In such a delicate historical moment for the Middle East, we want to show and share experiences of possible coexistence among different peoples, cultures, and religions. We do not set out to propose an ideal model but to showcase the reality of people, communities, works, and projects that narrate and testify to the encounter.
A trip aimed at young people and guided by Ettore Soranzo
The program is designed for a minimum of 9 people aged between 18 and 30 and represents a unique opportunity to understand a complex and fascinating reality by experiencing it firsthand in the field and benefiting from the testimony of leaders and ordinary people.
The trip will be guided by Ettore Soranzo, who has been in the Holy Land for over 25 years, working as a technical manager for the hospital in Nazareth and for the Custody of the Holy Land. Ettore will serve as a tutor. The tutor accompanies the participants throughout the entire program, helping with understanding, listening, discussion, and the discovery of the places. In addition to meetings and visits, the tutor will help delve into the ancient and recent history of the conflict during visits and transfers. A couple of preparatory meetings will also be organized with the leaders of pro Terra Santa and the tutor to provide knowledge of some key moments in history to better face the trip.
The various dimensions of the program
The Territorial and Cultural Dimension
The program represents an opportunity to discover and learn about the territory. Guided tours are planned to the most culturally and historically significant places such as
- Jerusalem, walking tour and guide in the Old City. Guided visit of the Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane, and the Tomb of Mary. Visit to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. Visit to the Convent of the Flagellation and the Terra Sancta Museum, a project developed by proTS in collaboration with the Franciscan friars of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, offering educational activities to the youth of the Old City of Jerusalem.
- Bethlehem, guided tour of the historic center, the Basilica of the Nativity, and the Milk Grotto. Walk along Star Street. Visit Dar al Majus and the Mosaic Centre of Bethlehem, cultural and educational projects promoted by proTS. Stroll through the suq, the typical Arab market. Walk and guide along the separation wall, built following the Second Intifada. Visit Aida Camp, one of the three refugee camps in Bethlehem, and visit the Walled Off Hotel by Banksy, as well as the artist's exhibition, who in recent years has been particularly attentive to denouncing the occupation situation in Palestine.
- Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Stop and visit from above one of the monasteries carved into the rock, St. George in Koziba. Guided tour of Hisham's Palace. Visit the archaeological sites of Tell es-Sultan and the Ein es-Sultan spring. Upon return, visit the Mosque of Nabi Musa or stop at the Dead Sea.
- Bethany, visit to the archaeological site, the Tomb of Lazarus, and the conservation and development project carried out by proTS in the Holy Place owned and managed by the Custody of the Holy Land.
- Galilee, on the journey northward, passing through the Jordan Valley, stopping at the site of the Baptism of Jesus and/or the location of the Good Samaritan. Visit some places on the Sea of Galilee (Tabgha, Capernaum). Visit Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation. If time allows, visit Mount Tabor and/or some cities on the coast like Acre, Haifa, or archaeological sites such as Caesarea or Apollonia.
If mobility in the West Bank improves, which is currently restricted due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, it will be possible to visit Samaria, passing through Nablus (ancient Shechem), and visiting Jacob's Well, a place that recalls the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman.
The historical-political and social dimension
The program aims to introduce the historical-political dimension of this land, fostering dialogues and encounters to delve into the most significant events of recent decades and the different readings and interpretations that still fuel the conflict between Arabs and Jews, secular and religious, groups belonging to different ethnic and linguistic groups, Eastern and Western.
Furthermore, numerous visits and meetings with ordinary people will be proposed, with whom proTS fosters relationships and friendships, and with social and educational works that bear witness to goodness and hope. Recently, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said, "Love is not explained, it is encountered." As Pro Terra Sancta, thanks to our collaborators engaged in the field, volunteers, and religious involved with local communities, we seek to provide space for encounters with those who know how to bring love and help in their own small daily space. Meetings with religious figures and charitable works will be an opportunity to discover the importance of the ancient and diverse Christian presence in the Middle East, always at the service of the population. It will also be possible to meet the staff of pro Terra Sancta in Bethlehem and Jerusalem and of the Mosaic Center, a reality of Palestinian mosaicists and restorers present in Jericho, Bethlehem, and Sebastia, with whom proTS has collaborated for many years to support the conservation and enhancement of the Holy Places.
