Peacebuilder’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 11, 2026

The Peacebuilder’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is an immersive learning journey through Jordan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Israel, led by experienced peacebuilding practitioners. This unique pilgrimage goes beyond traditional sightseeing to engage deeply with the present-day realities on the ground, allowing participants to witness firsthand the efforts for justice and peacemaking in a deeply divided region.

Beginning in Jordan, we will walk with John the Baptist as our guiding prophetic voice. After we enter Palestine/Israel, we will walk with Jesus as our guiding kingdom voice.

On both sides of the Jordan River, we will ask the question: What might John and Jesus be saying to us NOW? And what does this land look like when seen through their eyes? These questions, in the face of modern realities, will provide a template for transformation and growth as Christ-centered peacebuilders.

While most Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land focus on ancient sites and “walking where Jesus walked,” few engage with today’s communities on the ground or consider the modern parallels and relevancy of Jesus’s words as one who lived under Roman military occupation. Our pilgrimage not only connects you with the historic Jesus but also with the living Christ, who offers hope to suffering communities today.

Our goal is to help you see a larger and more nuanced story. With the guidance of seasoned leaders who know how to navigate the logistical and bureaucratic roadblocks, you’ll learn about the history and current challenges of Christians, Muslims, and Jews in this land. Together, we’ll explore how faith and ethnicity are being weaponized—and how local peacebuilders are working across deep divisions to create hope amidst the longest-running military occupation and conflict in modern history.

holy land pilgrimage interest form

Pilgrimages are transformative journeys that allow us to step away from everyday life and open ourselves to new perspectives. In the Holy Land, our pilgrimage is both a spiritual and relational journey—walking in Jesus's footsteps, listening deeply to the stories around us, and allowing these encounters to reshape our understanding of faith and justice.
During our days in Jerusalem and beyond, you’ll meet with local Christian, Muslim, and Jewish peacebuilders who will help you understand the social, political, and religious issues of the region. Through these conversations, we’ll reflect together on shared challenges, learning to listen actively to each other's diverse experiences.
Finally, we’ll explore how the lessons we learn in Palestine/Israel can inform our own peacebuilding efforts back home. Through dialogue with local leaders, you’ll gain practical insights on how to build momentum in your own context, whether you’re new to this work or already actively involved.
Sisters and Brothers,
We write to you with heavy hearts but steadfast spirits, seeking your solidarity and presence in a time of great need. The land where the prophets once walked has been enduring decades of turmoil, displacement, and violence. Our communities are under continuous attack, and our people, though resilient, feel increasingly isolated.
As people of faith and conscience we are called to follow in the footsteps of those who proclaimed liberty to the captives and comfort to the afflicted. Today many are held captive in Palestine, often in a literal sense, but also by the oppression and suffering inflicted upon them. The cries of our people resonate with the lamentations found in the Psalms, yet we hold firm to our faith and hope for peace.
We deeply appreciate the prayers offered from afar, but now, more than ever, we need our sisters and brothers to join us here, to pray with us, to walk with us, and to stand with us in our struggle for justice and peace. Your presence would be a powerful testament to the unity and compassion revealed in scriptures.
We extend this heartfelt invitation to you, asking you to come to the Holy Land and witness firsthand the reality our communities face. Stand in solidarity with us, be a voice for the voiceless, and help us amplify the call for peace and justice.
Together, let us embody the spirit of the prophetic message, bringing light and hope to those in darkness. May God bless you and guide your hearts to action.
Omar Haramy, Director, Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre
Rifat Kassis, General Coordinator, Kairos Palestine
Munther Isaac, Director, Christ at the Checkpoint Conference; Academic Dean, Bethlehem Bible College, Pastor, ELCJHL

