Are people traveling to Israel at this time?

Yes, 99% of Israel is open to tourist travel. There is security on the borders of Israel. Most travelers to Israel today comment on how they feel safe and life is moving on as normal.

Do Israelis want visitors to come.

Israelis appreciate when tourists take time to know them as much as the Bible sites.

STAND with Israel by staying with Israelis in their time of need. 

ENCOURAGE Israelis with your visit to Israel to help, listen, and pray. 

MEET Jews, religious and secular, Arab Israelis. 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.

What about safety?

Philip’s House partners with Israel’s largest tour company, Sar-El Tours 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.

Sar-El have kept over 1.25 million travelers safe over the past 31 years. They are experts in Israel travel safety. Travelers on a Philip’s House trip are guided in the principles of safe travel. Local experts will guide each day with the most up-to-date safety information. There are secure rooms on the floor of your accommodation. Tours will not be taken into areas that are known to be unsafe. Expect your itinerary to change if the security situation changes.

What is Philip’s House?

This trip is provided by Philip’s House a Seattle-based Israel travel 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 says, “I have visited Israel 6 times since October 7, 2023. I started Philip’s House to create a bridge for you to visit Israel and meet believers in the land.” Meet Philip on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

PHILIP’S HOUSE hosts ACTIVE retreats in 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.

What makes Philip’s House trips to Israel unique?

Philip’s House Israel retreats 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 Jesus's resurrection tomb.

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?

The State of Israel advises that all international travelers from visa-exempt countries to Israel must have a valid ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to departing for Israel. A small fee will apply. Visit the State of Israel visa website to apply.

United States and Canadian citizens need a passport valid 6 months after their departure to receive a 90-day visa upon entry to Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a comprehensive list of requirements for all other nations.

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 insurance?

Philip’s House highly encourages travel insurance to cover cancellation, loss of luggage, health emergencies, etc. Search for an insurance package that suits your needs, starting with this link.

What money should I take?

Your credit card will work in Israel. Be sure to notify your bank before you travel. Card is the easiest way to pay for many purchases.

Israeli currency is called the Shekel. You can exchange currency at the airport, recommended ATMs, and exchanges recommended by Philip’s House staff. You can research exchange rates here.

Some restaurants in tourist areas may take US currency. Just ask.

Tipping is encouraged just like in North America.

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.

Some phones support eSIMS. Check your phone. 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.

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.

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 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

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.

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 is 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.

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, and 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 ways that kosher dietary 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.