QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How do Solidarity Trips help Israelis?
Listening and understanding is the greatest help a trip brings to the people of Israel. Pick fruit at farms that are short-handed. Meet families displaced by war. Serve a BBQ to soldiers: weed, clean, paint, or anything to help Israelis get back on their feet.
STAND with Israel by staying with Israelis in their time of need.
ENCOURAGE Israelis with your visit to Israel to help, listen, and pray.
HELP in practical ways to communicate your support to the people of Israel.
MEET Jews, religious and secular, Arab Israelis, Israeli farmers, displaced families, and service men and women in the Israeli Defense Force. You will leave with new friends in Israel.
EXPLORE the land Jesus called home with adventure in Galilee and Jerusalem, reflection at holy sites, and conversations with people of the land.
PRAY. Become a watch-person on the walls of Jerusalem to pray for Israel in Israel.
Are people traveling to Israel at this time?
Yes, well-known people like Franklin Graham and Jerry Steinfeld are some of the top leaders who have visited Israel since the war began. Many faith-based organizations, both Christian and Jewish, are offering solidarity tours. Major airlines like The people of Israel are greatly encouraged by the famous and by everyday people who visit to care.
What about safety?
Philip’s House works with our partners Sar-El Tours to consider every safety precaution. The Sar-El website reports: The Hamas-Israel war is ongoing but the fighting is primarily in the Gaza strip, making it quite safe to travel to Israel. Moreover, tour providers can reroute trips based on changes on the ground. Travelers on a Philip’s House trip are taught the principles of safe travel. Local experts will guide each day with the most up-to-date safety information. There are safe rooms on the floor of your accommodation.
What about insurance?
Philip’s House includes a basic travel insurance policy free in your fare through Faith Ventures Travel Insurance. They are a faith-based company that specializes in ministry travel. They are committed to offering insurance to those who support Israel. There are additional policies available that travelers may choose to add to basic travel insurance. Consult the Faith Ventures website for further details.
Where do we stay?
Most tours are 6 nights in Galilee and 1 night in Jerusalem. Reflect over the Sea of Galilee with 6 nights at Virginia House, a Christian retreat home overlooking the village of Mary Magdalene. In Jerusalem, hotel accommodation is provided at hotels like the Leonardo or Grand Court.
What is the tour provider?
This trip is provided by Philip’s House a Seattle-based tour company with deep friendships in Israel. That means you will meet everyday Israelis and understand their point of view.
The founder is Philip McCallum, pastor of Evergreen Church in Bothell. He is experienced in Israeli travel. He has been to Israel multiple times during this difficult time. Meet him on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.
PHILIP’S HOUSE hosts ACTIVE tours of ISRAEL for INFLUENCERS from all nations to make Israeli FRIENDS and return home to a life of huge INFLUENCE. The company mission is built around the life of Philip in the Bible. He was a Jewish believer in Jesus who had a house where Jews and people from other nations met.
Who gives support in Israel?
Sar-El Tours partners with Philip’s House to provide the safest and best in travel, accommodation, and opportunities to help. Sar-El is the largest tour provider in Israel. It’s owned by followers of Jesus. They provide the best in accommodation, transportation, and licensed, professional tour guides.
What makes Philip’s House trips to Israel unique?
Philip’s House tours are about ENCOUNTER. Get sand in your shoes that the disciples shook from their sandals.
ACTIVATE: Explore the paths Jesus walked, climb the mountains he climbed, or kayak on the Sea of Galilee where he walked.
MEDITATE: You are encouraged to take a paper Bible along. You will have time to reflect on a passage written about the spot where you stand.
RELATE: Meet Jews and Israeli-Arabs. Some are secular, some are religious, and a few are believers in Jesus. Israelis you meet will cause Bible personalities of history to spring to life in your imagination. Most of all, visit congregations of believers in Jesus. See more than the rocks of archaeology. Meet the living stones.
Is this a good time to travel to Israel?
YES! Imagine visiting historic sites without crowds. Holy sites are empty of tourists. Enjoy peace at holy sites like Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, Mount Arbel, Golgotha, and the resurrection tomb of Jesus.
What are the best months for me to go?
The ideal months to travel to Israel are March-May and September-November. December, January, and February are rainy, and June-September is hot.
What about passports and visas?
United States and Canadian citizens just need a passport valid 6 months after their departure to receive a 90-day visa upon entry to Israel. There is a comprehensive list of requirements for all other nations on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. If you do not have a passport or your passport is expired, apply now so you are ready to go. Here is how to apply for a USA passport, and if time is short before your trip, here’s how to get a USA passport fast.
What about WIFI and mobile phone?
Your tour bus and hotel offer free wifi. Many phone carriers offer phone and internet coverage in Israel. Check with your carrier. eSIMS are a great option for some smartphones. Philip’s House recommends Airlo for eSIMS in Israel. Short-term SIM card plans are available at the airport. The locals who work with Philip’s House will help you get connected.
Are Israelis friendly?
Yes, Israelis are open. If you have a question, just ask. They also have a reputation for being direct. So don’t be offended if someone is more blunt than at home. It just means it's okay for you to be direct, too.
What’s the food like?
