ISRAEL CRAZY
The Holy Land

12-Day Educational Group Tour
Oct 25, 2026 — Nov 5, 2026SPECIAL NOTE
Nov 6-12 add-on to see Biblical sites in Jordan. Let me know.Educational Tour for Merry Adventurers

ATTENTION ATTENTION
Update regarding our Israel/Jordan educational group tour scheduled for October 2026 — Safety and security are always at the top of my list when leading at least 25 tours over the decades. Because of all that is going on in Iran and the surrounding region, I am waiting to see what happens.On May 31st, 2026 I will make a final decision about the upcoming tour in late October. At that point we all can have a better view of what’s happening and can then make an informed decision both individually and collectively.Over the decades, I have seen things get quite volatile. And then…everything calms down prior to the tour. We have gone on those trips and it has been an amazing experience for all.We all take a “political cleanse” for the entire tour. We are completely focused on the geography, topography, and archaeology as it all relates to the biblical/historical narrative and any spiritual application to our lives.Will it be peaceful and calm in late October? None of us knows. However, by May 31st we should have a better perspective. All the necessary logistics are still in place. Hope that makes sense.Let me know your thoughts.

A STEP BACK IN TIME
The Israel Trip of a Lifetime

LOOKING FOR MERRY ADVENTURERS
People who are interested in connecting the history, archaeology, geography
and topography of Israel to their personal understanding of Biblical times.I N T E R E S T E D ?
After leading at least 25 educational tours of Israel over the decades, we are ready to lead our next educational tour of Israel in Oct 25 to Nov 5, 2026. There are still some open seats.Shirley and I were in Jordan and Israel for a month in Oct/Nov 2025, so we now have a firsthand report on the safety levels throughout Israel. People live everyday lives in Israel. Grocery shopping. Playing chess at a cafe. Going to work. Restaurants. Hiking. The beach.

The fact of the matter is that I feel safer in Israel than in a number of communities of various sizes throughout America. And I would never take my wife to that region for a month if I thought it was unsafe.Text me (Joel) your name, your level of interest, and any questions you may have: 410.991.9718Shirley takes care of accounting: 410.991.2615It's time...

See the smiles? Can you feel the camaraderie and the sense of adventure?This is a Freeman Institute tour.

I took a trip to Israel with Joel Freeman in 2014 and our time was an experience beyond my wildest dreams. Joel orchestrated a tremendous experience for our group which included me -- a former NFL chaplain -- and one of our Super Bowl winning players and his family. If you're a professional athlete, Joel understands the unique travel needs you and your family will have. We had top tier accommodations all the way! Thanks Joel for a life-changing experience.
-- Rod Hairston, NFL Chaplain (retired), Baltimore Ravens

Five Smooth Stones

We are limiting the upcoming all-inclusive 2026 trip to only 48 people. Ask why.We guarantee that we will never fill more than one bus. Ask why.We always use non-stop flight itineraries to and from Tel Aviv. Ask why.We lead tours to Israel only in late Oct/Nov and/or March. Ask why.

Recommendations

PERSONAL NOTE
When thinking about the Middle East, it is easy to become uneasy about being a part of this upcoming tour in Oct/Nov 2026.I have led at least 25 educational group tours over the decades and have seen it all.
Consider these points:1. You have until July 15, 2026 to make a final decision without penalty.2. I have many friends with boots on the ground and in high places within that region who let me know what's happening.3. I am hyper-sensitive about safety on every tour I lead...especially the trip planned in Oct/Nov, 2026.4. Call with any concerns. cell: 410-991-9718
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I S R A E L

