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Local destinations, themed holidays, about thompsons, why travel to israel.

Travel to Israel to discover a magnificent country on the Mediterranean Sea that is a place of pilgrimage for many religions, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. Many of its most sacred sights and tourist attractions are found in the golden city of Jersusalem , within its Old City. In the Temple Mount complex, you’ll find the iconic Dome of the Rock shrine, the historic Western (or Wailing) Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy  Sepulchre .    

In complete contrast, there’s the beach city of Tel Aviv, Israel’s modern financial  centre , with many shops, restaurants and markets. The country may be tiny, but it’s home to many exquisite landscapes, including lush hills and valleys, deserts and wadis. Whether you’re keen to discover history and religion on a Holy Land tour or wish to enjoy a variety of active pursuits that include desert oases and the Dead Sea, a  holiday   in  Israel will be a fulfilling and exciting experience.    

Why travel to Israel  

• Explore diverse and beautiful landscapes, including the Judean Desert, one of the smallest deserts in the world.   
• Laze on gorgeous beaches in Haifa.   
• See incredible Bauhaus architecture in Tel Aviv’s UNESCO-listed White City.   
• Jerusalem is the religious and historical epicentre of the world.   
• Israel is home to the largest freshwater lake on earth, the Sea of Galilee.   
• It’s also home to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, at -424 meters.   

There is nowhere quite like Israel, with its history, places of interest to so many different religions, diverse landscapes and immense beauty. The Middle Eastern magic it exudes offers a taste of Arab culture combined with so many other European cultures. Let Thompsons Holidays take you on a fantastic holiday adventure in the Holy Land in 2024.  

Things to do in Israel

Diverse and scenically beautiful, Israel is full of fascinating sights and activities to suit families, solo  travellers , groups of friends or couples on honeymoon. Whether you are on a pilgrimage to learn about your religion, exploring the history of the Holy Land, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean beaches, there is so much to do on a trip to Israel.  

Each part of Israel has its own special magic. The cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are worlds apart in character, but so close to each other – just 45 minutes by car. Jerusalem is a combination of ancient places in its Old City and modern gold-stoned buildings, while Tel Aviv boasts Bauhaus architecture and some of the country’s most modern sights. Down South is Eilat, a great base from which to explore Petra and Jordan . And let’s not forget the Dead Sea and Masada… Israel is brimming with adventures.   

Things to do in Israel  

• Go snorkelling in Eilat.   
• Float in the Dead Sea.   
• Pray at the iconic Western Wall.   
• Bargain for Arab wares in Jerusalem’s Old City.   
• Soak up the sun in Haifa.   
• Sail on the Sea of Galilee.   
• Dine out on incredible food in Tel Aviv.   
• Discover the beautifully restored Port of Jaffa.   
• Explore Jerusalem’s legendary Temple Mount.   
• Visit Bethlehem.   
• Enjoy a falafel from a street vendor.   
• Visit the ancient Roman cities of Caesaria and Acre.   

History and religion can be found around every corner in Israel, a constant reminder of the holiness of this beautiful land, and how ancient it is. And then there is its scenic beauty, which is quite extraordinary and unexpected for such a small country. Let Thompsons Holidays take you on an  incredible  adventure  holiday package  to Israel, to learn more about this feisty little country, and savour its distinctive personality.  

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

• The best time to visit Israel is in Spring (April  and  May) and Autumn (September  and  October).  
• Winters (late October to mid-March) are generally quite mild.   
• Summer s   are  hot and dry.

Getting there

• Flight duration from Johannesburg to Tel Aviv: 8 hours & 40 minutes.  
• There are not reasonably regular flights from South Africa to Israel.   

Do I need a visa?

• South African passport holders do  not  require a visa to enter Israel.   
• A tourist visa, valid for 90 days, is issued on arrival.   
• Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from Israel.  

What time is it?

• Israel is on the same time as South Africa.  

Money matter

• The official currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS).   
• Credit cards are widely accepted  and  ATMs are prevalent.  
• US Dollars are widely accepted, but the exchange rate is not good  
• Tipping is customary in Israel.  

Languages & phrases

• T he  official language is Hebrew. Arabic is also spoken.  
• English is widely spoken.  
• Judaism is the main religion in Israel.  
• When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).   

Health information

• It is safe to drink tap water in Israel except at the Dead Sea. Bottled water is readily available.   
• Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor work places as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.   
• Vaccinations are not currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.  

What must I pack?   

• Lightweight clothing in summer, warm  layerable  clothing for winter or beach wear, depending on where you are going.   
• Comfortable walking shoes.  
• Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.    
• Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.    
• Hand  sanitiser  and insect repellent.    
• Camera.    
• Travel adaptor.    

Getting around  

• Bus  tra vel   is quite popular in   Israel.   
• Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.    

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?    

• Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans .    
• Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.   
• Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.    

Safety tips   

• Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.   
• Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.  

What do I do in an emergency?   

• If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.   
• Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.  

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We’re sorry! The holiday you’re looking for is not in season. Luckily, we have loads of other exciting options. Take a look!

