“It was such a revealing experience to be on the ground where events from the Bible took place,” said Audrey Johnson of New Kensington, PA. “It makes the Scripture and history come alive.”

“Israel is just so ancient. There’s so much history,” said Sister Lois Sculco, a resident of Greensburg, PA, who had visited Israel four times previously. “You never read Scriptures the same way after going to Israel.”


Masada (Herod's Mountain Palace) by Mary Catherine Motchar

The Interfaith Community Tour was a combined effort by Seton Hill University and the Congregation Emanu-El Israel in Greensburg. Participants wished to see Israel and have a better understanding of both their faith and that of others. From October 14 through 23, 2007 a group of 19 journeyed through Israel to explore, tour, and learn about the land of the Bible.

“Being a Catholic and a Christian, I learned that the Jewish faith is very similar to mine except where Jesus Christ is concerned,” said Mary Catherine Motchar, a resident of Greensburg, PA. “I also learned the difference between secular and religious Jews and how they believe in the same religion but practice it differently. I also now understand Shabbat and also what ‘kosher’ means when it comes to the food Jewish people eat.”

The group visited many different sites throughout Israel including: and the newly renovated Yad Vashem complex, which is the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, the Western Wall Tunnel, Neot Kedumim, and the Dead Sea.

“I especially enjoyed seeing the religious and historic sites and was very moved by our visit to Yad Vashem,” said Motchar. “I thought I knew about the tragedy of the Holocaust, but I realized after visiting Yad Vashem and also from this trip, that I didn’t fully understand all that happened to the Jewish people all over Europe, not just in Germany and Poland.”

“Touring Yad Vashem was enlightening just to be there and see the pictures as well as the artifacts that remind us of the people who died in the Holocaust,” said Johnson. “But it made me sad to see it.”

“We went to a new, underground continuation of The Western Wall along the Temple Mount which is like a tunnel on the back of the Western Wall, close to the holiest place for the Jewish people. That was very interesting,” said Sculco.

One of the unique sites she visited was Neot Kedumim, a large, interactive, nature reserve dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Bible.

“We went through the garden and saw the plants that were mentioned in the Bible. I’d never been there before and really appreciated it,” said Sculco.


The Bahai Gardens in Haifa by Mary Catherine Motchar

“Swimming in the Dead Sea was interesting and fun because you float. You can’t put your feet on the ground because of all the salt,” said Sculco.

Some of the various cities the group visited were Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

“Bethlehem was a wonderful experience,” said Sculco. “It seemed very clean and organized. We sang Christmas carols at Saint Catherine’s Church. It’s always Christmas in Bethlehem, they say.”

“Often people don’t think to go to Bethlehem. It’s off-limits to Israelis because of possible danger,” she said. “But we were able to go. Of course our Israeli guide had to stay outside the city. We had a Christian Arab guide take us through Bethlehem.”


Dome on the Rock in Old Jerusalem by Mary Catherine Motchar

“The Old City of Jerusalem was my favorite area because it encompasses so many religious sites. There is the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Muslim Quarter. All are very unique but somewhat similar also,” said Motchar. “The market place within each is very exciting with many people selling all types of items from jewelry to rare coins to food and clothing.”


David's Citadel in Old Jerusalem by Mary Catherine Motchar

“Although I liked Haifa and Tel Aviv, they are like most large cities in the USA,” she added. “Family and faith are very important and that is evident everywhere. In Jerusalem, the three cultures come together which is very interesting to see. I noticed in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Haifa, the young people are just like young people around the world. They dress and act the same as those in the USA.”

The group’s itinerary was extensive and members of the group were surprised at how taxing the journey was. Despite this, they are eager to return for another visit.

“When you go to Israel for your second and third time, you begin to really absorb some of the long and fascinating history,” said Sculco. “It was very physically demanding. It’s rugged and stony. There are lots of steps and challenges in the area. However, what surprised me the most was the updating of all the sites - technologically. They were better equipped to handle tourists.”

“Yes, I would most definitely return,” said Motchar. “I still have much to learn about the country and its people. I think it is sad that we only see Israel on TV and only when something goes wrong. The everyday life of those in Israel is just like yours and mine.”