Day 1 to Day 12
With some surprises to be addedOct 25 Sun Departure from USOct 26 Mon Arrival TEL AVIV
Upon arrival to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met by a Tutku Israeli representative and transferred directly to Shiloh for a visit and the to your hotel in the Sea of Galilee region enjoy the late afternoon free and have dinner and overnight at the Sea Of Galilee hotel.(D)Oct 27 Tue Sea of Galilee – Jesus Ministries
Start our morning after a refreshing breakfast, with a visit to Magdala, the New Testament fishing village continue and visit the 2,000-year-old Ginnosar Boat ("Jesus Boat") discovered in 1986. at 11:30 AM – Take a private boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, followed by a a traditional St. Peter’s Fish lunch by the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After lunch Visit Tabgha, the traditional site of the multiplication of loaves and fish (John 6:1–14).Walk to the nearby Church of the Primacy of Peter, marking the place where Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection (John 21). Then proceed to Capernaum, where Jesus taught in the synagogue and performed many miracles continue to Kursi located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and is believed to be the site of the "Miracle of the Swine" (Luke 8:26–39, Mark 5:1–20, Matthew 8:28–34). The remains of a large Byzantine monastery and church mark the site today. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)Oct 28 Wed Chorazim, Hazor, Caesarea Philippi, Dan
Start our day at The Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and is traditionally recognized as the site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). It offers serene gardens and panoramic views, inviting reflection on the teachings of compassion, humility, and peace. Continue to Chorazim, one of the cities Jesus rebuked (Matthew 11:21), known for its well-preserved black basalt synagogue. Continue to the Upper Galilee and stop in Tel Hatzor and view the ancient excavations dating back to Joshua’s conquest of Israel. (The book The Source by James A. Michener is based on Tel Hatzor.) Next, we are headed north to the ruins of the prehistoric settlement at Tel Dan, once a thriving Canaanite community and the northern limit of the Promised Land. It was here that King Jeroboam set up a pagan calf altar that brought disaster on Israel. Back on the bus, we continue north to Caesarea Philippi (Banias Spring), where Peter confessed to Jesus, “‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God’” (Matthew 16:16).Drive to Yardenit the Baptism Site then return to the Hotel for Dinner & overnight. (B,D)Oct 29 Thur Cana , Nazareth , Carmel Caesarea
Begin the day driving through Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle—turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1–11). Head to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23), where we will Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, marking the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary (Luke 1:26–38) Explore the adjacent Church of St. Joseph and the historic Crusader Church. On our way to Mt Carmel passing Mount Precipice, believed to be the site where the citizens of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus off the cliff (Luke 4:28–30). From here, enjoy panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, Mount Tabor, and Mount Gilboa, where Gideon selected his 300 warriors (Judges 7). Continue to Mount Carmel visit the “Mucharka “ the site where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal our last visit for today Caesarea Maritima, a large port city built by Herod the Great to honor Caesar Augustus. This was also where Peter preached to the Roman centurion Cornelius, marking the first conversion of Gentiles to Christianity (Acts 10). Return to the Hotel for Dinner & overnight. (B,D)Oct 30 Fri Beit Shean , Qumran , Masada, Dead Sea
After breakfast drive South to Beit Shean on of Israel’s largest archaeological sites, and pass by Jericho, the city whose walls fell at the sound of trumpets (Joshua 6).Stop at Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, providing invaluable insight into the biblical texts. Visit Masada natural fortress with majestic ruins overlooking the Dead Sea. Take a cable car to the top of the plateau for a tour. Jewish zealots held the rock for several months in 73AD under siege by the 10th Roman legion. The Romans finally took the fortress by way of a massive attack ramp. The camps and other fortifications that encircle the mesa constitute the most complete Roman siege works to have survived to the present day. Continue to our hotel at the Dead Sea for Dinner and overnight.(B,D)Oct 31 Sat FREE DAY DEAD SEA
Enjoy a free day at the hotel in the Dead Sea. Sleep in late. Spa. Swimming. Hanging out. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)Nov 01 Sun Jerusalem
Depart the Dead Sea driving North on route 90 ascending to Jerusalem on highway # 1 our first stop will be the Mount of Olives enjoy a panoramic view over the Old City of Jerusalem and a stunning view of the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, continue to the Chapel of the Ascension, this small, octagonal chapel marks the traditional site of Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9–12). Walking down the slope, stop at Dominus Flevit (“The Lord Wept”), a teardrop-shaped church, built on the spot where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44). The church offers another stunning view toward the Temple Mount and is designed with the view in mind. At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in anguish the night before His arrest (Luke 22:39–46). Within the garden is the Church of All Nations, built over the rock believed to be where Jesus prayed. Enter the Old City via Stephen’s Gate (Lion’s Gate) one of the entrances to the Old City. It’s named after St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who is believed to have been stoned nearby (Acts 7:54–60).Just inside the gate lies the Church of St. Anne, a beautiful Crusader-era church known for its exceptional acoustics. It marks the traditional birthplace of the Virgin Mary. Adjacent are the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralyzed man (John 5:1–9). Begin walking the Via Dolorosa (“Way of Sorrows”), the traditional path Jesus walked on the way to His crucifixion. Proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)Nov 02 Mon Jerusalem
Begin the day with a visit to the House of Caiaphas, traditionally identified with the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (John 18:12). This church commemorates Peter’s denial of Jesus and marks the location where Jesus was held overnight in a deep cistern before being taken to Pilate. Nearby, walk the ancient stone steps believed to be the path Jesus ascended from the Kidron Valley to His trial. Continue to the City of David, the original Jerusalem from King David’s time. Explore the ongoing archaeological excavations that reveal ancient royal structures and fortifications. Experience the Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an extraordinary 8th-century BCE water tunnel carved through solid rock. Emerge at the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus sent the blind man to wash and be healed (John 9:7). This newly uncovered site connects biblical events with tangible archaeological remains. From the Pool of Siloam, walk along the recently excavated Pilgrims’ Tunnel, the same route used by worshippers in the Second Temple period, to ascend toward the Temple. Arrive at the Southern Steps and the Hulda Gates (II Kings 22:14), original entrances to the Temple complex. These steps are among the few locations where it is historically certain that Jesus walked, taught, and confronted the money changers (Matthew 21:12–13).Proceed to the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism and the only remaining structure of Herod’s Second Temple. This sacred site invites reflection and connection to both Jewish and Christian heritage. Conclude the day with a visit through the Western Wall Tunnels, which reveal the hidden foundations of the Temple Mount and allow you to walk alongside massive ancient stones. Return to our hotel for Dinner & Overnight. (B,D)Nov 03 Tue Jerusalem
Begin your day with a scenic walk along the Old City Ramparts, starting at Jaffa Gate. This elevated path offers stunning views of Jerusalem's quarters and rooftops, providing historical context and orientation. Descend from the Ramparts at Zion Gate and walk to the nearby Upper Room (Cenacle), the traditional site of the Last Supper and the gathering place of the disciples after the resurrection (Luke 22:7–20; Acts 1:13).Enter the Jewish Quarter, one of the most vibrant and restored areas of the Old City. Walk through narrow alleyways filled with archaeological treasures, synagogues, and cultural landmarks. Within the Jewish Quarter, visit the Wohl Museum, which houses lavish first-century priestly homes from the Second Temple period. The site offers insight into Jerusalem’s elite during the time of Jesus. Ascend to the Temple Mount, (Entry subject to schedule and regulations) the holiest site in Judaism and an important location in Islam. Walk the vast esplanade where Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples once stood, and where Jesus taught and confronted the money changers (Matthew 21:12–13).End the day with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the most sacred Christian site in Jerusalem. It marks the traditional locations of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Farewell Dinner and overnight. (B,D)Nov 04 Wed Bethlehem - Museum – Yad Vashem – Garden Tomb
Depart Jerusalem for Bethlehem Cross into Bethlehem (located in the Palestinian Territories), accompanied by your local Palestinian Christian guide. (Carry your passport, as ID may be requested at the checkpoint).Begin your visit at the Church of the Nativity descend into the Grotto of the Nativity. Return to Jerusalem, visit the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and a detailed model of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time. Continue to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial. End our day at the Garden Tomb. Dinner and overnight Jerusalem(B,D). For those departing there is a 8:00pm transfer to Tel Aviv airport.Nov 05 Thu Departure OR Overnight in Jerusalem for OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO JORDAN
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B) OR Optional Jordan extension with this being a free day in Jerusalem and dinner and overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