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Israel Tours from South Africa

Noah Tours Ltd. Tour Operator in Israel

Israel Tours from South Africa Explore Israel from South Africa with Noah Tours! Experience ancient cultures and civilizations. Visit World Heritage Sites like Jerusalem, Petra, the Dead Sea, and much more. Noah Tours offers Tour Packages from South Africa to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. More information can be found  here . 

The Best of Israel 8 Day Tour

8 Days & 7 Nights | Starting every Sunday |  The group is limited to 18 people only!! A tour in Israel for all faiths. It is opening a window over Israel's past and present history, its people and culture. Contact us for our latest offer!

The Best of Israel 9 Day Tour

9 Days & 8 Nights | Starting every Sunday   |  The group is limited to 18 people only!!   A tour in Israel for all faiths. Opening a window over Israel's past and present history, its people and culture. Contact us for our latest offer!

The Best of Israel with Underground Jerusalem 10 Day Tour

10 Days & 9 Nights | Starting every Sunday  | The group is limited to 18 people only!! A Jerusalem Focus tour in Israel for all faiths. Opening a window over Israel's past and present history, its people and culture with focus on Jerusalem and the famous Old City. Contact us for our latest offer!

Journey to Israel and Petra 9 Day Tour

9 Days & 8 Nights | Starting every Sunday Visit the highlights of Israel and continue to Magic Petra. One of the true highlights of any tour to the Middle East. Contact us for our latest offer!

Israel 11 Day Tour with Judean Desert

11 Days & 10 Nights | Starting every Sunday | The group is limited to 18 people only!! A Jerusalem Focus tour in Israel for all faiths.  Opening a window over Israel's past and present history, its people and culture with a focus on Jerusalem and the famous Old City and a Judean Desert Jeep Experience. Contact us for our latest offer!

The Wonders of Israel, Jordan and Egypt Tour 9 Day Tour

9 Days & 8 Nights | Starting on Sundays Experience a whirlwind tour of 3 countries in 9 days & 8 nights. The tour of a lifetime! Contact us for our latest offer!

Discover Israel and Jordan 11 Day Tour

11 Days & 10 Nights | Starting every Sunday In Israel explore the roots of Judeo-Christian Heritage and then tour the top-rated sights in Jordan including Petra. Contact us for our latest offers!

Ancient Israel, Jordan and Egypt 11 Day Tour

11 Days & 10 Nights | Starting every Sunday   Tour of the 3 historic countries in 11 days & 10 nights. The tour starts every Sunday year round! Contact us for our latest offer!

Israel, Jordan and Egypt - Lands of the Bible 12 Day Tour

12 Days & 11 Nights | Starting every Sunday   Tour of the 3 historic countries in 12 days & 11 nights. The tour starts every Sunday year round! Contact us for our latest offer!

Splendors of Israel and Jordan 13 Day Tour

13 Days & 12 Nights | Starting every Sunday    Explore Israel and Jordan on a two week tour. Contact us for our latest offer!

Legends of Israel and Egypt 15 Day Tour with the 5 Star Sonesta St George Nile Cruise

15 Days & 14 Nights | Starting every Sunday   Best of Israel and Egypt with the top rated sights in these two unique countries, with the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise. Contact us for our latest offer!

Adventures of Israel, Jordan and Egypt 17 Day Tour with the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise

17 Days & 16 Nights  |  Starting every Sunday   The ultimate tour to the historical sites and famous wonders of the area. The tour goes year round! Contact us for our latest offer!

Mysteries of Israel, Jordan and Egypt 20 Day Tour with the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise

20 Days & 19 Nights | Starting every Sunday   This Amazing 20 Days Israel Jordan & Egypt with with the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise Grand Tour will Become Your Once-In-A-Lifetime Tour!  Contact us for our latest offer!

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Israel Tours from South Africa - Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Karelaine tours, affordable tours can be arranged to the following countries, 6 day – 14 day tours can be arranged israel / egypt israel / egypt / petra israel / turkey turkey ( seven churches)-, new rules on entry to israel from visa-exempt countries.

Obtain now an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the State of Israel. A holder of an ETA-IL is permitted to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit.   Click Here

Scheduled Tours Israel 2024 / 2025

2024/2025 Planned

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These suggestions are only to simplify  your stay as we have experienced it in  the past.

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It is with great excitement that we announce more options for Tours to Israel and connecting countries.

8 DAYS IN 10 MINUTES

It's time to turn that dream of visiting the holy land into reality.

Join us at Karelaine Tours from South Africa to walk in the footsteps of kings and prophets and other Bible-lore legends, including, of course, Jesus and his Disciples…truly unforgettable! 

Why Karelaine Tours?  

We specialize in Christian and Evangelical tours to the Holy Land, with over two decades of expertise. We take care of EVERYTHING, including all accommodation, meals and transportation. We guarantee you a truly unique and emotional visit that will stay with you forever. We tailor our itineraries to each group’s unique and special interests. 

CHRISTIAN TOURS 2024

We are the leaders in quality Christian tours: specializing in escorted chaperoned tours all over the world and creating memorable holidays for our travelers. Well-organized, expertly planned tours with a high standard of excellence and attention to detail set us apart from other operators. The ministry, fellowship, memories, personal attention, teachings, and unique travel experiences ensure you will enjoy a life-changing tour and make new friends.

