National Events
Second UJPO Solidarity and Support Tour Israel/Palestine April/May 2009
This tour will be an extraordinary opportunity to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Organized by Ronnee Jaeger and Sam Blatt, it is the second tour sponsored by the United Jewish People’s Order (UJPO). Participants will have the opportunity to observe and support Israeli and Palestinian peace groups in their struggle to establish a just peace for the two peoples.
See for Yourself. Decide for Yourself.
The itinerary includes meeting with Israeli and Palestinian activists for peace, including:.
- the struggles of Bedouin living in the Unrecognized Villages in the Negev.
- the social and political development in a Refugee camp in the West Bank.
- the difficult and ongoing work of NGOs and Human Rights groups in the West Bank and in Israel.
- observing and mapping by the UN observer team.
- the wall: its effects on Israel and its devastation of Palestinians.
- checkpoints: with Checkpoint Watch, witnessing and recording the reality.
- East and West Jerusalem – two worlds apart.
- theatre, art, music in the struggle for identity and independence in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, East Jerusalem.
- art as a cultural expression in the Arab-Israeli city of Uhm El Fahm.
- the Holocaust in Israeli culture as expressed by Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum).
- Friday demonstration with Women in Black.
- evening at an anti-occupation nightclub.
Duration
10 days, April/May. Exact dates to be confirmed.
Costs
Approximate cost will be $3000.00, including return airfare from Toronto, land travel in Israel, most meals, hotels in Israel/Palestine, entrance fees. Personal non-tour activities are at one’s own expense, e.g. concerts, separate restaurant meals, personal visits. A deposit of $200.00 is required at the time of booking.
Tour size
The tour group will be limited to a maximum 15 participants.
The Fine Print
While we will do our best to schedule the activities listed above, and others of particular interest to participants, last minute changes should be expected in the unpredictable Middle East. Entry into the West Bank is dependant on military activity at the time. Gaza is now under heavy bombing, and the Israeli army has sealed entry into Gaza. Palestinian colleagues may not be able to cross into Israel to meet with us.
This tour will involve both walking and travel by bus. You must be in good general health to participate fully in this tour. If special accommodation is required, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please discuss this with us in advance.
From the 2005 Tour
“Our 2005 UJPO tour, led by Ronnee and Sam, forever changed my way of thinking about Israel. It changed my life.” ...Roz Usiskin, Winnipeg |
“We appreciate your support for our work, and your tour from Canada was a boost for our morale in these hard times.” ...Lily Traubman, Bat Shalom |