Embark on a 7-hour guided exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem. Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and alternative perspectives from an expert guide.
- Old City of Jerusalem - The first step of the tour brings us to the Old City where you will receive a detailed briefing, learning about one hundred years of history from the late Ottoman period to the present time. You will also get a brief introduction to Israeli occupation and settlement efforts in the Old City and the nearby Holy Basin.
The morning tour will focus on the centrality of the Old City of Jerusalem to the three monotheistic religions while we explore some of the visible icons of the Israeli Occupation including Jewish settlements in the Christian Quarter and Muslim Quarter, with discussion of their history and implications.
- Western Wall - Then we’ll take a walking tour of the Old City, entering at Damascus Gate through the bustling markets and learning about the division of the city while also visiting some of the sites. We visit the Western Wall Plaza in the core of the Old City which was created over the site of the destroyed Mugrabe neighborhood in the aftermath of the 1967 war. You will also learn about the Temple Mount’s and Al Aqsa’s holiness in Judaism and Islam, and it’s centrality to the conflict.
- Jerusalem - After lunch there will be another short briefing, followed by a ride to learn about the facts while driving through East Jerusalem settlements and Palestinian neighborhoods.
We will stop at various impressive lookout points which paint a clear picture of the distinct differences between East and West Jerusalem
including the modern office towers and highways in the West of the city and unsealed roads and donkeys being ridden in the East. You will have a chance to see the gorgeous panoramic views back to the old city of Jerusalem.
The next part of our tour takes us down the ‘seam line’ road that divides east and west Jerusalem, passing areas that were conquered by Jewish forces in the 1948 War and whose Palestinian residents were mostly given refugee status by the United Nations. You will see Israeli settlements both from that time period, as well as more modern colonies.
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West Bank - Next up, you will have an up-close look of the infamous West Bank Wall - sometimes called the Separation Barrier - which divides not only Arabs and Jews but in many places, Palestinian communities.
This is also an opportune time to learn about the reasons for the wall being built, how well it prevented terrorism and the surveillance of the Palestinian residents. - Ma’ale Adumim - The final stop gives visitors a chance to see the Palestinian village of Anata which is surrounded by the Wall. You will find out about Ma’aleh Adumim, one of the biggest settlements in the West Bank, and we may visit the outlying outposts of the town, and learn about the displacement of the local Jahalin Bedouin. Some of the lookout points include captivating views of the Judean Desert and the ‘E1’ planning zone that is set to be filled with new settlement neighborhoods and tourist hotels.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Gratuities
- Lunch
This is our premier excursion, and it can be the foundation for more extensive investigation of the nation.
This experience is designed for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of the struggle between the Israelis and Palestinians, to move a bit past the simple ‘Them versus Us’ narrative, and to acquire knowledge from a guide who possesses substantial expertise and an unconventional viewpoint.
- Travel Document: A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