We are the leaders in quality Christian tours: specialising in escorted chaperoned tours all over the world and creating memorable holidays for our travellers. Well organised, expertly planned tours with a high standard of excellence and attention to detail set us apart from other operators. The ministry, fellowship, memories, personal attention, teachings and unique travel experiences ensure you will enjoy a life-changing tour and make new friends.

We believe that every Christian should visit the Eternal City and tour Jerusalem and Israel, trace the life of our Saviour, read the Old Testament in colour and explore the journeys of the Disciples around the world. With nearly two decades of experience, we have fine-tuned our programs to showcase the highlights of each country we take you to. Our guided tours in the Holy Land offer the best Christian tours to Israel , and our pilgrimage journeys to Biblical destinations such as Turkey & Greece , Egypt, and Jordan open the New Testament up. We also offer Christian cruises and holidays each year for the Christian traveller who wants to relax in safety, comfort and style. Join us today for a bucket-list holiday! In the meantime, watch some of our videos!

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We believe that every Christian should visit the Eternal City and tour Jerusalem and Israel, read the Old Testament in colour in Egypt and explore the journeys of the Disciples around the world in Turkey and Greece. With nearly two decades of experience, we have fine-tuned our programs to showcase the highlights of each country we take you to. For those who like the finer things, and want to relax on a trip, our Luxury Christian Tours fit the bill. Offering superior hotels and extra special experiences, JOY! Travel is the preferred choice for all travellers!

JOY! Travel is the premier Christian Travel company in South Africa , offering believers luxurious, affordable, holidays all around the world. We have been arranging and leading tours to Israel , Turkey & Greece , Europe and the Middle East for almost two decades, ensuring that our pilgrims come back with life-changing experiences and treasured memories.

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JOY! Travel is the premier Christian Travel company in South Africa, offering believers luxurious, affordable, holidays all around the world. We have been arranging and leading tours to Israel, Turkey & Greece, Europe and the Middle East for almost two decades, ensuring that our pilgrims come back with life-changing experiences and treasured memories.

Great news, the Holy Land is receiving tour groups again. Globally tours have resumed and we are pleased to say that JOY! Travel is travelling to Israel from May 2024.

We hope you can join us!

Click here for our 2024 tour departure dates to Israel.

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8 Day Israel Tour from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv

8 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

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An extraordinary first-hand encounter with familiar places and stories, this Best of Israel travel experience will bring centuries of history to life and reveal the proud traditions of the resilient Jewish people. You'll also visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and visit Manger Square.

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8 days itinerary trip from Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv visiting 1 country and 8 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Jerusalem with a Local Specialist

Visit the Fortress of Masada and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, Jesus Boat at the Sea of Galilee, the old Synagogue and the Mount of Beatitudes near Capernaum, the ancient Synagogue and artists' colony at Safed, the underground Crusader City of Acre and the Roman Amphitheatre at Caesarea

View the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem and the Baha'i Shrine from the summit of Mount Carmel in Haifa

Scenic Cruise boat ride on the Sea of Galilee

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Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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YOUR TOUR OPERATOR - YOLANDI 

Since 2007, Yolandi van der Wath has assisted adventurous South Africans on their travels and pilgrimages, to the places of the Bible.  Come experience this adventure with her!

UPCOMING TOURS & INFORMATION SESSIONS 2023

16 - 30 august 2024, camino portuguese route with yolandi van der wath, some of our memories.

Camino de Santiago

Bar Mitzvah

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Hiskia's Tunnel

Western Wall

TESTIMONIALS

Yolandi, die eerste besoek aan Israel was fantasties, maar tog baie oorweldigend. Die tweede keer in Israel het die legkaart vir my inmekaar begin pas en kan ek vir enige iemand wat kan, aanbeveel om Israel vir die tweede keer te besoek. My dank ook aan Willem Botha wat totaal onbaatsugtig sy kennis met soveel passie gedeel het. Julle is lieflike instrumente in God se Hand!

Ronel Botes

Beste Yolandi, Ek wil vir jou baie dankie sê vir jou wel georganiseerde toer, van die besprekings, sakkies, handleidings, skrif en selfs die "currency" kaartjie. Jy het dit voorwaar vir ons maklik gemaak. Dankie vir jou gasvryheid en jou diensbaarheid - niks is ooit vir jou te veel selfs al is jy gedaan - jou positiewe gesindheid, lag en sprankelende persoonlikheid het my aangeraak.

Dit was werklik 'n propvol toer, plus die bonus besoek plekke - waar ek vreeslik baie geleer het, 'n nuwe manier gekry het om na die Woord te kyk. Met tye was ek bewoë en uitgeslaan met "Chic Peas". Die "Chic Pea - aanvalle" het my sommer vroeg begin beet pak...