J O R D A N

OPTIONAL EXTENSION JORDAN
Nov 06 Fri Drive to border- transfer into JORDAN
Meet morning at Sheik Hussein Border after visa formalities transfer to visit Jerash/ Tulul Al Dhahab/ Arrive Amman dinner overnight. (B,D)Nov 07 Sat AMMAN
Breakfast, Amman city tour including Jordan Musuem/ Tal Hammam/ Deir Alla/ Amman dinner and overnight. (B,D)Nov 08 Sun AMMAN- MADABA
Amman/ Tal Husban/ Mt. Nebo/ Madaba visit/ Overnight Madaba. (B,D)Nov 09 Mon PETRA
Transfer to visit Bethany/ Mukawer/ arrive Petra overnight.(B,D)Nov 10 Tue PETRA- AQABA
Petra visit/ transfer to Aqaba overnight.(B,D)Nov 11 Wed AQABA-AMMAN
Aqaba/ Wadi Muijeb/ Lots cave/ Bab Edra/ Amman overnight.(B,D)Nov 12 Thu DEPARTURE from AMMAN
Transfer to Queen Alian Airport for Dept.(B)_________________________________

ISRAEL TOUR FLIGHT ITINERARYOctober, 25, 2026 @ 6:55pm:
DEPARTURE from New York JFK)
from JFK (nonstop) to Tel Aviv
October 26 @ 12:25pm: ARRIVAL to Tel Aviv
Arkia AirlinesNovember 5, 2026 @ 12:05am:
DEPARTURE from Tel Aviv
from Tel Aviv (nonstop) to JFK
November 5, 2026 @ 4:55am ARRIVAL to JFK (NY).
Arkia AirlinesADD-ON JORDAM TOUR FLIGHT BACK TO JFK
Departure on Jordanian Airlines.
Leave Amman: 11:20am
Arrive JFK: 4:15pm

