Israel Solidarity Mission Report

Solidarity Mission Detailed Itinerary Solidarity Mission

Jerusalem at Sunset 
 ISRAEL SOLIDARITY MISSION REPORT
February 26 – March 5, 2024
 

It was heartbreaking to see the destruction, to know that over 1200 lives were lost, and that many hostages are still held in captivity. Yet it was gratifying to be able to give material aid and comfort to wounded soldiers, the displaced, Holocaust survivors, and those who had lost homes, family and friends. Our team had packed extra suitcases full of clothes, shoes, toys, and blankets to be donated at sites we visited. Our mission was “hands-on” in every way…we worked in orange groves, cleaned a Christian school, packaged food for soldiers, and visiting displaced families with food vouchers.

Ed Hill Tours partnered with Dr. Mike Evans and Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, where we donated a large portion of the supplies we brought. Several churches and individuals also sent funds to help Friends of Zion continue to provide housing, clothing, food, and even ceramic vests and tourniquets for soldiers.

Pastor…Take your own Solidarity Mission!

Several pastors have expressed an interest in taking their own small-group Solidarity Mission, and we can make that happen! We will make all land reservations and itinerary arrangements in Israel. To our knowledge, we are the only tour company that has taken a solidarity mission, and we’re making plans to take another mission within 2 or 3 months. If you are unable to take your own mission, contact us about coming with us and of course, members of your congregation or friends may accompany you.

Everywhere we went in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, life seemed quite normal…people were out, shopping, in cafes, with life going on much as usual. Yet there was a overall sense of sadness that could be seen in the eyes of many that we met.

About safety: Our first priority is always the safety of our groups. At the end of the mission, we asked if anyone had felt unsafe at any time. Most seemed surprised we asked the question, but every member said they had felt absolutely safe at all times.

We can provide the names and contact information of the pastors and team members who just returned. They will be happy to answer questions regarding the mission, their involvement, safety, and what being in Israel at this time meant to them.

Mission highlights…

  • Visit Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to view long Shabbat table set for hostages.
  • Visit Sheba Hospital to distribute aid and visit wounded soldiers.
  • Donate clothing and do clean-up work at Christian Friends of Israel school in Jerusalem.
  • Visit Garden of Gethsemane to pray for God’s blessing on the mission.
  • Visit to Friends of Zion Heritage Center to drop off clothing and meet with Holocaust survivors. Gave funds donated by churches and individuals.
  • Picked thousands of oranges which would have gone to waste.
  • Visited First Baptist Church in Bethlehem to support Christian Palestinians
  • Visited towns and kibbutzim near Gaza: Netiv Ha’Asara, Sderot, Netivot, Be’eri, and the site of the Nova music festival where 364 young people were murdered.
  • Donated goods to City of Life Ministries in Sderot and gave grocery vouchers to displaced and needy families.
  • Worked at a packing plant in Netivot preparing packages of vegetables for soldiers.
  • At the music festival site we were briefed by bodyguard of the commanding Israeli general and IDF captain responsible for coordinating the transfer of all wounded soldiers to hospitals.
  • Wayne Hilsden, founder of King of Kings Congregation and FIRM, spoke to our group and received clothing, shoes, and toys for the King of Kings outreach ministry.
  • On our final day we visited the Garden Tomb for communion and reflection.
  • Farewell dinner…sharing and reflecting on all we did and the resilient people we met and were able to bless…soldiers, Holocaust survivors, Messianic congregations, Palestinian Christians, and young people who survived the music festival massacre.