Yvette Papenfus

Ek is seker dat almal wat Israel besoek nie anders kan as om intens bewus te word van die ryke geskiedenis van die besonderse land nie. Die gevaar is egter  dat mens maar net n toeris raak en die heiligheid van die plek kan miskyk. Saam met Willem is dit egter onmoontlik om nie heeltyd intens bewus te wees dat jy op heilige plekke loop nie. Hy het n stil manier wat ongeforseerd jou saamneem na hoe dit moes gewees het in Jesus se tyd. Hy raak onbeskaamd bewoe wanneer hy n trappie klim waar Jesus se voete duisende jare terug moes geloop het. Ek het altyd die gevoel as ek by Willem is dat dit die naaste aan Jesus is wat ek al in n mens ervaar het. Die ervaring was egter slegs moontlik omdat die toer so goed gereel is. Yolandi en TIB Toere se uitstekende organisering maak dat niks jou aandag aftrek van die ervaring nie.

Rynette Munro (Bloubergstrand)

Om saam met Yolandi en Willem te toer is soos om elke dag te verjaar. Yolandi maak seker dat jy weet presies waar die partytjie is en dat alles perfek gereël is. Jy daag op en hoef nie 'n vinger te lig om alles te sien, beleef en te geniet nie. Dan kom Willem met die geskenk. Hy laat jou toe om stadig elke lagie papier af te trek en in afwagting te ontdek waar Jesus geloop het, hoe hulle geleef het en die ongelooflike voorreg dat ons vandag ook daar kan loop. Ek het met 'n groter verstaan van baie dele van die Bybel en 'n ongelooflike dankbaarheid teruggekom. Ek sal hierdie toergids en toerleier vir almal aanbeveel wat lief is vir die Here en 'n begeerte het om Israel te beleef, nie net te sien nie!

Marica Kruger (George)

Baie dankie vir ‘n puik georganiseerde toer Yolandi! Jy’s ‘n uiters hoë standaard gestel en gehandhaaf wat moeilik getroef gaan word. Om ‘n heterogene groep met soveel uiteenlopende idees en verwagtinge te lei en gelukkig te hou is geen grap nie!

Ds. Danie en Ursula Malan

Ek is tog so bly dat ek saam met Willem en Yolandi deur Israel kon toer. Dankie Yolandi – jy was rêrig so geduldig met ons!Baie dankie vir jou vriendelikheid en puik georganiseerde toer. Ek voel baie bevoorreg. Hoogtepunte was Masada, Lig en musiekvertoning in Jerusalem, Petra en Nazareth village.

Petro Linnekamp

A man’s only possession is his memory. In nothing else is he rich. In nothing else is he poor.” Ons vertrek van jul en Israel met ‘n krediet in ons hart se sak. ‘n Rente waarop ons lank sal kan leef. Yolandi, ek wens vir tyd saam langs ons Rivier Lea en vir jul die oopbars van ‘n ryp granaat. As jy na dié bakkie uit Israel kyk, mag dit jou ryk vul met die wete dat jy ook ‘n granaat vir ander is. Veilige reis.

Hennie & Anna-Marie (England)

‘n MOET –bestemming vir elke gelowige: Israel

Nie net het ons in Jesus se voetspore gevolg nie, maar ‘n reis na binne gevolg wat ons nader aan Jesus se hartklop gebring het! Tuis het die Woord nuwe betekenis gekry –plekke was nie net name of geografiese liggings nie/ geboue was nie net leë strukture nie. God se storie toe, het ons storie nou geword.

Wendy Stapelberg (Mpumalanga)

Tydens 2012 het ek die besonderse voorreg gehad om ‘n toer in Israel en Jordanië mee te maak met Yolandi van der Wath en Koos van der Merwe.  My skoonmoeder van 76 se hartswens was om die Bybelse land te sien en ons twee het hierdie ongelooflike reis met musiek en poësie aangepak.  Daar is eintlik nie woorde om die ervarings wat ons meegemaak het regtig gestand te doen nie.  Om in die voetspore van Jesus en sy dissipels te stap, om te sit op die berg waar Jesus gedeel het, om te reis op dieselfde see van Galilea waar Hy op die water geloop het en om uiteindelik Sy laaste tree deur die Via dela Rosa te stap, is iets wat my ewig sal bybly en dra deur moeilike tye.  Ek en skoonmoeder is beide in die Jordaan rivier gedoop en sal een van die top hoogtepunte van my lewe bly aangesien ek ook daar ‘n emosionele afskeid moes neem van iemand wat vir my baie lank baie na aan die hart was.  Die toer deur die Heilige land is ‘n sensoriese belewenis.  Yolandi en Koos het ons op so ‘n besonderse manier begelei deur die wonderskone natuur en besienswaardighede, blootgestel aan tipiese maaltye eie aan die land, die modder van die Dooie See laat voel, laat luister na die klanke van pragtige musiek toe ons Jerusalem binnery en die hartseer laat voel by die graf van Jesus.  Ek sal nooit die opwinding van ‘n reis agter op ‘n bakkie in die WadiRum woestyn, ‘n braaivlei in ‘n Bedoeine tent en die asemrowende skoonheid van Petra in Jordanie vergeet nie.  Ek sal hierdie toer vir enigeiemand op enige fase van hul lewensreis aanbeveel.

Melanie van Rooy (Honeydew)

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Exodus tours is a guided and customized by professional guides with theologically sound biblical views and doctrine. jerusalem is the holiest city in the world and especially to christians because it was holy to jesus., virtual tour.

