Aurora University To Offer Tour Of Holy Land March 19-28, 2009

AURORA, Ill.—“Destination Jerusalem,” an eight-day, guided trip to Israel, will be sponsored by Aurora University March 19-28, 2009.

The public is invited. Enrollment is limited. The sponsor is AU’s Office of Alumni Relations which is accepting registrations.

Ronald Ramer of Aurora, AU associate professor of education, will lead the trip. He said the tour will explore Biblical sites in Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem and Qumran, location of the Dead Sea scrolls.

“We will visit historic and sacred sites,” Ramer said, “and meet with local academic and community leaders to gain insights from different faith and political perspectives.”

The tour will follow a custom-tailored itinerary facilitated through the Jerusalem International YMCA and its director general, Norris Lineweaver, a 1967 George Williams College graduate.

Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Mount of Olives, a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, and a tour of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Other highlights are walking tours of the Christian and Muslim quarters of Jerusalem, swims in the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee, and a visit to Nazareth and the remains of Caesarea, a city that Herod the Great dedicated to Caesar Augustus more than 2000 years ago.

In addition to sightseeing, trip members will learn about the work of local non-profit organizations, and how spirituality influences leaders working for peace.

Ramer added, "The influence of leaders working for peace begins as soon as one approaches the entrance to the Jerusalem YMCA and reads the plaque facing its entrance.

“On it is written the vision of Lord Allenby spoken at the building's dedication 75 years ago: 'Here is a place whose atmosphere is peace where political and religious jealousies can be forgotten and international unity be fostered and developed.' "

Objectives of the tour are to become inspired by the experience of visiting Biblical sites while reflecting on teachings to live with wholeness and integrity; to experience the spirituality of leadership in the environment of the Jerusalem YMCA and to reflect on personal leadership gifts to build and hold trust in tourists’ home communities.

To prepare for the trip, members will be invited to an orientation session and to read Parker Palmer’s A Hidden Wholeness. His 2004 book ties together the core themes of 40 years of work: the shape of the integral life, the meaning of community, teaching and learning for transformation, and the importance of nonviolent social change.

Included in the cost are round-trip, economy-class airfare from Newark, N.J. to Tel Aviv, airport departure taxes (subject to change), and ground transportation in Israel. Also included are three-star accommodations in Jerusalem and Peniel-by-Galilee; meals and gratuities, and educational tours by licensed guides, entrance fees, and briefings.

The cost is $4,042 per person double occupancy or $4,322 per person single occupancy. Costs may change due to increases in fuel surcharges and airport taxes. To reserve a place, a deposit of $600 and a completed reservation form are due Oct. 15.

Final payment of the balance is due to the AU alumni office by Dec. 1.

Two information meetings about the trip are planned. George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wis., will host a meeting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, in room B of the Winston Paul Educational Center.

A second meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, in Lowrey-Wackerlin Chapel in Eckhart Hall at 347 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora.

Call (630) 844-5486 or visit http://www.aurora.edu/jerusalem for more information.

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