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

1. $5,700 = Inclusive cost for entire educational tour per person in Israel.
(Single Room Supplement: $2000)Full Payment due by August 15, 2026
You determine the payment schedule that fits best for you once the down payment has been made.
AMOUNT INCLUDES:
- 4 Nights at Lake House hotel in Tiberias
- 2 nights at Dead Sea -- includes the extra personal day of rest at the Dead Sea resort!!
- 4 Nights at Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem
- Daily open buffet breakfasts at the hotels
- 9 Dinners at the Hotel
- 1 farewell dinner (Notre Dame rooftop)
- Entry fees to the sites, national parks and museums as per the Itinerary
- St. Peters Fish lunch in the Sea of Galilee
- 1 group Arrival & 1 group departure Transfer
- Transportation by deluxe AC motor coach as per itinerary
- Boat Tour at Sea of Galilee
- English Speaking licensed tour guide during all tours & transfers
- Service charges and local taxes
- R/T airfare from NYC (JFK) to Tel Aviv and back again. Nonstop flights include taxes, checked bag/carry on and seating.- (Does not include your R/T transportation from your home to JFK, tips, or any gifts you want to buy.)IMPORTANT: Please do not book connecting flights to and from JFK until you have checked with Shirley (or Joel).DEPOSIT:Minimum $1,000 per person due right away. First come first served. You are on a list. But you are not on THE list until you have made your deposit. Best way is to mail check to: Freeman Institute, 357 Highfield Loop, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579Credit card, PayPal, or Zelle payments are charged an extra 3% fee.
2. Travelers have up until July 15, 2026 to cancel, or make any other changes, like name change, without penalty.

JORDAN ADD-ON
- TOTAL $2800 if we book your airfare back to JFK
- TOTAL $2300 if you book your own airfare back to JFK
- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $1,000 extra per person
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Jordan Add-On Includes
• 1 night Jerusalem and transfer to Jordan border
• 2+1 Nights at Amman Olive Tree hotel or similar
• 1 Night Madaba Aischa hotel or similar
• 1 Night Petra Elite hotel or similar
• 1 Night Aqaba The Loft Hotel or similar
• Breakfast at the hotels
• 7 dinners at the hotels
• Meet, assist on arrival and Departure.
• Free visa to Jordan condition providing full passport details.
• Transfer and transportation in A/C Tourist bus with English speaking driver.
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the program (i.e Jerash, TelTulu Al Dahab, Amman city tour, Tel Hamam, Tel Hisban, Madaba and Mt. Nebo, Mukawer, Bethany, lots cave viewing, Wadi Moujeb viewing, Bab Edra)
• Entrance fees to Petra for 1 time with one horse ride per person.

"Visiting Israel is something everybody should experience."
-- Bobbie Williams (NFL Ravens Champion)

We believe that people who travel to the Holy Land:- Are in search of a deeper understanding of their faith -- physically, spiritually & emotionally.
- Desire to add color & depth to the faith story that has already shaped their lives.
- Long to see, touch, & encounter real places & real people that bring real meaning to the Bible.We believe that groups (large or small) that travel together:- Gain spiritual enrichment in learning together “on site” as they walk where Jesus walked, follow in the steps of Paul, and view the Promised Land as Moses did.
- Build community by strengthening bonds among members, bringing together generations, and reaching out to non-members.

2014 group with Israeli guide, Iftah Burman (right), in front of the Western Wall. The kid taking the picture almost cut Rod Hairston (Chaplain for NFL Baltimore Ravens) out of the picture (left).
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This was my first group trip and it was a great experience. -- AngieI was overwhelmed, awestruck, humbled, and inspired -- all at the same time. Not only will the Bible come alive as you read it, but you will also gain a greater perspective of the nation of Israel -- past, present and future. -- Bill

2012 group with Israeli guide, Raz Zabar (right), explaining the significance of King David's City
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The 2012 trip to Israel was conducted with a great deal of thought and planning that far exceeding my expectations. I am still baffled of how well this trip went. I am even getting “goose bumps” while I am typing this. With all the noise of the troubles Israel faces I never once felt unsafe or even thought that the planned locations of the trip put us in harm’s way. For the price that I paid I received way more that it was worth. All of the sites were my favorite because they had their own story which was fascinating and breathtaking to me. I absolutely hated group trips before this one because of past experiences but knowing Joel, trusting his judgment and embracing his friendship I took the challenge and loved every moment of the trip and group that I was so honored to be with during this trip. Joel and Raz were/are AWESOME together and this synergy, coupled with the grace of God, is what made the trip so beautiful and honorable. I am so blessed and humbled to know God, Joel, Raz, and the group that I was so fortunate to spend time with. Thank you Joel Freeman from the bottom of my heart. -- Marcus