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Campus Break-in

Anti-israel stanford students take over president’s office; university arrests 13 protesters.

Daily Kickoff

Daily kickoff: biden’s muddled messaging on israel.

AIPAC No. 2 Elliot Brandt to lead group as next CEO

ICC PRESSURE

42 house democrats join republicans in support of icc sanctions.

On the Hill

Current hostage deal proposal is ‘the best, last chance’ to free captives, hostage’s father says.

Daily Kickoff: Bowman bleeding Dem support

arms arguments

House seeks to force israel weapons transfers in state department funding bill.

ON THE HILL

House subcommittee proposes $305 million for nonprofit security grants for 2025.

Bannon bash

Bannon attacks haley and calls for pro-israel conservatives to rally behind trump.

Cardin criticism

Cardin ‘disappointed’ by house republicans’ icc sanctions bill, white house stands by support for israel amid deadly rafah incident.

John Kirby: ‘I have no policy changes to speak to’

Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images

John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, speaks during a press briefing at the White House on February 27, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

As Israel faces global scrutiny following an attack in Rafah that killed dozens of civilians, the White House on Tuesday pledged to stand by Israel in its war against Hamas and made clear that the incident will not shift U.S. policy on arming Israel.

“I have no policy changes to speak to,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said at a press briefing. “The Israelis are going to investigate it. We’re going to be taking great interest in what they find in that investigation, and we’ll see where it goes from there.” Nothing the White House has seen yet has prompted the U.S. to consider withholding more military assistance to Israel, Kirby said. 

Israeli military officials said that a warehouse of hidden weapons may have been the culprit behind the fire that killed Palestinian civilians on Sunday, noting that the munitions Israel used in its airstrike — which the IDF said killed two senior Hamas terrorists — were small and targeted.

The Israeli strike set off a blaze that spread to a complex where Palestinians were taking shelter. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry estimated 45 people were killed. The IDF spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, expressed “deep sorrow for this tragic loss of life” and pledged a comprehensive investigation.

“We understand that this strike did kill two senior Hamas terrorists who are directly responsible for attacks against the Israeli people. But as we’ve also said many times Israel must take every precaution possible to do more to protect innocent life,” Kirby said. “We’ve all seen the images. They are heartbreaking, that horrific.”

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden said the U.S. paused plans to send Israel certain large weapons, worried that Israel would mount a major ground operation in the densely populated city of Rafah. Sunday’s airstrike and other Israeli actions in the southern Gaza city have not yet risen to the level that Biden outlined. 

“We don’t want to see a major ground operation. We haven’t seen that at this point,” said Kirby. “The president said that should that occur, then it might make him have to make different decisions in terms of support. We haven’t seen that happen at this point.” 

WH Nat'l Security Council spokesperson John Kirby: • The US does NOT support sanctioning the ICC over its request for arrest warrants. • We don't support these arrest warrants. • We don't believe that sanctioning the ICC is the answer. pic.twitter.com/nrc4FSCqF8 — Jewish Insider (@J_Insider) May 29, 2024

Earlier on Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris weighed in on the Rafah incident. “The word ‘tragic’ doesn’t even begin to describe it,” she said. Harris dodged a question about whether it crossed the Biden administration’s “red line” on Rafah. 

Kirby, pressed by reporters on whether the U.S. will alter its support for Israel, asserted that Washington is giving Israel “the kinds of capabilities they need to defend themselves.” Viewed as one of the more stalwartly pro-Israel voices in the administration, Kirby delivered a terse response about the threats Israel still faces.

“Maybe some people have forgotten what happened on the seventh of October, but we haven’t. Twelve hundred Israelis, innocent Israelis slaughtered, mutilated, raped, tortured, and they’re living right next to that kind of threat, still a viable threat in Rafah. By the way if you think Hamas is just gone, they’re not gone from Rafah or from Gaza,” Kirby said. “If you think they’ve abandoned their genocidal intent towards the nation of Israel, think again. They haven’t. So Israel has every right to not want to live next to that kind of threat. And yes, we’re going to continue to provide them the capabilities to go after it.”

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In the Footsteps of Jesus – Israel Tour

Heavenly International Tours specializes in Walk Where Jesus Walked tour packages from South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa , we are an exclusive tour operator specializing in  tours of In the Footsteps of Jesus & his Disciples , travel to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Greece and Italy since 1994.

In the Footsteps of Jesus is the theme of all our tours in the Holy Land. We follow Jesus footsteps From Nazareth in Galilee to the Sea of Galilee where he set up his ministry. From there we follow his path along the Jordan River where he was baptisd, to Jericho’s Mount of Temptation to Jerusalemwhere foresaw the destruction of the Temple. In Jerusalem we then visit all his milestone. Our tours visit all the sites sacred to Christianity (click on the links below for more information):  Nazareth ,  Cana ,  Mount Tabor ,  Tiberias ,  Sea of Galilee ,  Capernaum ,  Tabgha ,  Mt. Beatitudes ,  Baptismal Site at Jordan River ,  Caesaria Phillipi ,  Mount Carmel ,  Megiddo ,  Caesaria ,  Jaffa ,  Ein Karem ,  Bethlehem ,  Jericho ,  Mount of Temptation ,  Dead Sea ,  Qumran ,  Massada ,  Ein Gedi ,  Jerusalem ,  City of David ,  Siloam Tunnel ,  Temple Mount ,  Pools of Bethesda ,  Via Dolorosa ,  Ecce Homo Arch ,  Churh of Holy Sepulchre ,  Room of Last Supper ,  Garden Tomb ,  Gathsemane ,  Western Wall ,  Old City Walls ,  Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls ,  Yad Vashem .

