanian people are so friendly and welcoming, and despite the situation in Israel I felt completely safe and looked after for the entire trip. I cannot wait to return.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Israel and Jordan - 11 Days

All 5 star except tour guide Naomi was atheist, and didn't mind holes in my faith...IN ISRAEL!!!

Heritage of the Holy Land

Itinerary excellent, Orna our guide was outstanding, My only criticism was the hotel location in Jerusalem- it was just too far out of the city to be able to walk to the sites - my recommendation would be to use one closer to facilities!

Passage to Petra - 6 days

Great tour of Jordan!

• River Cruise

Experience Egypt & Jordan – 5* Cruise

Well organized, great guides, good hotels and wonderful food! Nile cruise was very good as well. I do have a recommendation: to schedule the visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple in such a way that will have more time allocated. We had little time at Karnak and ended up visiting Luxor at night. As much as the experience at night is interesting, we were not able to see much. Also to add one more day in Jordan. Jerash would have been a great place to visit. Thank you!

Egypt & Jordan Jewel with Nile Boat Cruise

It was one the best trips I have been on. Peter was our guide for Egypt and he was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I had a really good time and would recommend this trip to see some spectacular sites.

Holy Land Discovery - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

Guide and driver great, place great, food decent enough. Well organised. Downsides - needed more time in Jerusalem and some of the accommodation was not good - very cold and staff rude.

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Dead Sea 4-Day Excursion

The tour was amazing! Masada sunrise - Ein Gedi - the Dead Sea - a wonderful mix of mountain hiking (not easy, but such a satisfaction from a successful ascent!), walking in the park and then relaxing in the Dead Sea. Jerusalem - history and modernity - it was interesting to see two sides of this city. And a cherry on the cake - a Tel Aviv bike tour - it was fantastic! Architecture, parks, history and especially the promenade - I enjoyed it so much! And also a complete delight from the hostel! There is a lovely lounge where a lot of events, nice bar and rooftop for guests to relax. Stunning atmosphere! The staff is friendly and professional - any help at any time. Thank you all, guys, you are amazing!

• Coach / Bus

Holy Land Discovery with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

The tour was excellent in scope. Our Tour Guide Samir is the best I have ever had!!!! In retrospect and talking with fellow tour members I would have done thing differently if I had direct contact with either Tourradar and Cosmos. I.e plane arrangemets and trip modifications. Mike Steven

Israel the Holy Land

There is so much to see and absorb that some days were just too jam-packed. In particular, the Jerusalem day started out on the Mount of Olives and by the end of the day, everyone was completely exhausted and suffering from information overload. It was all relevant and interesting but simply too much for one day.

Timeless Egypt & Jordan

I fell in love with Egypt not only because the country is beautiful but the people are also nice. Especially, having the best and amazing tour guide and that is King Mena. Mena is the best tour guide and very knowledgeable and also you will feel very comfortable during the trip and he will give you so much tips like dos and donts during the trip. You are lucky if you got him. Nabil is also nice as a tourguide but we only have him for 2 days but he is also good. Overall, the trip was amazing and i feel like we have covered everything and there is no rush during every attractions we went. Mena given us enough time to take pictures to every attractions and he take us to every good food places which is so amazing!! But the only downpart is in Hurgadha hotel the drinks was not i was expecting too. But overall all hotels are amazing just dont expect too much and be adaptable to the country. I will come back again with my other toronto friends next year and hoping we get Mena again as our tour guide!!!! Hopefully!!

What people love about Holy Land Tours

Mo was an excellent tour leader in that he has such passion and enthusiasm about Jordan. I learnt so much about the history and culture and so enjoyed all of the activities. Mo went over and beyond to ensure my dietary needs were met as I have coeliac disease which was much appreciated. Highly recommend this tour.

We had the most amazing guide Leah Dor and the best driver Hassan they both was so lovely, accomodating and went out their way to be so helpful and gave us some extra nice suprises throughout the tour. Everything was a good pace, never rushed and saw so much place and Leah was an expert with knowledge. Transfer drivers was on time when arrived plus to leave. Reliable company and organised well. Only thing, if you want to visit where Jesus was born inside the church, there is a big que and it is not part of this tour as this is just the highlights, they visit the church but not to que for certain things like that which many was not aware of so read the intinary clearly

I loved the Heritage of the Holy Land tour. Our tour guide Leah was very knowledgeable and informative. Our bus driver Hassam was very good about navigating the narrow streets with a tour bus. We all became like family by the end of the week.

