A trip to Israel, coordinated by Seton Hill University and Congregation Emanu-El Israel in Greensburg, is scheduled for October 14-23, 2007. The tour group met at the Emanu-El Israel Synagogue on Monday, October 1 for a document celebration in which they were given various pamphlets and materials by the Vacation Station travel agency to prepare for their journey.

"I'm very excited to go to Israel and to walk where Jesus walked," said Sister Lyn Dwyer.

For most of the group, this will be their first time visiting the country. However, a few others had the opportunity to visit before.

"I had nothing negative to say about my trip to Israel when I went 12 years ago," said Mary Levy.

After going over their itinerary, Maymon Peer, a representative of the United Jewish Federation, was invited by Rabbi Sarah Perman to speak to the group and prepare them for what kind of environment they could expect to find in Israel. Peer has worked as a reporter and general manager for various northern Israeli newspapers.

Peer discussed the culture, history, the political system and differences in government.

"That's the thing about Israel, in two week the politics can be completely different," said Perman.

Peer also spoke about the different positive and negative aspects of what makes up Israel and how the media often portrays only the negative.

"Israel is a country that faces problems everyday, where people wake up to sirens. But their lives go on. Despite these challenges, Israel continues to exist," said Peer. "Israel is a normal country. You will visit Israel, see Israel, but you won't fear Israel."