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Palestinian officials apply to join South Africa's case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Israeli soldiers stand on top of tanks in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

THE HAGUE – Palestinian officials have applied at the top U.N. court for permission to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The request published Monday alleges that Israel's ongoing military operation is “part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map.” The request to the International Court of Justice was made on behalf of the “State of Palestine” and signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi.

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South Africa filed its case with the world court late last year accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide in its military operation to crush Hamas triggered by the deadly Oct. 7 attacks.

Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry , which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The court has issued three preliminary orders in the case calling on Israel to do all it can to prevent deaths in the enclave, ramp up humanitarian aid and, most recently, halt its offensive in Rafah .

It is unclear how long the court's judges will take to rule on the request. If granted, Palestinian officials will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.

In their request, the Palestinians said they are directly affected by South Africa's case against Israel.

“The Israeli onslaught has obliterated and damaged, beyond recognition, Gaza’s hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops, and infrastructure, as part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map,” the request says.

The request adds that, Israel is violating the court’s orders and continuing with “its genocidal acts including deliberately and systematically impeding humanitarian aid, resulting in an intentionally engineered situation of starvation and a creeping famine that is increasingly imminent.”

The Palestinians have been to the court before. In 2018, The Palestinian Authority filed a case asking its judges to order Washington to remove the relocated U.S. embassy from Jerusalem. The case followed the decision of the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv.

That case remains before the court, where cases can take years to resolve.

The International Court of Justice rules in cases between states. The United Nations General Assembly voted last month to give Palestine some new rights and privileges, but it reaffirmed that it remains a non-member observer state without full U.N. membership and the right to vote in the General Assembly or at any of its conferences.

The United States has made clear that it will block Palestinian membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel resolve key issues, including security, boundaries and the future of Jerusalem, and lead to a two-state solution.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: French instructors in Ukraine would be 'legitimate target', Lavrov says on visit to West Africa

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, is on a tour in West Africa as part of a diplomatic push by the isolated Kremlin to forge new ties around the world. Meanwhile, an upcoming summit on Ukraine will reportedly aim to create a pathway for Russian officials to join future talks.

Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:00, UK

• Lavrov: French military instructors in Ukraine would be 'legitimate target'
• Ivor Bennett: Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Ukraine peace summit 'opens door to limited talks with Russia'
• Remote-control stretchers on trial in Ukraine
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Mapped: The territorial situation on the frontline today
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Guy Birchall

We're pausing our coverage for today but we will be back tomorrow with more updates.

Here is a rundown of the key developments today:

• Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia, according to an unnamed Western source;
• Joe Biden will hold talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Normandy this week during his visit celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day;
• Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has been visiting countries in Africa as part of an ongoing diplomatic offensive from the Kremlin;
• A former British defence attache has warned Russia's disinformation campaigns are "only going to get worse" as EU parliament elections and the Olympics approach.

You can scroll back through the blog to read all our updates from today.

A 26-year-old man of dual Ukrainian-Russian nationality has been arrested in possession of explosives after some of them detonated in a hotel room north of Paris.

The man was treated by fire-fighters after he "suffered significant burns following an explosion," on Monday, according to a source. 

A source at the French anti-terror prosecutor's office said they had taken charge of the case and opened an investigation on suspicion of a terrorist conspiracy. 

A subsequent search of his room led to the discovery of products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices, the source added. 

France's domestic spy agency DGSI is handling the investigation, Reuters reports. 

Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia in recent days, according to a Western official.

The weapons were used under recently approved guidance from Joe Biden, allowing US arms to be used to strike inside Russia in defence of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city.

The official spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Mr Biden's directive allows for US-supplied weapons to be used to strike Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack.

It does not change US policy that directs Ukraine not to use American-provided tactical or long-range missiles and other munitions to make offensive strikes inside Russia, US officials said.

Ukrainian officials had stepped up calls on the US to allow Kyiv's forces to defend themselves against attacks originating from Russian territory.

Kharkiv is 12 miles from the Russian border and has recently come under intensified Russian attack.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Qatar for talks with the state's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Ukrainian president said on X that he planned to discuss Qatar's participation in a process of returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as bilateral economic and security issues.

In March, Ukraine and Russia exchanged six children via Qatari mediation.

Earlier this week, Mr Zelenskyy made a surprise trip to the Philippines to thank the country for agreeing to participate in the upcoming peace summit being held in Switzerland.

A Russian-American man has been sentenced by a St Petersburg court to three-and-a-half years in prison on charges of "rehabilitating Nazism". 

Yuri Malev was arrested in December over social media posts in which he was alleged to have denigrated the Saint George's ribbon, a Russian military symbol of valour. 

