When the war broke out on Saturday, Oct. 7, my wife and I were in Israel on day 10 of a 13-day tour. By a series of small miracles, we were able to leave commercially the following Monday. We still ask ourselves, “Why us and not them?” Thousands remained stranded at the airport with little hope of leaving as airline after airline canceled flights and stopped service. Doubtless, many of these unfortunate people waited in misery for days. As we lifted off the ground, I felt “survivor’s guilt.” I now understand the term personally.
This trip was our second to Israel, but on a private tour with another couple instead of the standard bus tour we joined in 2018. Those who have traveled to Israel know that for a Christian, a tour there is a pilgrimage, not a vacation. Our guide is well-known, exceptionally knowledgeable, and one of the deans of the guide community in that country. Also a patriot, completely mobile and fit despite grievous combat wounds from his army years.
We passed places south of Jerusalem, in the Golan Heights, and in the Old City of Jerusalem where his unit fought. He pointed out hundreds of bullet-hole pockmarks in the stone south wall of the Old City and explained how some were from his weapon. He energetically promotes peace with Palestinians, to the point of criticizing Israel’s national policy and suggesting very bold ideas for changes to Palestinian relations. We learned a great deal from him.
Our wonderful tour came to
