I'm Headed Back to Palestine in 2025 and You're Invited

As many of you know, I traveled to Palestine three times, twice after October 7th. These experiences have changed me profoundly. I have been challenged in my thinking, built friendships, absorbed much history and context, and had my understanding of hope and grace expanded in unimaginable ways.

Both recent trips, organized by Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, have been solidarity delegations, a kind of pilgrimage to learn, listen, and then tell the stories upon our return. While we will never be able to do enough, I trust that every person who has taken part has made the plight of the Palestinian people a little more personal to those around them.

Even though things seem dire at the time this post is written, this spring, at Sabeel’s invitation, I will convene and coordinate1 two groups built for first-time travelers to Palestine: one for leaders whose organizations are focused on issues of liberation, advocacy, and justice and a second for a Holy Week Pilgrimage. Registration will be open before the end of the year, and details will be finalized once we get closer to Spring.

Here are the details:

Please keep in mind that the situation in Palestine is fluid; we do not know what it will be like in April 2025. That said, Sabeel has extended the invitation and is proceeding with planning, so we are too. This post is meant to provide general details and gauge interest as Sabeel plans its future delegation support. Below is general information about both delegations, followed by a link to express your interest.

Please read the descriptions before filling out the interest form.

Organizational Leaders Solidarity Delegation (Early April)

This delegation of first-time pilgrims to Palestine will be composed of leaders from advocacy organizations that focus on issues adjacent to Palestinian liberation: immigration, LGBTQIA+, housing, peacemaking, antiracism, reproductive justice, peacemaking, etc. We will meet with other organizational leaders as we learn from, listen to, and relay the stories of the Palestinian people to our own communites. Participants should be ready and willing to share real-time experiences and continue to share upon their return.

• Delegation Size: ≈ 25
• Dates: March 31 - April 8 (8 days, 7 nights)
• Cost: 1,000-1,500 USD (not including airfare and visas)
• Application: Registrations are due by 02.02.25
• Deposit:  A $500 deposit will be due by 03.03.25

Holy Week in the Holy Land Solidarity Delegation (Mid April)

This delegation will focus on the lives of Palestinian Christians, including, but not limited to: meeting with Palestinian interfaith and Christian leaders, participating in the Sabeel Stations of the Cross, accompanying Palestinians, engaging in theological reflection, and worshipping with various communities. 

• Delegation Size: ≈ 20
• Dates: April 11-21 (10 days, 9 nights)
• Cost: $1,600-$2,000 USD (not including airfare and visas)
• Application: Registrations are due by 02.15.25.
• Deposit:  A $500 deposit will be due by 03.15.25

GENERAL INFO FOR BOTH DELEGATIONS

• Both delegations are geared toward first-time visitors to Palestine or those who have never experienced Palestine through the lens of the Palestinian people. We may also take returning folks, so if it has been a while, please feel free to submit your interest.
• We hope to build diverse groups that can share what they have learned with a wide variety of communities upon their return home.
• There will be at least two orientation and relationships building calls (via zoom) before departure.
• Sabeel will handle all of the travel arrangements, in-country travel, organizing, and coordination. To honor their work and the people we will meet with, delegation members must remain with the group for the entire time and commit to following our Palestinian leadership.
• The Delegation will be based mostly in East Jerusalem, with day trips to other locations. A trip to the Gaza Border is possible.
• We will not be intentionally entering active war zones.
• We will be exposed to a breadth of experiences: political, personal, and cultural.
• Delegation costs support local Palestinian businesses: hotels, food, speakers, etc. They do not cover personal shopping and other personal expenses.
• The cost includes all delicious meals and double occupancy hotel-style accommodations (Singles are available at an extra cost).
• Registration will begin in January 2025, with deposits due in March.
• We plan to fly to and from Jordan, though depending on the situation, we may fly through Tel Aviv.
• Applicants will need current passports before their place on the trip can be confirmed.

Again, these are early details, and much could change between now and then. As we get closer, I will contact folks to send registration forms and gauge their ultimate interest and commitment. I have left the comments open on this post so folks can ask questions, but I will delete any anti-Palestinian comments.