imagine News

Dear Friends,

President Donald Trump recently made a statement to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and directed the State Department to begin the process of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. With this statement, we’ve been asked: what does this mean for future travel and safety in Israel? I cannot see the future, but I can provide my opinion with experience from the last 26 years of specializing in Israel tours and helping churches and ministries with the logistical planning of their trips. Even with all the hype from the news media coming out of the Middle East from Israel’s neighbors, there is still no safer time to be in Israel. No one yet knows the final outcome or if this is a bargaining chip for future peace with the Palestinians and Israelis.

 We do know that Israel is the safest country in the Middle East. We do know that Israel welcomed its 3,000,000^th tourist in 2017 last month, and we do know that life continues in the streets as normal for those who live in Israel. Thousands of tourists are continuing with their travel plans today, as if nothing has changed. Without turning on the news or picking up a paper, those currently in Israel would not even know that the atmosphere is different. That being said, whenever there is a possible threat or concern, Israel’s security is at its best making sure that all measures are taken to ensure the safety of tourists and all residents of Israel. Their number one priority is that the country remains safe, calm and life continues as normal.

 I’ve learned from experience and constant communication with our many friends, partners, guides, and others living in Israel, that if anyone felt for a moment it was unsafe, we would know immediately. Not only would the Israeli Government not allow travel, but the U.S. would not permit travel either if they felt, even for a moment, that it wasn’t safe to travel. If Israeli parents are allowing their children to continue to go to school each day then, as a parent, I see they feel it’s safe and life continues as normal.

 We have many groups in Israel as I write this letter. I will also be in Israel later this month and bringing my son with me, and if I didn’t think it was safe, I wouldn’t travel myself. It’s perfectly safe. Honestly, my concern is when things are too quiet and too calm for a long stretch of time in Israel, this is when I am more concerned. At this time, security is at an all-time-high with the recent comments made by President Trump, thus making it one of the safest times to travel. One still needs to use common sense: avoid any potentially large crowded demonstrations, and refrain from using public transportation whenever possible. Just like in America, there are some places you would never go, and others that you would avoid at night; Israel is no different. Our tours never visit areas that are advised to limit visitation to, such as the Gaza Strip, which none of our groups go near. Bethlehem, Jaffa, Jericho, etc. are all safe areas to visit today, as is going up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. If for any reason it is unsafe, your tour guide and driver are constantly in communication with the local authorities, and we work closely with our partners in Israel to advise you accordingly.

 Please keep in mind that the majority of what we hear from the media, especially regarding the Middle East, is hype that we may never witness or experience. Faith is the antidote to fear!

 Best regards,

Rick Ricart

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In light of recent events in Turkey and around the world, we would like to share with you a letter from one of our group leaders who recently returned from Greece and Turkey. As they share below, even with some inconvenient delays, the group took situations that could have been irritating and instead joyfully turned them into opportunities to pray, study, worship together, and encourage locals. Their attitude and outlook on every situation reflected Christ’s love and peace and contentment. 

As always, the safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we are in constant communication with our groups traveling and our partners overseas. Our tours to Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt are continuing as scheduled. 

Dear imagine,

We returned at the beginning of March from a meaningful tour of Greece and Turkey with 23 people. There was some apprehension on the part of several travelers due to the recent bombing in Istanbul, (and now in Ankara) but mostly people did not appear to be in dread or fear of travel.

In Greece we were met with some delays due to farmers who were protesting the paying of taxes and were lining up their tractors blocking entrance onto the freeways in northwestern and northern Greece.  Even so, we enjoyed seeing the Acropolis, Corinth, Delphi, Meteora, Berea, and Philippi.  We read scripture and used time when the bus was not moving due to the backup to share a Bible study on the Apostle Paul.  On one night of a long journey we sang hymns and songs for over an hour to pass the time. The hospitality in the hotels was marvelous even upon late arrivals! Dinner was served graciously and we were blessed.

We also came upon buses of refugees from Syria who were stalled and could not travel.  We shared a few moments with some of them giving them gloves, a bit of food and money.  They had been at this rest stop for 2 days.  These were families and people who were upset that they had paid much money to get this far and now could not get out of Greece due to border closings in Yugoslavia. What was their future?  The conversations we had with them left our group with hearts full of compassion. When we were delayed getting to our hotels, no one could feel sorry for themselves.  We at least had a destination and would get there!  Our prayers continue for these misplaced persons.

When we came into Turkey, many of our people were amazed that it looked so clean and modern.  I think some thought it would appear more like a war zone or a third world country.  Everything was beautiful in the fields and farms along the Aegean Sea.  The food was fabulous and all of the sites, Troy, Pergamum, Izmir, Ephesus, and House of Mary were amazing experiences of history and Biblical truth.  The hotels were gorgeous; everyone was pleased. Many came away with rug purchases in Ephesus for a lasting memory.

Our last days in Istanbul were full with the visit to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia,and Topkapi Palace. There was a greater understanding of the history of Christianity, Islam, and the Turks after being here. We took a cruise on the Bosphorus which revealed the spacious and populated area of Istanbul. We were not hassled by anyone except some vendors in the Grand Bazaar and Spice market just encouraging us to buy.  It was sobering to be at the site of the Egyptian obelisk where a suicide bomber killed several people a month earlier. We prayed over this place for our enemies and for God’s love to overcome evil.

We realize that there is no place on earth that is exempt or free of suffering or possible terrorism. But, I do see how this trip confirmed the faith of people to be free of fear and controlled by a deeper message of living by grace and surrendering themselves to what the Apostle Paul witnessed: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Thank you Rick and all at Imagine Tours & Travel for making this kind of travel possible!

Pastor Johan and Sonja Hinderlie

November 30, 2015

Dear Friends,

We welcome you to enjoy the warm weather, tourism sites, museums, holy places, attractions, restaurants and night life – all open and operating as usual in Jerusalem, Telv Aviv and in all areas of the country.

Currently, more than 100,000 foreign tourists are on holiday in Israel. Groups and individuals continue to arrive daily and they feel safe and are enjoying themselves. Everyday life in Israel is normal. Children go to kindergarten and school, local residents go to work and business continues as usual. The headlines about the situation in countries along the Mediterranean Sea are not relevant to our daily lives.

A wide range of international events are taking place at various locations in the coming days and weeks, including the 19th International Harp Contest in Acco from November 23 – December, the European Short Course Swimming Competition in Netanya and Superstar American comedian Jerry Seinfeld will perform in Tel Aviv in December as part of his world tour. Christmas celebrations are underway preparing for the thousands of foreign tourists who will partake in the festivities.

In addition, international conferences and exhibitions are going on in venues throughout the country as planned.

We look forward to welcoming you to Israel.

Sincerely,

Amir Halevi

Director General