Holy Land Tours starting in:

• Tel Aviv (19)
• Fully Guided (57)
• In-depth Cultural (57)
• Family (40)
• Explorer (28)
• Personalized (12)
• Coach / Bus (8)
• Partially Guided (8)
• River Cruise (5)
• Small Group (9)
• 7 Day Tours (4)
• 10 Day Tours (20)
• 2 Week Tours (7)
• 3 Week Tours (11)
• Spring 2024 (27)
• Summer 2024 (32)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (39)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (38)
• Spring 2025 (18)
• Summer 2025 (13)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (14)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (9)
• March 2024 (9)
• April 2024 (23)
• May 2024 (27)
• June 2024 (27)
• July 2024 (27)
• August 2024 (30)
• September 2024 (35)
• October 2024 (38)
• November 2024 (37)
• December 2024 (36)
• January 2025 (28)
• February 2025 (28)
• March 2025 (18)
• April 2025 (17)
• May 2025 (13)
• June 2025 (12)
• July 2025 (10)
• August 2025 (12)
• September 2025 (13)
• October 2025 (13)

Travel Styles

• Luxury (10)
• Singles and Solo (29)
• For Couples (18)
• Seniors (26)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Israel Heiliges Land Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Terre sainte
• Español: Circuitos por Tierra Santa
• Nederlands: Heilig Land Rondreizen

• Foodies Tours for Catholic Pilgrims

Holy Land Pilgrimages & Israel Tours 2024

• Italy & Rome Pilgrimage 2024 or 2025
• Europe Pilgrimage
• Marian Pilgrimages to Marian Shrines 2024
• Fatima Pilgrimage 2024
• Greece Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul
• France Pilgrimages 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimages 2024
• Mexico Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Pilgrimages to Spain
• Pilgrimage to Poland – Divine Mercy Pilgrimage 2024
• Asia Pilgrimage Tours

Holy Land Pilgrimage 2024 with Bethlehem Stay

Holy land pilgrimage with jordan and petra tour – 12 day, holy land & jerusalem pilgrimage tour, holy land pilgrimages to israel featuring foodies tours.

• Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico City Food Tour
• Peru Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
• Fatima Portugal Pilgrimage – Food, Faith & Wine Tour of Spain and Portugal
• Spain Food & Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Madrid, Pamplona, Barcelona, Avila
• Italy Food and Wine Tour – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence
• Greece Food Faith & Wine Pilgrimage Tour with 3 Day Greek Isle Cruise
• New Orleans Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Spirits, Saints, and Shrines
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Tour
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2024 & Rome Pilgrimage Tour
• Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024
• Fatima Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024
• Fatima Lourdes Rome Pilgrimage 2024
• Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Poland
• Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy 2024
• Pilgrimage to Greece in the Footsteps of Paul Tour 2024
• France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France
• St Ignatius Pilgrimage visiting Ignatian Pilgrimage Sites 2024
• Holy Name Pilgrimage to Italy 2024
• Vietnam Pilgrimage to Our Lady of LaVang
• Catholic Cruises
• Pasta & Prayer Pilgrimage – Fr. Conover April 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage with optional extension to Lourdes May 2024
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage for Sacred Heart with Fr. Joseph June 2024
• Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Dubrovnik, and Cologne Germany July 2024
• Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni, Assisi and Bagnoregio with Fr. Leon Oct 2024
• Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr. Brutus October 2024
• Pilgrimage to Medjugorje with Fr. Paul Yi & Terry Bellon 2024
• Holy Land and Jordan with Petra Fr. David Ducote November 2024
• Italy Pilgrimage Fr. Palermo November 2024 St. Francis Xavier Church
• Holy Land and Petra Pilgrimage with Fr. Leon January 2025
• Holy Land, Petra Pilgrimage Fr. Binoy April 2025
• Divine Mercy Poland Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Holy Land & Jerusalem Pilgrimage Tour Hotel Accommodations
• Holy Land with Bethlehem Stay Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Land and Jordan with Petra Pilgrimage Hotels
• Fatima Lourdes Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Footsteps of St. Paul Hotel and Accomodations in Greece
• Guadalupe Pilgrimage Hotels
• Great Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage Hotels
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage Tour Hotels and Accommodations with Marija
• Mexico Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Hotels for Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tours in Spain and Portugal
• Peru Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Vietnam Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Land Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Fatima Lourdes Rome Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Name Pilgrimage to Italy Hotels
• Travel Checklist for Pilgrimage Tours
• Plan Your Own Pilgrimage Group & Travel Free!
• Hot Deals for Pilgrimage Tours – on Sale
• Airports we serve — add on fares for a few airports
• Travel Insurance Information
• Walking – Easy
• Walking – Moderate
• Walking – Moderate+ to Considerable
• Walking – Strenuous
• Our Lady of Lourdes Story, Apparitions, Pilgrimage Facts
• Divine Mercy Shrine Poland – St Faustina & JP II
• Medjugorje story – 5 Stones, Fr. Jozo, Apparitions
• Why Are Pilgrimages Important?
• Gift Certificates for Tours and Pilgrimages
• Terms and Conditions for Participation
• The Importance of a Holy Land Pilgrimage