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Trip Details

As part of this Peacebuilder’s Pilgrimage, you will be given access to the new curriculum just launched by our friends at NEME, entitled, “Ascent to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage, Politics and Peacemaking in the Holy Land.” This curriculum was narrated by Mercy Aiken, who is one of the co-leaders for this pilgrimage.
You will be able to watch the videos and read the accompanying PDF text at your own pace, either individually or with a small group of your choice. We will also offer a recommended reading list and more resources from Peace Catalyst.
Prior to departure, we will hold several preparatory Zoom calls to provide background on the history and context of Israel/Palestine, as well as foundational peacebuilding concepts.
Through these calls, we’ll prepare to listen deeply and engage compassionately with the stories of those we will meet.
Our world is fractured and divided, with many of its longest lasting, historical, theological, and political divisions converging in the Holy Land. Palestine has endured decades of military occupation, and the region continues to bear the weight of profound trauma on both sides. Religion, ethnicity, historical grievances, and traumas have been politically weaponized to dehumanize, and sow distrust, polarization and violence.
The ongoing genocidal war on Gaza has expanded across the region, and its polarizing and violent effects ripple into the rest of the world. Gaza will grapple for generations with the long-term effects of siege, starvation, and utter devastation. At the time of this writing, the Gaza genocide continues and the fate of surviving Palestinians in Gaza is yet to be determined.
At the same time, conditions in the West Bank rapidly deteriorate, marked by increasing home demolitions, restricted movement, settler violence, land appropriation/theft, and ongoing displacement within the context of Israeli annexation of the West Bank even as Southern Lebanon is also experiencing ethnic cleansing.
And the moral injury and trauma in Israeli society runs deep.
The broader conflict demands sustained attention and action from all who seek a just and lasting solution.
This pilgrimage is for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Palestine/Israel through the lens of peacebuilders in the land, particularly (but not limited to) Palestinian Christian theologians and leaders. It is an invitation to reimagine a Christlike way of living out Christian vocation in today’s world—embracing practices of truth, mercy, justice, and forgiveness. Through theological reflection and firsthand encounters, you’ll gain tools and perspectives to live out your faith in a renewed, transformative way and to help build peace in the Holy Land.
Preparation is essential for this journey. In addition to several preparatory Zoom calls, access to the NEME curriculum “Ascent to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage, Politics and Peacemaking in the Holy Land,” Peace Catalyst resources, and a suggested reading list, the pilgrimage includes 9 nights in Palestine and Israel, buffered by three nights in Jordan (two at the beginning and one at the end), for a total of 12 nights.
Our itinerary is carefully crafted by our experienced leaders Mercy Aiken and Andy Larsen, along with our local partners at Sabeel Jerusalem.
Please plan to arrive in Jordan on Oct 31 or earlier. We will spend the first night in Madaba, (near Amman) on October 31st. Early arrivals will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating, historic city at their own pace.
The pilgrimage “proper” begins on November 1; a day dedicated to themes of repentance, preparation, eco-peacemaking, and the broader Palestine/Israel context. We will explore a few relevant sites in Jordan, including Mount Nebo and other areas in the Jordan River Valley, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the historical home of John the Baptist, and the site of Jesus’ baptism. We will spend that night at the baptism site, with private access to the Jordan River.
On November 2, we will cross into the Land. During our nine days in the Holy Land, we will visit key locations in and around Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Gaza envelope, and more, including many places “off the beaten track.” Due to the changing context on the ground, our schedule remains flexible to prioritize current events and participant safety. A detailed itinerary will be shared with pilgrims closer to the time of the trip.
As a participant, you can expect to:
- Learn from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other peacemakers working to transform their society.
- Worship with Palestinian Christians, reflecting on faith in the context of occupation.
- Engage in interfaith dialogue and multicultural learning opportunities.
- Witness the resilience and joy of the Palestinian community amid systemic challenges, including religious extremism, shrinking space, the wall, settlements, checkpoints, confiscated land and demolished homes, refugee camps, and environmental degradation.
- Meet with locals who are working to uphold international and humanitarian law.
- Act in solidarity with marginalized and threatened communities.
- Understand the situation in and around Gaza with greater clarity.
- Extend compassion to all people.
- Become empowered to help make a difference in the Holy Land.
Cost: The cost is $2,600 USD per person, covering all accommodations in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine (12 nights total), and all transportation from the time you arrive at the airport in Amman until you are dropped off at the airport in Amman. The cost also covers breakfast and dinner, speaker and guide fees, access to the curriculum, “Ascent to Jerusalem,” and pre- and post- trip zoom calls and information sessions. During this trip, our group will prioritize supporting marginalized Palestinian businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and guides.
Dates: October 31-November 11, with three nights in Jordan and nine in Palestine and Israel.
What’s Not Included: Airfare, visa costs for Jordan and Israel, lunches and snacks, health and travel insurance if you so desire, additional gratuities, personal items, incidental expenses, and any costs related to extended stays due to flight schedules.
Registration Process: After filling out the interest form, the trip leaders will be in touch with you to answer any questions and confirm your participation. Then, in order to complete your registration and reserve your place on the trip, you will be directed to make a $500 nonrefundable deposit.
If the cost is prohibitive for you, we can offer a link for personal fundraising on our website. Please reach out to us and let us know who you are and why you want to come. Be prepared to do the work of reaching out to your network for fundraising, etc.
We also offer customized pilgrimages for church groups, universities, and community organizations. Each experience can be tailored to focus on the peacebuilding themes and questions most relevant to your group. Contact us here to let us know your interest in a custom pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage

Facilitators

A smiling man and woman taking a selfie outside a building with a sign that says 'Peace' on the stone wall.

Andy
Larsen

A woman with long brown hair smiling while taking a selfie outdoors, with an old stone building and a woman on a balcony in the background.

Mercy
Aiken

Local Speakers

While in the land, you will hear from many leading Christian, Muslim, and Jewish peace and justice advocates, including non-violent activists, theologians, women leaders and more, all of whom will provide depth, nuance, and insight to the situation on the ground. Our team on the ground in Jerusalem are well-seasoned and well-connected. As respected Palestinian Christian leaders, they have been doing this work for many years and have hosted thousands of international pilgrims.

You will also have the experience and leadership of the PCI team: Andy Larsen, and Mercy Aiken.