2012 group with Meron Reuben (former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations) after he had
provided us with an fascinating overview of the challenges faced by the State of Israel
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Thanks for a great trip. We really enjoyed being with your group. Everyone was really friendly and good to be with. We are home now and catching up on our naps. Keep us tuned in to your future trips to Israel. Thanks again for your effort in making the trip worthwhile. -- Oscar

2012 group in a field of flowers, which will be desert within weeks
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Thank you for the wonderful trip. Prior to going on the trip I did not know exactly what to expect. I suppose I thought it would be like other vacations we have taken to other parts of the world. It was not at all anything like any other trip I have taken. It was a surreal trip into all those Bible stories I learned as a child. It helped me to put them into a historical sequence instead of individual stories. I guess I loved Masada the best. I can relate to a mother hiding her children. I loved floating in the Dead Sea and wished we had had an extra day there. I loved seeing the River Jordan and participating in the Baptism. I was amazed to find out that the Sea of Galilee was really just a lake. I guess I expected the Sea of Galilee to be larger. I loved being in the places where David hid and slew Goliath and lamented the death of Saul. It was interesting to learn about Herod and to find out that Jesus was really born in a cave. It has inspired me to be sure my Grandchildren learn all of these Bible stories as well. I have told them to include at least one Bible story to the bed time stories we read when they spend the night. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I love that we had great leaders we could count upon. On your trip I felt I was able to sit where it made me comfortable and I could talk to whom I pleased and I could get to know people as I wished. Thank you for picking Raz. He was great. I would definitely recommend this trip to my friends. It was the most unique vacation I have ever taken. -- Sue

2012 group on top of Masada -- Herod's ancient fortification near the Dead Sea.
The black line indicates the original walls before the reconstruction of those walls._____________________________________

We had a wonderful experience in Israel! We are so glad that our friends invited us to take this trip. Thank you for all you did to make this trip a success. Raz was great! We truly enjoyed meeting and interacting with him. We are enjoying reviewing all the photos we took (1,000+). I am annotating each one. It will take me several more days (weeks?) to get it all done, but worth the effort as I am happily re-living the trip while doing it. -- Jim and Rita

2012 group with the Mount of Olives in the background_____________________________________

Kudos for creating our superb Discovery Tour of Israel (Spring 2012)! Joel, thanks to your attention to detail and hands-on approach. Our Israel tour was a rare in-depth spiritual journey -- plus a comprehensive view of Israel's past, present and critical future. We didn't just visit Israel; we brought the meaning of the Holy Land home with us. Thanks again for the journey of a lifetime. -- Terry and Carolyn

Joel & Shirley Freeman_____________________________________

What Motivates Us to Lead 5-Star-Rated Tours of Israel?It takes an inordinate amount of time, energy & “brain-damage” to put together a group trip to Israel. Every traveler has legitimate questions and needs and we try to anticipate as many in advance as possible. Some issues are more detailed than others.The process starts about 10-11 months prior to each trip. And there are endless discussions with tour operators, our travel agent and guides. We are always searching for the best pricing, coupled with the most excellent hotels, food and customer service. One could be exhausted before the tour even starts in Israel.So, why do we bother leading annual trips to the Holy Land? Good question. We do not even have to hesitate with our response.- It’s because of the impact each trip has on the lives of every person who takes the journey. We get the joy of watching the decision-making process every person goes through before they sign on to such an adventure.- It’s seeing the excited looks on people’s faces when they learn the behind-the-scenes historical backdrop to many sites throughout the region.- It’s knowing that each person who has experienced the Holy Land will now not only “read” the Bible, but they will be “seeing” what they are reading.- It’s the testimonials we receive from people, months and even years after they have taken a trip to Israel.We put a lot of thought into developing a trip that most of the other larger tour groups are not able to visit. We welcome you to be a part of the next trip. It's going to be an unforgettable adventure!

Make contact as soon as possible so that your spot on the trip will be secured for you. First come, first served. Every person who has been on this trip tells us that we should have charged more for the trip. But we are committed to keeping the pricing as inexpensive as possible -- at the same time never skimping on the quality of hotels, food, travel & customer service.100,000 Blessings, Joel & Shirley Freeman
cell: 410.991.9718

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