Holy Land Tours 2024 – Pilgrimage Tours to Israel – Israel Pilgrimage

Catholic Holy Land pilgrimages, Holy Land tours, and Pilgrimages to Israel in 2024 or 2025.  Starting at $2,595 for land only.  Only $3,595 with airfare.  We offer 4 different Catholic Holy Land Pilgrimages to Israel.

Our traditional Holy Land pilgrimage tour is the Holy Land and Jerusalem Pilgrimage which stays overnight in Jerusalem.  We have offered this Catholic pilgrimage for over 20 years and is a tried and true Holy Land Pilgrimage with 4-star hotels.

The Holy Land Pilgrimage with Jordan and Petra Tour stays overnight in Bethlehem instead of Jerusalem and also has a fantastic visit to Petra in Jordan.  We have great prices on this Holy Land tour for 2024 starting at $3,195 for land only with 4-star hotels.

Our newest Holy Land Pilgrimage Tour stays overnight in Bethlehem.  This is our lowest-priced Holy Land Pilgrimage starting at $2,595 for land-only and features 4-star hotels.

Catholic Foodies will be tempted by our Holy Land Pilgrimages to Israel featuring Foodies Tours.  This premium pilgrimage to Israel and the  Holy Land focuses on Food and Faith to feed the body and soul in the Holy Land.  For this Catholic pilgrimage, we stay at the very best hotels.

All of our Holy Land Tours 2024 are excellent and are suitable Holy Land Tours for Seniors.  We offer Holy Land Tours from Canada for each pilgrimage.  Join us on any of our pilgrimage tours to Israel.

We have over 20 years of experience in pilgrimage tours to the Holy Land and Israel.

Holy Land Pilgrimage 2024 – Holy Land Tours 2024 – Israel Pilgrimages

Why Book With Catholic Journeys?

• 20+ years experience
• Excellent customer care —- Simply chat or call Marcelle at 800-715-6670
• Easy online booking 24/7/365
• Catholic guides – not merely Christian or no mention
• Unique Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tours to Mexico, Peru, Holy Land, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and New Orleans
• Inspiring Pilgrimage Tours with a Catholic Priest Chaplain and daily mass
• Travel Insurance Available from one of the Best Rated Companies
• Low everyday prices & price match
• No group contracts!  We trust you and you can trust us.
• The only pilgrimage tour company 100% Catholic owned and operated with a priest on staff.

Marcelle — call 800-715-6670 or chat!

Got a Question?

Do not hesitage to give us a call. Ask for Marcelle from 9 am to 3pm CST.

1.800.715.6670

[email protected]

General Information

Journey to the holy land 2024 - february 25 - march 8, 2024, what’s included.

• HOTELS: 11 nights of accommodations based on double occupancy
• MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily, 6 lunches and daily water bottles on bus
• SIGHTSEEING: 10 days of sightseeing in deluxe air-conditioned coach and services of a licensed tour guide. A “whisper” headset is also provided for each person
• ENTRANCE FEES: All entrance fees included for 10 full days of sightseeing in Israel
• ALL TIPS, TAXES & PORTERAGE (one suitcase per person)
• SERVICE CHARGES AND GOVERNMENT TAXES in effect as of tour date
• MEETING ASSISTANCE AND TRANSFERS on arrival and departure (if arriving and\or departing with the group)
• AIRFARE: Round-trip Houston to Tel Aviv

What’s Not Included

• 5 lunches and other personal expenses incurred while traveling
• Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances. Insurance must be purchased within 14 days of registration to cover any pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit www.preludetours.com for more information on travel insurance.

Payments and Conditions

Cost of Tour – $5,395 per person (based on double occupancy)

• Single Supplement (Private Room) – $1,300
• Land only (you purchase your own airfare) – $4,295
• Cost of the tour is guaranteed through December 31, 2023. Registrations received after this date may be subject to an increase in price due to airfare.

