The Passages student trip to Israel is still planned for this winter — even as war continues to rage in the region — but organizers warn it won’t happen if intense fighting continues between Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces.

“Safety is paramount,” said Jeffery “Chief” Rogers, associate dean of men and a trip organizer. “I do not think it will go because the IDF has said that this incursion into the Gaza Strip is going to take some time, and we aren’t going to have people on the ground while that is going on.”

The trip is sponsored by the Philos Project and the Museum of the Bible Foundation. Since 2015, Passages trips have taken hundreds of Hillsdale students to Israel, visiting sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Sea of Galilee. 

“The Passages trip is a wonder,” said Paul Rahe, professor of history and another trip organizer. “It is an inexpensive way for Christian college students at Hillsdale and elsewhere to visit the Holy Land and to get a read on Israeli-Palestinian relations.”

Rahe also said he doubts the trip will happen.

“In my opinion, the trip planned for this year will not take place,” Rahe said. “Things may settle down a bit by the end of December, but the danger will be great.” 

Rahe said his daughter, who attends the University of Chicago, was supposed to spend the winter in Egypt.

“I have told her to withdraw,” Rahe said. “Now is not the time for Americans to travel in the Arab world.” 

According to the latest Passages update, leadership believes Israel will be safe for travel by the end of the year.

“There is growing consensus in the Israel Defense Forces briefings that Israel’s operation in response to the Hamas terror attacks will last approximately one month and that Israel could be safe again for educational travel near the end of the year,” said Harrison Kone, Passages’ director of recruitment. “We remain optimistic for a quick end to the war.”

Don Westblade, assistant professor of religion and a trip organizer, said some students have chosen to drop out of the trip. He added he will trust Passages’ decision.

“Passages has better access to better sources of information about the security situation in Israel than any of us who have to rely on the mainstream media,” Westblade said. “I will trust their assessment of the safety of the trip. They will not make any decisions that endanger the safety of the students and staff who participate.”

Senior Fernando Bravo said he looks forward to traveling to Israel as soon as it is safe.

“We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support the Jewish community through prayer and meaningful conversations to fight antisemitism,” Bravo said. “As soon as students have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, I highly encourage everyone to do so.”

The war erupted when Hamas soldiers invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. Since then, fighting has killed more than 1,400 Israelis, according to the ABC News. At least 32 Americans have also been killed.

Israel responded to the attack by targeting Hamas forces in Gaza with airstrikes, and promising a ground offensive into Gaza.

Hamas said on Oct. 31 the death toll in Gaza was more than 8,000, but the group has been known to falsify claims before, according to the New York Post.

Senior Luke Hollister, who went on the most recent Passages trip, said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has helped him better understand the current conflict.

“Speaking with both Israelites and Palestinians during my trip impressed upon me how complicated the situation is,” Hollister said. 

Junior Joy Hanes agreed it helps to have context for the news. 

“In light of the recent events, I am all the more thankful that I was able to go to Israel in January because I have an understanding of the current events,” she said.

Students organized an ecumenical service to remember Israel and mourn the innocent lives lost. All students, faculty, and community members are welcome to attend the 7:30 p.m. service in Christ Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 7. 

Shavit Rootman ’20, an Israeli citizen who was in Israel for a friend’s wedding when Hamas attacked, said he decided to stay and volunteer his services, even though he lives in the United States.

“Since I am unable to work closely with the military, I am volunteering and working with the special ops units of the police,” Rootman said. “I’ve been working with the police to prevent terror attacks and arrest those who might be an issue.”

Rootman, serving in Judea and Samaria, said it has been an unbelievable experience to be in a country at war.

“I went to visit friends a few days ago and at one point while we were in the middle of the road, there was the rocket siren,” Rootman said. “We saw seven or eight rockets flying from the Gaza Strip about 1,000 feet over our heads.”

Rootman said as the rockets started to dive toward the ground, he watched the Iron Dome, Israel’s air defense system, intercept them right above their heads. 

“It is insane,” Rootman said. “To see the rockets and hear them was a crazy reality.” 

Rootman said Israelis have been devastated by reactions from many around the world to the conflict.

“People are very strong, very united, and very devastated from all the hostages that are still held captive in the Gaza Strip,” Rootman said. “Also, the amount of antisemitism and anti-Israeli calls and protests all over schools in America are so scary and hateful.”

According to the New York Post, at least 10 kidnapped Americans are still missing, while hundreds of Americans are trapped in Gaza.

Hanes said she prays for the safety of those she met on the trip.

“My mind immediately went to the father of a family of young kids that the Hillsdale group met. He showed us around his neighborhood which was located only a few steps from the wall to the Gaza Strip and told us about what it is like living in constant threat of rocket strikes,” Hanes said. “He and his family live in Netiv Ha-asara which is about eight miles from Sderot where one of the first attacks from Hamas took place. I pray that they are safe.”