Passages recently announced Hillsdale students will have a new opportunity to visit Israel this July.
Students on the “Advocacy in Action” trip will have the opportunity to provide humanitarian aid to those in need in Israel, visit Biblical sites, and learn about the recent attacks on the nation.
“Through this unique Israel experience, you will gain first-hand knowledge on the aftermath of Oct. 7, hear expert briefings on the current situation in Israel, and pair your knowledge with action by volunteering with communities most affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, fostering a deeper understanding and solidarity with the resilient people of the region,” a statement from Passages said.
Since the war broke out on Oct. 7, at least 33,000 Palestinians and Israelis have died, according to NPR. There are concerns the conflict will escalate, especially since Iranian forces bombarded Israel April 14, launching more than 300 drones and missiles toward Israel, according to the BBC.
Despite the attack over the weekend, which it called a “definite anomaly,” Passages is still planning the trip.
“We are evaluating the security situation on an ongoing basis with the input of our contacts in Israel,” the statement said. “If Passages determines that we cannot provide a safe trip for you, we will cancel, and your trip registration fee will be fully refunded.”
Don Westblade, assistant professor of religion and organizer of the trip scheduled for July 7-17, said though the college and Passages cannot guarantee safety, he is sure Passages will prioritize student well being.
“An armed and trained guard will accompany the bus on which students travel,” Westblade said. “And, as on past trips, Passages is informed and adept at varying the itinerary to avoid any sites that may appear to entail an unacceptable risk.”
The trip is sponsored by the Philos Project, the Museum of the Bible Foundation, and individual donors and costs $980.
Since 2015, Passages trips have taken hundreds of Hillsdale College students to Israel, visiting sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Sea of Galilee.
Though the trip has now been rescheduled multiple times, with a trip in May being canceled early this semester due to safety concerns, students hope the July trip will be different. Senior Fernando Bravo is one of those students.
“The people of Israel feel lonely, neglected, and fearful that the world is against them,” Bravo said. “I think it’s our opportunity as students to share Christ’s love for the people of Israel by creating an environment for them to feel like normal human beings through conversations and a willingness to listen to them.”
Jeffery “Chief” Rogers, associate dean of men, said he hopes students will use this trip as an opportunity to go serve in Israel.
“Passages is an awesome organization that takes safety seriously,” Rogers said. “This is an awesome opportunity to visit Israel when she is hurting. I get the importance of safety, but if you live a safe life, you will miss the blessed life. Besides, you can’t spell gospel without spelling go. So go.”
For more information about the trip, contact Don Westblade or visit www.passagesisrael.org.