Payment Terms

• $395 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration
• $2,500 due Tuesday, September 5, 2023
• $2,500 due Friday, December 8, 2023

Payment Methods

• Check Payable to Prelude Tours and mailed to: 20011 Hill Grove Court Porter TX 77365
• Credit card – payments made by credit card will be assessed a 3% convenience fee.
• Click www.preludetours.com to make credit card payments

Cancellation Policy

• Prior to September 5, 2023 – $395 deposit
• After September 5 and prior to December 8, 2023 – $2,895
• After December 8, 2023 – no refunds

Additional Information

• Activity level of tour –Level 3: This tour is an active tour with walking, standing for longer periods of time on sometimes uneven ground or terrain and climbing steps. There will be some longer days and earlier mornings balanced with free time to enjoy your own interests. Guest should be able to walk 8,000 – 10,000 steps per day and manage their own luggage as needed
• Passports must be valid for 6 months AFTER the date of return to the United States – (September 24, 2024)
• There will be no refund for unconsumed hotel meals or unused entrance fees
• The itinerary as listed is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Prelude Tours

P.O. Box 118696 Carrollton, TX 75011 [email protected]

Prelude Tours

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Hope For Our Times | Israel Tour | 2024 March

Embark with us on an enlightening journey to Israel, immersing yourself in a transformative experience designed to deepen your understanding of God’s Word. Our bespoke Holy Land tour promises exceptional comfort, culinary delights, and unparalleled access to significant sites. Click “read more” to explore the full list of what this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity entails and secure your spot online today.

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Holy Land Tours and Holidays 2024/2025

Take a trip through time to Jordan's Holy Land, a country brimming with religious heritage from all eras of human history. Centered on Christianity, the tour of the Holy Land will renew your soul while satisfying your spiritual aspirations. From Amman to Madaba and Jerash, traverse through the world's holiest locations, where the roots of ...

• Jordan Travel Guide

20 Trips in Holy Land

• Starts Amman, Jordan
• Ends Amman, Jordan

Seven Day Private Tour of Jordan

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Desert safaris , Deserts and canyons & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='31293'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Tent & Camping
• Transport Jeep
• Age Range 12-82 yrs
• Operated in English
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Eight-Day Jordan Tour

• Best price guaranteed
• Activities Desert safaris & Deserts and canyons Desert safaris , Deserts and canyons & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='25171'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Camping
• Transport Private Vehicle & Jeep
• Age Range 1-79 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,270
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 191
• Total Price from: US$ 1,079

Five-Day Short & Sweet Jordan Tour

• Activities Desert safaris & Cultural, religious and historic sites Desert safaris , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Deserts and canyons 'data-more-tripid='24726'>+2 more
• Age Range 1-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,540
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 231
• Total Price from: US$ 1,309

Follow the Footsteps of Jesus in Jordan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Operated in Brazilian, English, Italian, Russian, Spanish

• Ends Madaba, Jordan

One Week in Jordan

• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Adventure
• Accommodation Tent & Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 850
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 42
• Total Price from: US$ 808
• May 30 Only 9 seats left
• Jun 20 10+ seats left

Best of Jordan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Local culture
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Coach, 4WD Jeep & Minibus
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Apr 07 10+ seats left
• Apr 21 10+ seats left

A Week in Jordan

• Activities Road trips & Cultural, religious and historic sites Road trips , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & 4x4, quad and ATV trips 'data-more-tripid='17951'>+2 more

Ship Of The Desert: Camel Safari In Jordan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Desert safaris Cultural, religious and historic sites , Desert safaris & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='18728'>+1 more
• Transport Jeep & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 20-79 yrs
• Operated in Arabic, English

Private Tour of Jordan in Five Days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Trekking and Hiking Cultural, religious and historic sites , Trekking and Hiking , Desert safaris , Deserts and canyons , Walking tours , City sightseeing , Sightseeing Tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks 'data-more-tripid='40351'>+7 more
• Accommodation Camping, Hotel & Resort
• Transport 4WD Jeep & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-98 yrs
• Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish

• Starts Madaba, Jordan

Cycle Jordan

• Activities Bicycle tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing Bicycle tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Camping & Beach 'data-more-tripid='21664'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Tent & Luxury Hotel
• Transport Bus, 4WD Jeep & Boat
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• May 18 Only 9 seats left
• Sep 07 10+ seats left

Jordan on a Budget Tour

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , 4x4, quad and ATV trips & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='18307'>+2 more
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Apr 08 Only 10 seats left
• Apr 22 Only 8 seats left

Explore Jordan

• Activities Desert safaris & Cultural, religious and historic sites Desert safaris , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Camping & Beach 'data-more-tripid='3114'>+2 more
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,745
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 523
• Total Price from: US$ 1,222
• Apr 08 Only 9 seats left
• Apr 12 Only 8 seats left

Grand Jordan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='39207'>+1 more
• Apr 17 10+ seats left
• May 08 10+ seats left

• Starts Tel Aviv, Israel
• Ends Tel Aviv, Israel

Heritage Of The Holy Land And Jordan (multi Country)

• Activities Art and architecture
• Transport Jeep, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,452
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 518
• Total Price from: US$ 2,934
• Apr 18 10+ seats left
• May 09 10+ seats left

Traveling to Jordan? Chat with a local travel specialist in Jordan who can help organize your trip.

