The Society for Biblical Studies

Israel, Palestine
Fact Finding Mission

A mission to explore the role of the Church in the Middle East, to examine the current dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to experience the rich cultures
of Israel and Palestine

10 Day of Orientation and Fact Finding
23 February - 4 March 2011
$2,863 from New York City

Alumnae/i will receive a $200 credit
and are eligible for a $300 "bring a friend" scholarship

4 day elective: The Tent of Nations Plant a Tree in Palestine $460
returning on 8 February 2011

click here for the full itinerary

click here for registration materials

No region of the world captures as much media attention as the Holy Land. No other region of the world generates as much popular passion. Reporting on and discussion of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is usually distinguished by distortions of fact and almost always charged with ideology. In much of our media, sensational reporting crowds out information on the region. Yet, the Holy Land and the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is at the root of major contemporary tensions that involve every American churchgoer and effect every American citizen.

The Society for Biblical Studies aims to reform biblical scholarship by, among other things, making it relevant and useful. This is why our programs include exposure to pressing social and political issues in the countries in which we travel. For many of our travelers and constituents, learning about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most interesting dimensions of their travel experiences in the Holy Land. We are constantly reminded of the complicity of the Church in this deeply entrenched conflict.

This journey is designed for those who want to immerse themselves more deeply in the cultures of the Holy Land with a special interest in examining the challenges and opportunities for peacemaking. Through in depth meetings, conversations and on site encounters, the program is an opportunity to gain first hand experience and insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the Church, both in exacerbating and fueling the conflict and in potential resolution of the conflict. We will explore the issues for ourselves without the mediation of governments, journalists or editors. We will take a close up look at the most recent events through the eyes of people who live in Israel and Palestine and represent a wide range of perspectives.

Many of our travelers have visited or volunteered with the Tent of Nations, a non-profit organization, designed to provide a place for an international constituency to come together and learn about each other, the ecology of the West Bank, and to call international attention to dynamics inside the West Bank.

The Tent of Nations sponsors programs that promote cross cultural understanding, elevate environmental consciousness, encourage the building of relationships across geographical, political and ideological boundaries. It sustains summer camp programs for Israeli and Palestinian children and programs to teach English and computer skills to local villagers.

The Tent of Nations pursues its mission under highly adverse circumstances in which the Israeli military authorities do not allow the construction of water, electrical and sanitary facilities or the contruction of any structure above ground, even though the Israeli High Court has repeatedly affirmed the ownership and land rights of the Palestinian proprietors of the land. Recently, the military authorities issued seven demolition orders to destroy structures such as cisterns for the collection of water, the site's only latrine and tents for the summer youth campers and international volunteers. Our journey will acquaint us with the Tent of Nation's most recent challenges with the Israeli military authorities and how they illustrate the broader issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

For those who so choose, there is a four day volunteer elective with the Tent of Nations. The volunteer work will offer an opportunity to more deeply experience the rich cultures of the Holy Land and to participate in a hands on way with the planting and cultivating of vines, almond and olive trees, one of the Tent of Nations' primary activities. Volunteer activities can be designed to match the skills of the volunteers.