Aurora University To Preview Holy Land Tour

AURORA, Ill.—Aurora University will host an information meeting about a guided trip to Israel the university will sponsor March 19-28, 2009.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, in Lowry-Wackerlin Chapel in Eckhart Hall, third floor, at 347 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora.

The public is invited. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.

Tour leader and AU Associate Professor of Education Ronald Ramer will describe the trip. He will also show photos he took during a recent visit to Jerusalem.

The trip is under the auspices of the Jerusalem International YMCA, which will provide arrangements and lodging for six nights. Two other nights will be spent at the YMCAs guesthouse and retreat center on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

The public is invited and enrollment is limited. The sponsor, AU’s Office of Alumni Relations, is accepting registrations.

Ramer said the tour will explore Biblical sites in Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem and Qumran, location of the Dead Sea scrolls. Destinations include the Mount of Olives, Christian and Muslim areas of Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Other highlights are swims in the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee, a visit to Nazareth and the remains of Caesarea, a city that Herod the Great dedicated to Caesar Augustus more than 2000 years ago.

“While visiting historic and sacred sites,” Ramer said, “we will meet with local academic and community leaders to gain insights from different faith and political perspectives.”

In addition to sightseeing, trip members will learn about the work of local non-profit organizations, and how spirituality influences leaders working for peace.

Ramer added, "The influence of leaders working for peace begins when one approaches the entrance to the Jerusalem YMCA and reads the plaque facing its entrance.

“The plaque bears the vision of Lord Allenby spoken at the building's dedication 75 years ago: 'Here is a place whose atmosphere is peace where political and religious jealousies can be forgotten and international unity be fostered and developed.' "

Objectives of the tour are to become inspired by the experience of visiting Biblical sites while reflecting on teachings to live with wholeness and integrity; to experience the spirituality of leadership in the environment of the Jerusalem YMCA and to reflect on personal leadership gifts to build and hold trust in tourists’ home communities.

To prepare for the trip, members will be invited to an orientation session and to read Parker Palmer’s A Hidden Wholeness. His 2004 book ties together the core themes of 40 years of work: the shape of the integral life, the meaning of community, teaching and learning for transformation, and the importance of nonviolent social change.

The cost includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from Newark, N.J. to Tel Aviv, airport departure taxes (subject to change), and ground transportation in Israel. Also included are three-star accommodations in Jerusalem and Peniel-by-Galilee; meals and gratuities, and educational tours by licensed guides, entrance fees, and briefings.

The cost is $4,042 per person double occupancy or $4,322 per person single occupancy. Costs may change due to increases in fuel surcharges and airport taxes.

To reserve a place, a deposit of $600 and a completed reservation form are due Oct. 15. Final payment of the balance is due to the AU alumni office by Dec. 1.

Call (630) 844-5486 or visit http://www.aurora.edu/jerusalem for more information.

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