Holy Land — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Take a trip through time to Jordan's Holy Land, a country brimming with religious heritage from all eras of human history. Centered on Christianity, the tour of the Holy Land will renew your soul while satisfying your spiritual aspirations. From Amman to Madaba and Jerash, traverse through the world's holiest locations, where the roots of Christianity were first laid. Also, wander through magnificent theaters and archaeological sites in Petra, float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea on the lowest point on Earth, and join in for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to see the breath-taking views of the places where Moses and Jesus once guided their followers.

Tour Highlights

• Embark your Holy Land Tour from Amman, Jordan's capital, at the Baptism Site on the Jordan River, thought to be the biblical "Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan," where John baptized Jesus Christ. Explore a variety of churches and sites that date back to the Roman and Byzantine eras such as the Baptism Pools, John the Baptist's Church, and Mar Elias.
• Head to Madaba, where you can explore the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, renowned for its ancient Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land and other historical monuments.
• Continue to Mount Nebo, where the Lord first revealed to Moses the Promised Land. Enjoy some of the most stunning views of the Holy Land. This is also the place where Moses is thought to have been buried.
• Take the Kings' Highway to the south and visit Moses Springs, one of the two locations from where the prophet is claimed to have brought water by striking a rock.
• Capture the major highlights of Petra, including the ancient Hercules Temple, the Byzantine Church, the Umayyad Palace, as well as a 6000-seater amphitheater built during the Roman period. While there, also learn about the various faiths that the locals follow and go on a full-day excursion to the adjacent ancient Roman city of Jerash.

Travel Tips

• It may get very hot in the Holy Land, especially in the summer. Therefore, keep in mind to take sunscreen and light and airy clothes for the day. Make sure to carry enough water with you to stay hydrated as well.
• Always dress respectfully on your Holy Land tours or you might be denied access to temples and churches. Do not forget to carry a scarf or a shawl to cover your head when visiting holy sites.
• Be aware of pickpockets when visiting crowded areas. Carry your cash and cards in a well-secured money belt or in deep pockets where pickpockets cannot reach.
• As certain Holy Land tour packages might not provide lunch, have cash in local currency with you always in case you need to buy food or drinks.

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• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours

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• 8-days Holy Land Tours

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Prayer Link - Easter Tour of the Holy Land - March 26, 2024

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Easter 2024 in the Holy Land: a holiday marked by Palestinian Christian sorrow

Every year, Christians from across the world visit Jerusalem for Easter week, walking the Via Dolorosa , the path Jesus is said to have walked on the way to his crucifixion over 2,000 years ago. Easter is the holiest of days, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , the site where Jesus is believed to have died, is one of the most sacred sites for Christians.

But not all Christians have equal access to these sites. If you are a Christian Palestinian living in the city of Bethlehem or Ramallah hoping to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem, you have to request permission from Israeli authorities well before Christmas – without guarantee that it will be granted. Those were the rules even before Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel . The Israeli response to the Hamas attack has resulted in even more severe restrictions on freedom of movement for Palestinians in the West Bank.

The site where the Bible says Jesus was born, in Bethlehem, and the place he died, in Jerusalem, are only about six miles apart. Google Maps indicates the drive takes about 20 minutes but carries a warning: “ This route may cross country borders .” That is because Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, which is under Israeli military occupation, whereas Jerusalem is under direct Israeli control .

As a human rights scholar and Christian Palestinian who grew up in Bethlehem, I have many fond memories of Easter, which is a special time of gathering and celebration for Christian Palestinians. But I also saw firsthand how the military occupation has denied Palestinians basic human rights, including religious rights.

A season of celebration

Traditionally, Palestinian families and friends exchange visits, offering coffee, tea and a cookie stuffed with dates called “ maamoul ,” which is made only at Easter. A favorite tradition, especially for children, is taking a colorfully dyed hard-boiled egg in one hand and cracking it against an egg held by a friend. The breaking of the egg symbolizes the rise of Jesus from the tomb, the end of sorrow and the ultimate defeat of death itself and purification of human sins.

