As part of this Peacebuilder’s Pilgrimage, you will be given access to the new curriculum just launched by our friends at NEME, entitled, “Ascent to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage, Politics and Peacemaking in the Holy Land.”  

You will be able to watch the videos and read the accompanying PDF text at your own pace, either individually or with a small group of your choice. We will also offer a recommended reading list. 

Prior to departure, we will hold three preparatory Zoom calls to provide background on the history and context of Israel/Palestine, as well as foundational peacebuilding concepts. 

The first meeting will be for the group to introduce ourselves and get to know each other. We will have a basic trip overview at this meeting. 

The second meeting will be to hold a discussion around questions and comments that came up as people went through the curriculum and reading materials. We will talk about the land and orient the group towards our ethics of peacemaking.  

The last meeting will be to meet some of our friends “on the ground” in Palestine/Israel who will be leading our trip. In this meeting, we will answer any practical questions that remain prior to the trip.

Through these calls, we’ll prepare to listen deeply and engage compassionately with the stories of those we will meet.

Our world is fractured and divided, with many of its longest lasting divisions converging in the Holy Land. Palestine has endured decades of military occupation, and the region continues to bear the weight of profound trauma on both sides. Both Israelis and Palestinians yearn for security and justice, yet the cycle of violence and instability often overshadows these aspirations. Religion, ethnicity, historical grievances, and traumas have been politically weaponized to dehumanize, and sow distrust, polarization and violence. 

The 2023-2024 war on Gaza has threatened the stability of the entire region, and its effects ripple into the rest of the world. Even as a ceasefire in Gaza (as of January 2025) offers a glimmer of hope, the underlying tensions, catastrophic destruction, and systemic injustices remain and must be addressed. Gaza will grapple for generations with the long-term effects of siege and devastation, while conditions in the West Bank deteriorate, marked by increasing demolitions, restricted movement, and ongoing displacement. A fragile peace in one area does not resolve the broader conflict, which demands sustained attention and action from all who seek a just and lasting solution.   

Christians, particularly those in the West, are not mere bystanders to the Palestine/Israel crisis; we are deeply entangled in it through our extensive military, financial, and theological support for our own assumptions and aspirations in the region. This crisis implicates us directly, especially due to Christian "Israel no matter what" ideologies that often fuel extremism on all sides, ultimately harming both Palestinians and Israelis. As followers of Jesus and as peacebuilders, we want to repent, turn away from these harmful postures, and actively work toward reconciliation and justice for all people. 

Despite the polarization and violence, it is also true that this land holds a legacy of interfaith respect and collaboration, offering powerful examples of peacebuilders who are bridging divides in one of the world’s most complex and longstanding conflicts. Their experience in overcoming obstacles and working across differences provides valuable lessons for peacebuilding efforts worldwide. We want to learn from them. 

This pilgrimage is for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Palestine/Israel through the lens of peacebuilders in the land, particularly Palestinian Christian theology, including important Palestinian theologians and leaders. It is an invitation to reimagine a Christlike way of living out Christian vocation in today’s world—embracing practices of truth, mercy, justice, and forgiveness. Through theological reflection and firsthand encounters, you’ll gain tools and perspectives to live out your faith in a renewed, transformative way and to help build peace in the Holy Land. 

Preparation is essential for this journey. In addition to the three preparatory Zoom calls, NEME curriculum, and suggested reading list, the pilgrimage includes approximately 10 nights in the Holy Land buffered by an arrival night and final night in Jordan, for a total of 12 nights.

Since it is not every day that one makes it to Jordan, we are also offering an optional three-day Jordan trip addition to see Petra and a few other sites after we leave Palestine/Israel. The pilgrimage also includes a post-trip debriefing via zoom and follow-up support. Throughout, we’ll emphasize reflection, community, and a forward-looking vision to integrate these experiences into daily life as peacemakers.

Our itinerary is carefully crafted by our experienced leaders—Mercy Aiken, Andy Larsen, and Cari Conklin—along with local partners.

Our first “day” will be our arrival in Jordan, where we will spend the night in Madaba, outside of Amman. The second day will include travel to Jerusalem—a drive of a few hours. Once we arrive in Jerusalem, we will check in to our hotel and begin our pilgrimage in earnest that same day—i.e. we will “hit the ground running.”  During our 10-day pilgrimage in the Holy Land, we will visit key locations in and around Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Gaza envelope, including many places “off the beaten track.” Due to the political context, our schedule remains flexible to prioritize participant safety.

As a participant, you can expect to:

• Learn from Jewish, Muslim, Christian and other peacemakers working to transform their society.

• Worship with Palestinian Christians, reflecting on faith in the context of occupation.

• Engage in interfaith dialogue and multicultural learning opportunities.

• Witness the resilience and joy of the Palestinian community amid systemic challenges, including religious extremism, shrinking space, the wall, settlements, checkpoints, confiscated land and demolished homes, refugee camps, and environmental degradation.

• Meet with locals who are working to uphold international and humanitarian law.

• Act in solidarity with marginalized and threatened communities.

• Understand the situation in and around Gaza with greater clarity.

• Become empowered to help make a difference in the Holy Land.

Cost: The cost is $2,300 USD per person, covering all accommodations in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine (12 nights total), and all transportation from the time you arrive at the airport in Amman until you are dropped off at the airport in Amman. The cost also covers most meals (you may want to spend a little extra on snacks), speaker and guide fees, access to the curriculum, “Ascent to Jerusalem,” and pre- and post- trip zoom calls and information sessions. During this trip, our group will prioritize supporting marginalized Palestinian businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and guides.  

Dates:  June 30-July 11, with the first and last nights in Madaba, Jordan. 

*There is also an option for a three-day trip to Petra and other sites in Jordan, post-Pilgrimage, July 12-14, in which you will be accompanied by Andy Larsen and Mercy Aiken. Cost will be a minimum of $600, is subject to enough people joining, and will include all transportation, hotels, entrance fees, and most meals. 

What’s Not Included: Airfare, a few light meals (possibly), health and travel insurance if you so desire, gifts, additional gratuities, personal items, incidental expenses, and any costs related to extended stays due to flight schedules. You will need to pay $60 for your visa upon arrival in Jordan (at the airport).

Registration Process: After filling out the interest form, the trip leaders will be in touch with you to answer any questions and confirm your participation. Then, in order to complete your registration and reserve your place on the trip, you will be directed to make a $500 nonrefundable deposit.

If the cost is prohibitive for you, we want to assist you in raising funds.  Please reach out to us and let us know who you are, why you want to come, and how much you might be able to pay.  We will work together to help you join us. 

We also offer customized pilgrimages for church groups, universities, and community organizations. Each experience can be tailored to focus on the peacebuilding themes and questions most relevant to your group. Contact us here to let us know your interest in a custom pilgrimage.