Igal Zeevi
BY CHRIS MEYER
“I am Igal. I love my country. I love the stories. And I love to share with visitors.”
With that, my whirlwind tour of Israel began. Igal Zeevi proved each of those declarations over the next three days. His passion, his expert story telling, his careful pacing of facts, and his sense of humor made the Holy Land shine even brighter.
How you experience a destination matters, and the value of a great guide can not be understated. In Wyoming, our guide, who had both Native American and European blood, explained the complexities of conflict and reconciliation in the American West personally and authentically. In Tuscany, our guide related the charm and quirks of Italians with affectionate humor. “We may not rule the world like the Romans, but we make a great espresso and nice pasta. Carpe diem!”
After a serpentine uphill drive through a Jerusalem neighborhood, Igal pointed to structures across the valley. “You are standing on the Mount of Olives and there is the Old City of Jerusalem. Welcome to your spiritual home!” The entire group was elated. Hearts skipped a few beats. We were really there!
ISRAEL BY LAND AND SEA
Whatever the structure of your trip to Israel (or Italy, Ireland or Indonesia), securing the right guides is critical to making the experience all that it can be. Pre-trip research lays the foundation, but there is no substitute for a local expert who can provide the story behind the landmark and explain the psyche of the people. Great guides entertain, enlighten, inspire and even challenge.
Our guide explained how this ancient amphitheater unearthed in Caesaria retains excellent acoustics.
Cruise itineraries also stop in the Greek Isles and Ephesus, so you can combine a pilgrimage with some rest and relaxation. And you can do it at cruise prices, which include food, onboard entertainment and transportation around the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’re like me, your introduction to Israel will whet your appetite for further exploration, and you will have a clearer picture of what you seek upon your return.
For a deeper dive, fly directly to Tel Aviv and take a guided 7- 10-day tour for the most economical and satisfying experience.
For first-timers, we recommend Globus Religious Vacations. We can arrange these for individuals, families and church groups. Pastors can even work hand-in-hand with the expert guides to customize the experience, arrange for baptisms, services, communion, etc. Imagine teaching about the Beatitudes and the site of the Sermon on the Mount.
Repeat visitors might want to dig deeper into certain aspects, and custom tour operators can design unique explorations. Many fascinating possibilities exist: walking the Gospel in Galilee, staying in a kibbutz, volunteering at an archaeologic dig or restoration project, embarking on a multi-day Biblical history exploration.
STIMULATING MIND, SOUL AND TASTE BUDS
Whichever way you choose to visit, you will find Israel more accessible, safer and less expensive than you might have thought. Taking the guided route will stir your soul and stimulate your mind — and taste buds.
“Try all of the different types of food,” Igal advised. “We love to eat. We love to gather around the table to share a meal. Sometimes there is a formal prayer.” A wry smile appeared. “Other times it’s ‘They tried to kill us, but they didn’t. So let’s eat.’ ”
Making pita in Nazareth.
We visited open-air markets with a plethora of fresh produce, Mideast treats such as baklava and stands selling falafel and shawarma (meat roasted on a rotisserie and served in pita similar to Greek gyros). Fresh seafood is plentiful, as you might expect from a coastal nation that produced the world’s most famous fishermen, who became Apostles of Jesus.
Igal waxed philosophical. “Israel is a small place with many walls. Walls around the old city of Jaffa. Walls around Jerusalem. Walls separating us from the Palestinians.” He points to his head. “The walls in our minds are the most difficult to break down.
“But I believe we are on the verge of a breakthrough. The Internet has changed everything. When I can Skype with a Palestinian in Ramallah, lines of communication open. Things are so much better for Israelis and Palestinians when the land is peaceful. Someday, I believe the entire nation will be like the blended ancient city of Jaffa, where Jews, Arabs and Christians live together.”
I remembered those words a couple days later, when I was with a Jewish dentist from New Orleans purchasing falafel from and conversing with two young Palestinians in the blended city of Nazareth, just down the road from the Church of the Annunciation, which commemorates the angel Gabriel informing Mary that she would give birth to God’s son.
GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Expedia travel consultants like Jane Shobe make sure your travels are spectacular and expertly guided.
Yes, the Internet is a powerful tool for accessing information and opening lines of communication. But there is nothing like being there, walking where Jesus walked, experiencing the bustle of the place, taking in the smells and the tastes, and having fascinating personal encounters with people in a faraway place. That’s where change really happens — in us and in the world.
Chris Meyer is president of Expedia CruiseShipCenters of Orange County, a full-service travel agency. He can be reached at (800) 745-4015.