Pilgrimage: Israel

The Office of the Chaplaincy explored the intersection of faith and society in Israel, the heart of the Abrahamic faiths. Together, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students explored how to develop relationships across lines of similarity and difference within faith traditions. We sought common values of listening, respect, and compassion, so that we returned with a renewed commitment to our individual faiths and a new commitment to support our neighbors in their faith.

The Program

The experience in Israel included stops in the Galilee region, Haifa, and Jerusalem. We worked with numerous organizations in Israel to help illuminate the present-day experience of Jews, Christians, and Muslims living alongside one another in the Holy Land. We visited major religious sites and had time to explore the old city of Jerusalem. We also explored current conflicts between Israel and Palestine and considered how this affects interfaith communication in the region.

• The 2011 Pilgrimage to Israel was led by Emily Cobb, director of multifaith initiatives, and Craig Kocher, university chaplain.
• The 2012 Pilgrimage to Israel was led by Emily Cobb, director of multifaith initiatives, and Andrew Goodman, campus rabbi and director of religious social responsibility.
• The 2015 Pilgrimage to Israel was led by Emily Cobb, director of multifaith initiatives, and Molly Field, community engagement program manager.

Final Reflections

Produced by Kim Catley