For Orthodox Christians, one of the most sacred rites of the year is the Holy Fire . On the day before Orthodox Easter, thousands of pilgrims and local Christian Palestinians of all denominations gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Greek and Armenian patriarchs enter the enclosure of the tomb in which Jesus was said to have been buried and pray inside. Those inside have reported that a blue light rises from the stone where Jesus lay, and forms into a flame. The patriarch lights candles from the flame, passing the fire from candle to candle among the thousands assembled in the church.

That same day, delegations representing Eastern Orthodox countries carry the flame in lanterns to their home countries via chartered planes to be presented in cathedrals in time for the Easter service. Palestinians also carry the flame using lanterns to homes and churches in the West Bank.

Deep roots in the Holy Land

Palestinian Christians trace their ancestry to the time of Jesus and Christianity’s founding in the region. Many churches and monasteries flourished in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns under Byzantine and Roman rule. Throughout this period and into the modern day, Christians, Muslims and Jews lived side by side in the region .

With the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, the majority of Christians gradually converted to Islam . However, the remaining Christian minority persisted in practicing their religion and traditions, including through the rule of the Ottoman empire, from 1516 to 1922, and to the present day.

The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians, over 80% of the population , which is referred to by Palestinians as the “ nakba,” or the catastrophe . Hundreds of thousands became refugees throughout the world, including many Christians.

Christians accounted for about 10% of the population in 1920 but constitute just 1% to 2.5% of Palestinians in the West Bank as of 2024, because of emigration . Christians in the West Bank belong to multiple denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholic and various Protestant denominations.

Thousands of Palestinians rely on the pilgrims and tourists who come to Bethlehem every year for their livelihoods. Two million people visit Bethlehem annually, and more than 20% of local workers are employed in tourism . Another important local industry is carved olive wood handicrafts. In 2004, the mayor of Beit Jala, which borders the city of Bethlehem, estimated 200 families in the area made their living from carving olive wood. Christians around the world have olive wood nativity sets or crosses carved by Palestinian artisans, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Impact of the occupation

The neighborhoods of the occupied West Bank have been fragmented by the building of over 145 illegal Israeli settlements. Both Christian and Muslim Palestinians face huge barriers to accessing holy sites in Jerusalem .

Bethlehem is encircled by several Jewish-only settlements, as well as the separation wall built in the 2000s, which snakes around and across the city. Across the West Bank, over 500 checkpoints and bypass roads designed to connect settlements have been built on Palestinian lands for the exclusive use of settlers. As of Jan. 1, 2023 , there were over half a million settlers in the West Bank and another 200,000 in East Jerusalem.

The highways and bypass roads cut through the middle of towns and separate families. It is a system that former President Jimmy Carter and numerous human rights groups have described as “ apartheid .” This system severely restricts freedom of movement and separates students from schools, patients from hospitals, farmers from their lands and worshipers from their churches or mosques.

Additionally, Palestinians have a different license plate color on their cars. They can’t use their vehicles to access private roads , which restricts their access to Jerusalem or Israel.

Going far beyond separate roads, Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to a separate legal system – a military judicial system – whereas Israeli settlers living in the West Bank have a civilian court system. This system allows indefinite detention of Palestinians without charge or trial based on secret evidence. All of these restrictions on freedom of movement disrupt the ability of Palestinians of all faiths to visit holy sites and gather for religious observances.

Prayers for peace

The barriers to celebrating Easter, especially this year, are not just physical but emotional and spiritual.

As of March 25, 2024, the number of Gazans killed in the war had surpassed 32,000 – 70% of them women and children , according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel has arrested 7,350 people in the West Bank , with over 9,000 currently in detention, up from 5,200 who were in Israeli prisons before Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel bombed the world’s third oldest church , St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, in Gaza in October 2023, killing 18 of the more than 400 people sheltering there.

Christian Palestinians in the West Bank suspended celebrations for Christmas in 2023 in hopes of bringing more attention to the death and suffering in Gaza. But the situation has only worsened. An estimated 1.7 million Gazans – over 75% of the population – had been displaced as of March 2024, half of them on the verge of famine .

Many Palestinians have long turned to their faith to endure the occupation and have found solace in prayer . That faith has allowed many to hold on to the hope that the occupation will end and the Holy Land will be the place of peace and coexistence that it once was. Perhaps that is when, for many, Easter celebrations will be truly joyful again.

