Questions and Answers
What are the dates of the tour?
The tour will begin on December 21, 2017 and end January 3, 2018.
Where will we be staying?
Accommodations will be in either of these hotels: Arab Women Union Guest House in Beit Sahour or Holy Family Hotel in Bethlehem.
How safe is traveling in Palestine/Israel?
Traveling in the region is very safe. While there is much media attention given to the ongoing violence, placing the levels of violence in a broader global context would allow for a fairer judgement. Comparatively, major destinations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem are remarkably safer than major US cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Additionally, the safety and security of participants is of the utmost importance to HLT and NI and participants will be accompanied by a tour guide throughout the duration of the trip.
Does this delegation require a special background?
This delegation does not require any special training or a particular background. We welcome participants from all different backgrounds with an interest in social justice, human rights, and solidarity building between movements. However, it does require a commitment to nonviolence and a policy of respect for your fellow participants throughout the course of the trip.
What is nonviolent action and how will it play a role in this delegation?
“Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.”
Gene Sharp, “The Politics of Nonviolent Action,” p. 64
The delegation will be engaging with the use of nonviolent action throughout the trip by exposing participants to organizations that use these methods. We will also practice these methods during group activities. We may hold a rebuilding or a construction project, or we may monitor military check points or participate in a protest. But ultimately the decisions about what form of direct nonviolent action we take will be birthed from the consensus of the group as well as the political context of the moment.
What is the Sumud: Freedom Camp?
The Sumud: Freedom Camp is a broad coalition of Palestinians, Israelis and internationals from The Popular Committee of the South Hebron Hills, Holy Land Trust, Combatants for Peace, All That’s Left: Anti-Occupation Collective, and the Center for Jewish Nonviolence. The camp calls for the end of the military occupation, a structuring of the legal regimes of oppression, and a creation of a space where justice and equality are universally recognized. The coalition uses principles of nonviolent resistance to keep the communities of Sarura on their lands, utilizes direct nonviolent intervention against Israeli military forces and Israeli settlers who would use force on the camp, and leverages their broad networks to execute a robust advocacy strategy to challenge the legal regime. While Sarura was the starting point for the movement, the coalition addresses the immediate threats of oppression and violence. To learn more about Sumud: Freedom Camp, visit their website.
How should I dress?
The cultures across the region vary considerably. Generally speaking, villages and smaller towns are more conservative and dress should reflect those norms. In other cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv the dress code is more casual. In general, we recommend to pack comfortable clothes and give yourself options. In December, the average temperature ranges from 35 to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and night, which is important to keep in mind when deciding what to pack for the trip. Please keep in mind that the weather may also be rainy and consider packing a raincoat or umbrella.
Where can I find more information about Holy Land Trust and Nonviolence International?
You can find more information about Holy Land Trust, Sumud Camp, and Nonviolence International on their websites. You are welcome to contact us directly if you have any specific questions about our organizations.
Who are the trip organizers/leaders?
Trip leaders and organizers are comprised of the staff and working partners of Holy Land Trust and Nonviolence International.
How will we get around Palestine/Israel?
During trips we will be traveling on private buses.
Will my family be able to reach me during the trip if there is an emergency?
While in Israel-Palestine, access to internet is common. However, in the case of an emergency, Holy Land Trust will either get in touch with your emergency contacts directly or put you in contact with your emergency contacts and family as quickly as possible.
What is included in the price? What is not included?
Early bird tour cost (available now through November 10, 2017): $1840
Late bird tour cost (November 11 until registration closes): $2240.
Included in the price are accommodation for 13 nights, 3 meals a day, daily transportation in a bus including airport pick up, English license tour guides and escorts, Holy Land Trust trainings and workshops, honorarium fees for all speakers and organizations, and Holy Land Trust’s administrative cost.
Not included in the price are air fare, travel and health insurance (which we encourage participants to purchase), personal expenses, or any other services not specified in the tour program.
If you are interested in more information about responsible tourism or advice on traveling to Palestine, check out this link: https://www.palestineportal.org/action-advocacy/visit-israelpalestine
