A Mission to Listen

In all the world, there are fewer places more fragile, misunderstood, or complex than the contested land of Israel-Palestine. Students participating in Quest: Israel-Palestine 2012 will have the incredible opportunity to travel to this epicenter of global conflict in order to dialogue with the people and organizations who are dedicating their lives to peacemaking and reconciliation and listen attentively to those trying to live normal lives in a region historically entrenched in conflict.

The Quest program began with Israel-Palestine (IP) back in 2003, and this trip has been foundational to the program ever since. In 2012, the fifth year going back to this troubling yet captivating region of the world, we will again provide students with opportunities to hear the stories of ordinary people, stories that don't make international news. In a land that is typically portrayed as filled with much hate and anger, participants will receive an important reminder of the oneness of humankind, the kindness of strangers, and the shared experiences of all people regardless of their creed or nationality. It is our hope that this Quest will renew your faith in people and restore your hope for reconciliation.

The application deadline for this trip has been set for Sunday, February 5! This is a popular trip and spots are sure to fill up quickly, so don't delay! If you have any questions, please do not hestitate to get in touch with Crossing Intern, Eric Ogi, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also, make sure to check out our pictures of past Quest: IP trips on our Facebook page!

Trip Highlights:

Quest: Israel-Palestine will take place following final exams in May 2012. This trip will feature meetings with various people and organizations working for peace and allow participants to hear the voices of ordinary citizens of a variety of political and religious persausions.

• Visiting places of religious, cultural, and historic importance in Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem
• Meeting with students at an integrated Jewish / Christian / Muslim school
• Visiting a Palestinian refugee camp and the separation barrier
• Visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum
• Meeting with community leaders, including Jewish rabbis and Israel and Palestinian human rights activists
• Homestays with Jewish and Palestinian families
• Exploring the Masada, swimming in the Dead Sea, and seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls

Pre-Trip Meetings:

Group meetings before departure not only allow participants to become familiar with the issues that are central to their destination, but they also give everyone a chance to get to know their fellow travelers. As these meetings are an integral part of the entire experience, it is important that you are able to commit to attending them upon receiving an invitation to travel with Quest. Meetings will begin in February and take place on Sundays at 7pm about every two weeks before departure.

Payment Information:

The trip cost includes all ground transportation, lodging, activities, and many meals. Airfare is purchased seperately under the direction of the Crossing. Fundraising activities can significantly defray the cost of the trip, and most students find about half their trip costs can be covered if they participant in Quest's fundraising program. This cost does not include any personal expenditures, and we recommend that participants bring about $100 of spending money per week for snacks, gifts, souvenirs, and incidental expenses. Participants will also need to factor in costs related to all international travel, such as those associated with obtaining personal items, luggage, up-to-date passports, and any recommended inoculations.

If you are invited to travel on Quest: Israel-Palestine, $500 non-refundable deposit will be required within five days of acceptance to secure your spot on the trip.