This article is republished from The Conversation , a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Roni Abusaad , San José State University

Extinguishing lights and a great big bang: the ancient sights and sounds of the pre-Easter tenebrae service

Ramadan will be difficult for those in Gaza or other war zones – what does fasting mean for those who might be already starving?

The Nakba at 75 – Palestinians’ struggle to get recognition for their ‘catastrophe’

Roni Abusaad, PhD does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Holy Land priest recommends 4 ways to live a worthwhile Holy Week

By Walter Sánchez Silva

ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 27, 2024 / 09:00 am

Father Juan María Solana, LC, director of the Magdala Center in the Holy Land, has made four recommendations for living a worthwhile Holy Week in 2024.

1. Holy Week is an opportunity to receive grace.

Solana, a Mexican priest, shared with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, that “the first guidance I can give you is to think about how we have an opportunity, an opportunity to take advantage of a grace, as St. Augustine said, a grace that passes by and doesn’t come back.”

The priest highlighted the importance of keeping in mind during these days that “Jesus is going to suffer in Jerusalem, to die, to give his life for us.”

2. Pray a lot during Holy Week.

Solana recommends praying a lot on these days and going to Holy Thursday Mass, which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. 

He also recommended having a special awareness on Good Friday at 3 p.m., the hour of the Lord’s death, to pray, for example, three Hail Marys and three Our Fathers along with some short prayers thanking Jesus, who at that moment “is giving his life for us on the cross.”

“Wherever we are, let us not lose sight of Jesus, who is going to Jerusalem and is going to offer his life for love of us. He is our salvation. He is our hope. He is our resurrection,” he added.

3. Accompany Jesus “in the Holy Land.”

The Legionary priest told ACI Prensa that “Holy Week is a small pilgrimage to the Holy Land, that is, it’s accompanying Jesus more or less in a chronological and geographical order in what pertains to his passion, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the first days of the week, in that sadness, in that anguish where he lives with his friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, and finally his passion ensues.”

After the Last Supper and “Jesus’ prayer and agony in Gethsemane, he suffers, he is taken to the Sanhedrin. In the morning he is brought before Pontius Pilate. He endures two trials, one religious and one civil. And finally they condemn him and he dies on the cross.” From place to place you can spiritually accompany the Lord, the priest said.

4. Accompany the Virgin Mary during the great silence.

On Holy Saturday, the priest continued, one must “accompany the Virgin a lot. “Be very close to the Virgin Mary because she is our hope.”

“She was faithful at the foot of the cross, suffering the unspeakable, so let us accompany the Virgin Mary in that silence, that great silence that some fathers of the Church tell us about,” he encouraged.

To conclude, the priest emphasized: “And on Sunday rise with Jesus: Christ, our hope, has risen. Christ, our peace, Christ our light, the one who gives us life. A life that will die no more.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Easter 2024 in the Holy Land: a holiday marked by Palestinian Christian sorrow

Lecturer, San José State University

Disclosure statement

Roni Abusaad, PhD does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Every year, Christians from across the world visit Jerusalem for Easter week, walking the Via Dolorosa , the path Jesus is said to have walked on the way to his crucifixion over 2,000 years ago. Easter is the holiest of days, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , the site where Jesus is believed to have died, is one of the most sacred sites for Christians.

But not all Christians have equal access to these sites. If you are a Christian Palestinian living in the city of Bethlehem or Ramallah hoping to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem, you have to request permission from Israeli authorities well before Christmas – without guarantee that it will be granted. Those were the rules even before Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel . The Israeli response to the Hamas attack has resulted in even more severe restrictions on freedom of movement for Palestinians in the West Bank.

The site where the Bible says Jesus was born, in Bethlehem, and the place he died, in Jerusalem, are only about six miles apart. Google Maps indicates the drive takes about 20 minutes but carries a warning: “ This route may cross country borders .” That is because Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, which is under Israeli military occupation, whereas Jerusalem is under direct Israeli control .

As a human rights scholar and Christian Palestinian who grew up in Bethlehem, I have many fond memories of Easter, which is a special time of gathering and celebration for Christian Palestinians. But I also saw firsthand how the military occupation has denied Palestinians basic human rights, including religious rights.

A season of celebration

Traditionally, Palestinian families and friends exchange visits, offering coffee, tea and a cookie stuffed with dates called “ maamoul ,” which is made only at Easter. A favorite tradition, especially for children, is taking a colorfully dyed hard-boiled egg in one hand and cracking it against an egg held by a friend. The breaking of the egg symbolizes the rise of Jesus from the tomb, the end of sorrow and the ultimate defeat of death itself and purification of human sins.