One post reportedly contained "obscene language" and another other showed a picture of a corpse wearing the ribbon, captioned: "How to wear the Saint George's ribbon correctly". 

The court in St Petersburg said this showed disrespect for society and insulted the memory of the Great Patriotic War (the Russian name for the Second World War). 

Malev admitted guilt, according to the court. 

He was a graduate of the law faculty of St Petersburg University and had lived in the United States since 1991, according to independent Russian language media.

Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russian authorities, said Malev was a resident of Brooklyn, New York. 

He reportedly entered Russia by bus from Estonia two weeks before he was arrested. 

Moscow routinely refers to the government in Kyiv as a "Nazi regime", despite Volodymyr Zelenskyy being Jewish.

Ukraine has been allowed to shoot down Moscow's planes over Russian territory with American weapons since the war broke out, the White House has clarified.

Ukraine "can shoot down Russian aeroplanes that pose an impending threat", national security spokesman John Kirby said. 

"And they have. They have since the beginning of the war."

The clarification was given due to confusion over Washington’s recent decision to relax rules on US-supplied weapons striking military targets on Russian soil.

Joe Biden gave authorisation for the strikes on a limited basis to help Kyiv defend itself against Kremlin forces advances towards Kharkiv.

Mr Kirby said he could not confirm reports that Ukraine had used US-supplied weapons on Russian territory for the first time.

He told reporters: "We're just not in a position on a day-to-day basis of knowing exactly what the Ukrainians are firing at what.

"It's certainly at a tactical level. So, I can't confirm that. I can tell you that they understand the guidance that they've been given."

By Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent 

Sergei Lavrov's trip to Africa is part of an ongoing diplomatic offensive by the Kremlin, running in parallel to its conflict in Ukraine.

Isolated from the West, Russia is trying to forge new ties and has found fertile ground in Africa.

There have been several coups in recent years that have ushered in anti-Western military juntas.

US troops were kicked out of Niger, for example, while the French had to leave Burkina Faso.

In both cases, Moscow was quick to move in as the new security guarantors, and their efforts clearly don't stop there.

This is the veteran foreign minister Lavrov's ninth visit to the continent since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Kenya, Burundi and South Africa were among his stops last year; this week it's Guinea, Congo and Burkina Faso.

In return for military support, Russia gains an ally - they may not support the war, but they won't criticise it either.

The Kremlin portrays this as the formation of a new world order, free from Western imperialism and hegemony.

But others say Russia are the neo-colonialists, painting this as a blatant attempt to expand their sphere of influence.

Ukraine's first deputy foreign minister has held talks with his Chinese counterpart in an effort to increase cooperation between the two countries, the Ukrainian ministry said. 

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiha also told Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong that he hoped China would participate in a Ukraine-led peace summit later in June. 

Mr Sybiha added that it could be "a good opportunity to make a practical contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace", the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

A report earlier today (see 7.40am post) said that June's peace summit opened doors to "limited talks with Russia" - despite Russian officials not being invited.

Earlier we brought you news that Ukraine said it had shot down 22 of the 27 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight (see 8.04am post). 

Now photographs have emerged of the aftermath of one of the strikes. 

Firefighters work to put out the massive blaze in the Poltava region.

As Russia opens a new front on Ukraine's northeastern border, the war has entered an important phase.

Readers have been sending in their questions to our senior correspondents and military experts for their take on the changing battlefield environment.

Today, Trevor Prew asks:

Are there any signs of an underground Russian resistance operating inside Russia, or can Russians openly criticize Putin, as long as they don't protest on the streets or mention the war.

Russia correspondent Ivor Bennett says:

In a word, no.

There wasn't much opposition to speak of in Russia even before the war, but now there's nothing left whatsoever.

All of Putin's political opponents are either exiled, jailed or dead, as are those with any connections to Alexei Navalny.

Those who dare to speak out are silenced.

At one end, are the long-time critics and opposition activists, like Vladimir Kara-Murza, the dual Russian-British national opposition who is serving a 25-year prison sentence for treason.

But at the other end are ordinary Russians, like the former schoolteacher Nikita Tushkanov sentenced to 5.5 years for comments he made online about Putin.

The crackdown on dissent seemingly knows no bounds and it's created a climate in which those who oppose the war are terrified to speak out.

They do exist - as evidenced by the huge turnout for Navalny's funeral. But that was a unique moment and is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

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Eurasia Review

A Journal of Analysis and News

Chinese Plans For Moscow Region Threaten To Spark Protests Near Kremlin – Analysis

By Paul Goble

Russia’s economic problems and Moscow’s growing need for money and more industrial production to support its war effort in Ukraine are forcing the Kremlin to take a step that it has long avoided. The Kremlin has agreed to allow China to develop mines and processing facilities not in some distant part of the Russian Federation but in Moscow oblast, the region that immediately adjoins the Russian capital ( Vpoanalytics.com , May 27).

The Chinese have long wanted to carry out such plans, but Moscow officials have resisted due to environmental concerns, the problematic optics of Chinese involvement, and the risk that Chinese exploitation of mines and processing industries will spark environmental protests close to the Kremlin. Such protests could then grow into more dangerous political demonstrations, as has been the case elsewhere in the country (see EDM  October 6, 2020 ,  January 23 , February  8 ,  27 ; Realtribune.ru , January 18).