Amazing! You’ve never had veggies so fresh. Israel is a nation of immigrants, so there are the best flavors of the world. If you like cheese, you’re going to love Israeli breakfast! Try these:
SHAKSHUKA is a breakfast dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.
SCHWARMA is lamb, chicken, or beef cut into thin slices, roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie, mixed with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, tumeric, and paprika, served in pita with Tahina sauce.
ISRAELI BREAKFAST was first served on the kibbutz as a breakfast buffet, this includes samples of fruits, vegetables, salads, breads, pastries, dairy foods, eggs and fish.
FRESH HUMAS is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, accompanied with a garnish olive oil, parsley, paprika plus warm pita bread.
HALVA is a sweet confection made from sugar syrup and ground sesame seeds, enjoyed in thin slices at breakfast.
KANAFEH Slivers of filo pastry are browned then nestled in sweet cheese, and saturated in a sweet syrup of pistachio with rose or orange blossom. Served with Arabic Coffee.
What should I pack?
First pack an open mind. You are visiting a new culture. Nothing is wrong, just different. If something isn’t to your liking, just change your liking! Pack the following too
In your suitcase:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Hiking shoes for walks on rugged trails
Walking shoes for walks on paved pathways
Flip Flops
Nice pair of shoes if you want to
Water Bottle
Underwear
Socks
Layer-able, versatile clothes in non-wrinkle fabrics
Short and long sleeve tops
Hoodie or sweater
Light jacket/Rain jacket
Jeans
Sweatpants
Gym clothes & sneakers
Swimsuit
PJs
Small backpack for day touring
Scarf for women as head covering to enter some religious buildings
Shorts may not be worn in some religious buildings, and long pants or skirt covering the knee is required: eg Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Church of All Nations (Garden of Gethsemane), The Western Wall.
Basic meds: throat lozenges, Band-Aids, Advil, Neosporin, etc.
In your carry-on the plane:
Bible
Passport
Photocopy of your passport (leave another copy at home)
Airline ticket or electronic version
Credit card or debit card for the trip
Travel insurance information
Power Adapter for Israel (The H Power Adapter)
Cell phone and charger
Camera or your cell phone camera
Personal prescription medications
Pack 2 changes of clothes in your carry-on just in case your bag does not arrive.
Toiletry Bag Basics
Any liquids should be in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 ounces) and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (up to 20x20cm).
Shaving kit
Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss
Hair products including brush / comb
Deodorant & personal hygiene items
What about electricity?
Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz and uses the European “H Plug” with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers.
Do I need to speak Hebrew?
Many Israelis speak English well. Hebrew is the main language, but many speak Arabic, Russian, and other languages. Translation apps on your smartphone are a great help in navigating signs. Learn a few phrases in Hebrew to connect with local people.
Count to 10 in Hebrew:
1 Echad
2 Shtayim
3 Shalosh
4 Arba
5 Khamesh
6 Shesh
7 Sheva
8 Shmone
9 Tesha
10 Eser
Shalom—Literally means “peace” and if you learn one word to use in Israel, make it this one. Used for hellos and goodbyes, and plenty of other uses in between.
Manishmá—What’s up? Friendly way of asking friends “do you want to go to the beach and have a good time, maybe buy some cheap beers and make up funny stories about the tourists on the beach?”
Ken means YES
Lo means NO
Toda means THANKS.
Bevakasha means PLEASE.
Slicha means EXCUSE ME or SORRY. It comes in handy at the airport and waiting in line.
Tov means GOOD
Boker tov — GOOD MORNING
Laila tov — GOOD EVENING
Lehitra’ot means BYE!
Achi means “My Brother” (or Brother).
Shabbat Shalom The Jewish greeting on Shabbat.
Kama ze ole? Means “How much does it cost”.
Be te’avon Hebrew for Bon Apetit!
Shmi … means “my name is…”
Efo ha-sheruteem? Where is the bathroom?
Efshar kheshbon, bevakasha? Can we have the bill, please?
What currency do Israelis use?
Israeli currency is called the Shekel. You can exchange currency at the airport, recommended ATMs, and exchanges. Your credit card will work in Israel. Tipping is encouraged just like in North America.
Keep Shabbat in mind.
From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, many businesses shut down to observe the Shabbat day of rest. This can include restaurants, public transportation, and shops, and, offices. On Friday and Saturday, the greeting changes to “Shabbat Shalom!” That means to have a good rest.
Flow with Kosher eating.
You will notice that eggs, cheese, fruits, and veggies are on the menu for breakfast, while at night there will be meat, veggies, bread with no butter. Breakfast has no bacon. Pizza has no sausage or pepperoni, but maybe tuna. During Passover, there will be no bread with yeast. Oh yes, at the hotel, you will likely have no coffee on Saturday morning. On your way back to your hotel room the elevator will automatically stop at every floor. When you try to use the hotel iron, it won’t work. Shabbat Shalom! These are just some of the ways that kosher dietary rules and sabbath rules are part of life.
Can I afford it?
God can make a way. In Psalm 84 pilgrims make a decision to travel to Jerusalem and “they go from strength to strength until each appears before God in Zion.” In that spirit of faith, Philip’s House has a payment plan to help you pay one month at a time.
What are the Terms and Conditions of the trip?
If you have read this far, you are a details person! Here is a comprehensive list of Terms and Conditions for our tours.