For Orthodox Christians, one of the most sacred rites of the year is the Holy Fire . On the day before Orthodox Easter, thousands of pilgrims and local Christian Palestinians of all denominations gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Greek and Armenian patriarchs enter the enclosure of the tomb in which Jesus was said to have been buried and pray inside. Those inside have reported that a blue light rises from the stone where Jesus lay, and forms into a flame. The patriarch lights candles from the flame, passing the fire from candle to candle among the thousands assembled in the church.

That same day, delegations representing Eastern Orthodox countries carry the flame in lanterns to their home countries via chartered planes to be presented in cathedrals in time for the Easter service. Palestinians also carry the flame using lanterns to homes and churches in the West Bank.

Deep roots in the Holy Land

Palestinian Christians trace their ancestry to the time of Jesus and Christianity’s founding in the region. Many churches and monasteries flourished in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns under Byzantine and Roman rule. Throughout this period and into the modern day, Christians, Muslims and Jews lived side by side in the region .

With the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, the majority of Christians gradually converted to Islam . However, the remaining Christian minority persisted in practicing their religion and traditions, including through the rule of the Ottoman empire, from 1516 to 1922, and to the present day.

The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians, over 80% of the population , which is referred to by Palestinians as the “ nakba,” or the catastrophe . Hundreds of thousands became refugees throughout the world, including many Christians.

Christians accounted for about 10% of the population in 1920 but constitute just 1% to 2.5% of Palestinians in the West Bank as of 2024, because of emigration . Christians in the West Bank belong to multiple denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholic and various Protestant denominations.

Thousands of Palestinians rely on the pilgrims and tourists who come to Bethlehem every year for their livelihoods. Two million people visit Bethlehem annually, and more than 20% of local workers are employed in tourism . Another important local industry is carved olive wood handicrafts. In 2004, the mayor of Beit Jala, which borders the city of Bethlehem, estimated 200 families in the area made their living from carving olive wood. Christians around the world have olive wood nativity sets or crosses carved by Palestinian artisans, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Impact of the occupation

The neighborhoods of the occupied West Bank have been fragmented by the building of over 145 illegal Israeli settlements. Both Christian and Muslim Palestinians face huge barriers to accessing holy sites in Jerusalem .

Bethlehem is encircled by several Jewish-only settlements, as well as the separation wall built in the 2000s, which snakes around and across the city. Across the West Bank, over 500 checkpoints and bypass roads designed to connect settlements have been built on Palestinian lands for the exclusive use of settlers. As of Jan. 1, 2023 , there were over half a million settlers in the West Bank and another 200,000 in East Jerusalem.

The highways and bypass roads cut through the middle of towns and separate families. It is a system that former President Jimmy Carter and numerous human rights groups have described as “ apartheid .” This system severely restricts freedom of movement and separates students from schools, patients from hospitals, farmers from their lands and worshipers from their churches or mosques.

Additionally, Palestinians have a different license plate color on their cars. They can’t use their vehicles to access private roads , which restricts their access to Jerusalem or Israel.

Going far beyond separate roads, Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to a separate legal system – a military judicial system – whereas Israeli settlers living in the West Bank have a civilian court system. This system allows indefinite detention of Palestinians without charge or trial based on secret evidence. All of these restrictions on freedom of movement disrupt the ability of Palestinians of all faiths to visit holy sites and gather for religious observances.

Prayers for peace

The barriers to celebrating Easter, especially this year, are not just physical but emotional and spiritual.

As of March 25, 2024, the number of Gazans killed in the war had surpassed 32,000 – 70% of them women and children , according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel has arrested 7,350 people in the West Bank , with over 9,000 currently in detention, up from 5,200 who were in Israeli prisons before Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel bombed the world’s third oldest church , St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, in Gaza in October 2023, killing 18 of the more than 400 people sheltering there.

Christian Palestinians in the West Bank suspended celebrations for Christmas in 2023 in hopes of bringing more attention to the death and suffering in Gaza. But the situation has only worsened. An estimated 1.7 million Gazans – over 75% of the population – had been displaced as of March 2024, half of them on the verge of famine .

Many Palestinians have long turned to their faith to endure the occupation and have found solace in prayer . That faith has allowed many to hold on to the hope that the occupation will end and the Holy Land will be the place of peace and coexistence that it once was. Perhaps that is when, for many, Easter celebrations will be truly joyful again.

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Easter 2024 in the Holy Land: a holiday marked by Palestinian Christian sorrow

Exclude from home page BNG staff  |  March 28, 2024

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