Now, because of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s need for Chinese help, the Kremlin is opening the way for Chinese involvement in an environmentally fraught industry in Moscow oblast. This development will likely stoke problems at home and could ultimately threaten both the Kremlin leader and his alliance with China.

Russia has a long history of mining in Moscow oblast. The development of extractive industries there, however, has been relatively slow because of population pressures and because the exploitation of similar mineral deposits elsewhere has been cheaper. In the years after World War II, there was greater interest in developing mines near Moscow due to the disruption of the Soviet transportation network caused by the war. As a result, Moscow gave expanded attention to the mines in Moscow oblast, and, in 1953, signed an agreement with Beijing to have Chinese experts and workers develop them. The agreement, which was supposed to go into force in 1954, was never implemented. Thus, the mines of Moscow oblast never became “the klondike,” as some Russian commentators had hoped ( Vpoanalytics.com , May 27).

Those favoring such Chinese involvement in Moscow oblast’s mines and chemical industries periodically raised the possibility that Beijing could help. They were effectively blocked, however, until the last decade by those concerned about environmental degradation and the potential for protests ( Kommersant , August 28, 2012). Since the beginning of Putin’s expanded war against Ukraine and his “turn to the east,” those officials who opposed such an opening for the Chinese have been elbowed aside (see  EDM , January 23).

In early 2023, with the Kremlin’s blessing, Moscow oblast signed agreements with Chinese firms to develop mines and mineral processing facilities in the region ( Tsargrad.tv , March 20, 2023;  Agroxxi.ru , January 14). In the months since, China has begun reopening mines in the oblast, which Russian officials closed in the early 1990s. By the start of 2024, the new Chinese mines and plants were projected to provide as many as 10,000 new jobs, something the governor of the oblast celebrated during a visit to Beijing in May ( Rossiyskaya Gazeta , May 19).   

China is now involved in mining a wide variety of minerals throughout the oblast. Oil, coal, phosphorites, and rare earth minerals such as titanium and lithium are among the natural resources that Chinese firms are now involved with or plan to be in the near future ( Tdofk.ru , accessed June 4). These mines are located in places ranging from the edges of the oblast in the south and west to places very near the border of the city of Moscow. As a result, some or all of these look to be the source of environmental degradation. Such a development will likely spark local protests, as similar outcomes have in Shiyes, Siberia, and Bashkortostan, that could quickly spread to other places ( Publizist.ru , July 4, 2019;  Window on Eurasia , July 6, 2019;  Novaya Gazeta , October 9, 2019).

In all such cases, environmental “not in my backyard” protests have become political and rapidly turned into attacks, not against local and regional officials as well as Moscow and Putin’s authoritarian system ( Window on Eurasia , October 30, 2019;  Region.expert , August 18, 2020). This is particularly the case when the Kremlin has chosen to support the involvement of a foreign country (e.g., China) against the local population ( Kasparov.ru , January 10, 2020).

The problems these protests have posed, however, have been limited by the fact that such demonstrations, as massive as they have been (the protests in Shiyes were the longest-lasting and those in Bashkortostan the largest in recent decades), took place far from the Russian capital. As a result, they received less coverage in the central media and could be countered more easily than any taking place in Moscow or another major Russian city.

Now, the Kremlin itself has opened the door to the possibility of such protests close to its walls by allowing the Chinese to take the lead in developing two of the most ecologically dangerous industries—mining and the processing of minerals and chemicals. This is taking place in a region where many Russians live and work. That makes it almost a certainty that if there are problems, and the Chinese record of economic development is such that there almost certainly will be, and if protests do arise in Moscow oblast, they will become political and likely link up with opponents of the Putin regime in the Russian capital.

The Kremlin is undoubtedly aware of that risk. After all, it avoided taking such drastic measures for half a century. However, like the Bourbons, officials in the Kremlin appear to have “remembered nothing and forgotten nothing.” That means the Kremlin can likely take advantage of Chinese involvement in the Moscow oblast with little risk if it increases repression to prevent any upsurge in popular protest.

Such a strategy may prove counterproductive, not only because it threatens to politicize and nationalize protest. It will also highlight for Russians in the capital and, more generally, that the Kremlin, for all its talk about being a defender of “the Russian world,” has allied itself with China against the Russian people and their well-being. That is a recipe for long-term disaster, regardless of how attractive the immediate results of earnings and products of nearby Chinese mines and processing plants may be to the Kremlin.

• This article was published at T he Jamestown Foundation
• ← Accusing Israel Of Genocide Is Factually Wrong – OpEd
• Limited Options For South Africa’s ANC After A Devastating Election – Analysis →

Paul Goble is a longtime specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia. Most recently, he was director of research and publications at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Earlier, he served as vice dean for the social sciences and humanities at Audentes University in Tallinn and a senior research associate at the EuroCollege of the University of Tartu in Estonia. He has served in various capacities in the U.S. State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency and the International Broadcasting Bureau as well as at the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Mr. Goble maintains the Window on Eurasia blog and can be contacted directly at [email protected] .

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