By Karen Whiting
“Aren’t you scared to go to Israel with all the conflicts?” several friends asked.
“No,” I replied, “God opened the door, so I trust He wants me there.”
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism chose me and three other Christian journalists from the US for a tour of the Holy Land.
The first week of June 2024, walking to pick up my baggage at the Tel Aviv airport, I saw photos of the hostages still in captivity, with their names and the pleas for their safe return. It caught my heart, especially since many of my family served my country. I had no clue that this week a rescue mission would bring home four of the hostages.
Shared Bonds Across Borders
One of my tour guides, Sharon, knew her son would return to Gaza during my tour.
She asked how I faced it when my son served in Iraq in the US Air Force. I shared that I prayed and trusted him to God. We talked quite a bit about our sons in harm’s way. We visited wonderful and memorable sites and saw archeology that helped me when I returned and finished writing a biblical archeology book for tweens.
The enlightening experience added authenticity to the book that will be released in 2026. We met shop workers, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, and others who struggled with few tourists, trying to make enough to cover their bills with so few people traveling to Israel. We strolled along peaceful streets, visiting as far south as Jaffa and as far north as the north side of the Sea of Galilee, as well as Jerusalem.
Pictures of Real Life
Fewer tourists meant shorter lines.
I bought what I could fit in my suitcase, wanting to help the local workers. I tipped extra and listened to the people, both Jews and Arabs. They all got along. Like here when we face struggles, people in Israel reach out to help one another.
One special dinner took us to the home of a local family in Jerusalem. The mom shared how her daughter returned from Gaza just before October 7, but friends died. Her younger son will serve next year, and she’s worried. I shared my experience of my oldest son serving in Iraq. We talked and bonded, as the universal desire of moms to keep their children safe bridges time zones and nationalities.
A Sacred Journey
My experiences touched my heart and excited me to walk where Jesus walked, touch archeological digs, meet archeologists, and see the beauty of the land.
As others had told me, visiting Israel is an unforgettable experience. I heard the cry of people’s hearts to not forget them and to do what we can for the safe return of their loved ones. People I met expressed thanks for prayers and our support.
Strength in Unity
Soldiers stood with weapons on corners and the tops of buildings, but I felt unafraid.
Most fighting takes place in Gaza, at the far south of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the IDF forces to prevent their entry into the rest of Israel; or in the north coming from airstrikes from Iran that the IDF mostly destroys in the air.
Visiting Israel shows support, trust in God, and lets the people know they are not forgotten. It also means short lines to the holiest places on earth. Let’s continue praying for all hostages to be freed.
Award-winning author Karen Whiting writes books for moms, parents, and children, including Growing a Peaceful Heart and 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer.
