Safety Update: February 14, , 2008
Just spoke again with my friends Amer and
Essam in Jerusalem. Referring to the past fighting in Gaza they said:
"There is always fighting down south in Gaza.This is nothing new. It
has absolutely no effect on us in Jerusalem or anywhere else in Israel. Plus, now it is over and things are quiet again down there."
There is now a cease-fire so all those who
cancelled trips for no good reason are now out of luck and there is no
fighting at all. We watch this very carefully, would never take anyone
into harm's way and ask you to trust us and our agents and friends in
Israel.
****************************
In
December the news was full of Christmas in Bethlehem with huge numbers
of pilgrims visiting the place where Jesus was born. Then came the
news full of pictures and video of bombs dropping in Gaza. The
perception is that everyone in Israel was in danger and tourism will
shut down.
However,
the reality is much different. I know because I've been there over 60
times and have friends there now -- and I know how it is and how it
works.
The area within the blue circles are the areas we visit as pilgrims. The area in the red circle is
Gaza where all the fighting is contained. Gaza has always been a hot
spot with lots of fighting. There are very few months that there is not
bombs and trouble.
As
you can see from the map, Gaza is way to the south on the border of
Egypt. It is far from anywhere we go as pilgrims on our trips. There is
no danger or reason to fear. The fighting is contained way to the
south. If there was a riot in a neighborhood of Detroit it would not
hinder visitors from arriving in the Metro airport and visiting our
city of Ann Arbor. And so it is in Israel.
The
year of 2008 has seen a record number of visitors to Israel and yet not
one of them was hurt or threatened even though the fighting was going
on way down south in Gaza. Don't let fear keep you from the Holy Land.
Just Returned from Israel
November 2009
The pilgrims unanimously proclaimed they never felt any danger or unease. They said they felt as safe with us in the Holy Land as they do in the United States. It was quite, safe and beautiful. Everyone was friendly and warm. Those who avoid the Holy Land because of fear have nothing to fear but fear itself.
You can read many of the testimonials on my Endorsement page.
Visiting Catholic bishops urge support for Christians in Holy Land 
Jan. 18, 2007 (CWNews.com) - After a week-long visit to the Holy Land, a group of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America has issued a encouraging Catholic pilgrims to visit Israel and support the Christians of the Holy Land.
Vatican Encourages Pilgrimages to the Holy Land
JERUSALEM POST, December 12, 2006
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land are encouraged by the new Vatican ambassador to that area of the world. The Jerusalem Post reports Monsignor Antonio Franco encouraged Christian pilgrims around the world to visit the country despite the uncertain political situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Franco said at a recent reception hosted by Israel's Ministry of Tourism that "I will do whatever is in my power to promote and encourage pilgrimages to the Holy Land."
Encounter Christ in Rome, Pope Urges Pilgrims
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his hope that the millions of pilgrims who visit Rome this year will have a living encounter with Christ.
In comments he made today in his annual address to the General Inspectorate for Public Security at the Vatican, the Holy Father said places such as St. Peter's Basilica and Bernini's colonnade are "places that contain great treasures of history and art; above all they are places where, by some inscrutable mystery, the living encounter of the faithful with the Lord Jesus takes place."
Our Bishop's Endorsement
Our bishop, His Excellency Carl Mengeling, wrote us a glowing endorsement.
You can read it here.
For other safety updates, visit http://www.goisrael.com. For advice, ideas and even more current status of conditions in Israel call 1-888-77-ISRAEL.
There is also a 24/7 information hot-line in Israel that can provide up-to-the second information. From North America, call 011-972-3-520-7600, or during your trip in Israel, call 03-520-7600.
In Bethlehem you will hear Our Lords' Prayer in His own language. This is the "Our Father" written in Syriac Aramaic -- the language Jesus spoke in his every day life. We think we know him and how he lived, but take a look at this prayer and see if you can make any sense out of it. Surprise! He didn't speak English! And he was not called "Jesus" -- he was called "Yeshua."
I LOVE to learn all I can about Our Lord and the culture and times in which he lived. The Holy Land is like a 5th Gospel -- it helps us understand and know more deeply.
There are still Syrian Christians who speak Aramaic and their Mass or Liturgy is still celebrated in Our Lord's language. On our pilgrimages yoiu will hear the Lord's Prayer -- the Our Father -- in the language of Jesus. Fascinating!
Support Christians in the Holy Land
Purchase Christmas Gifts from the Holy Land
Recent Kind Words
John and I just finished watching the DVD of my pilgrimage with you in January. A priest friend was here for dinner and watched it with us. He has been to the Holy Land on several occasions. We were ALL impressed with the wonderful keepsake DVD. It is just so well done.! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Mary Ann Kuharski
Prolife Across America
Jim and I chose the Legatus pilgrimage to the Holy Land precisely because Steve Ray was leading it. He exceeded our expectations in his comprehensive knowledge of the Scriptures and especially in his love for the traditions of the early Church. Steve not only teaches with great passion and insight, but his love for the truths of the faith was palpable. Steve and Janet made sure that we saw as much as possible of the holy sites where Jesus and Mary lived and walked, and made their presence alive for us. We were privileged to have Mass every day at one of the holy sites. We also made the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem, an emotional experience, despite the hustle and bustle of the city.
We are still sharing our memories and blessings with our family and friends. We already have friends who are ready to take the next trip with Steve and Janet, based upon our recommendations. It was a five-star experience in every way!
Jim & Cathy McConn
Legatus members
Our trip to the Holy Land was great; the experience walking in the foot steps of our Lord will never be forgotten. We can’t say enough about our learning experience. Steve and Janet did a great job presenting the experience to us; their knowledge of the Holy Land is unbelievable. I can’t say enough about the job they have done. When Steve says it is safe to visit the Holy Land; I would not hesitate.
Kenny & Kate Wood (Legatus members)
Steve & Janet:
Louise & I would just like to thank you again for an unforgetable Pilgrimage. The planning and professionalism was first rate including not only your apologetics, but the local flair added by Amer, the daily masses conducted by Father Gerald and the logistical support by the Legatus Team.
It's no secret that we had our concerns about security before the trip but we are so glad that we forged ahead and I must say that we never felt a moments anxiety, quite the opposite. A cloud by day and a pilar of fire by night, we were enshrouded in safety and His Love every step of the way. I'm looking forward to returning on future trips. Thanks Again and God Bless,
Patrick and Louise Rainey (Legatus members)
Peggy and I had a marvelous experience. You guys took such personal care of us , we thought we were on a family outing! The Holy Land is one of the most exciting places, bothe spiritually and politically.
We returned home to the Midwest with a brand new perspective on the world and on the history of our religion.
Larry and Peg Myers (Legatus members)
For more comments, click here
Two Articles
Both in PDF format
Read the new article about our Pilgrimages in Legatus Magazine. Click here.
For the latest on the pilgrimage in light of hostilities in the north, read below or click here.
