Religious and cultural conflict seems to dominate the news in relation to the Middle East. But clashes in that region have not detoured Dr. Jim Murphy and wife, Lisa, from plans to travel there once again this coming spring.
Dr. Murphy, a retired pastor, has traveled to the Middle East 19 times and said he has a passion for sharing the region with others.
“There’s a draw there – so many new things are going on all of the time in the way of archaeology and culture,” he said. “To go through all of the bazaars and things is fascinating to me; to see the culture and see it evolve.”
The Murphys have led multiple sightseeing tours to 22 countries around the world – many through Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
They said this particular trip, however, holds a special significance to them and many of those who have booked their space already.
The travelers will leave the United States April 30, with their first stop in Tel Aviv. From there they will travel through Caesarea and Mt. Tabor, on their way to the Beatitudes, Dan, Capernaum and across the Sea of Galilee. They will then make their way to Nazareth, Jerico, Jerusalem and to the Dead Sea.
Along the way, travelers will experience extremes, from the changes in culture to the changes in altitude.
Jerusalem to the Dead Sea is just 16 miles, but in that short distance the elevation drops from 2,500 feet to 1,400 feet below sea level.
“When you read ‘Jesus went down to Jerico,’ Jesus really went down to Jerico,” Lisa Murphy said.
Within the Old City of Jerusalem you also see the segmented quarters for Christians, Muslims, Jews and Armenians.
“Talk about seeing diversity in a 2-and-a-half-mile walk,” Lisa Murphy said. “I don’t know of any place in the world where you have such a richness, this sign of so many religions of the world.”
Ancient history pervades this trip as well. At Masada, near the southern most tip of the Dead Sea, there is a mountain fortress where 960 Jewish people barricaded themselves against the Romans. Murphy explained the Jews were later discovered dead from mass suicide because they said they would rather die free than live enslaved.
“We want to get as much information to those traveling as we can,” Murphy said. “There is just so much to see and take in from the ancient history to what is happening right now.”
Murphy said there remains a strong focus on archaeology in the area, with many artifacts still being uncovered.
Murphy said he wants to show people the history of the area and its cultures. He also wants to show them what he said is the real Muslim culture.
“One percent of the Muslim population are extremist,” he said. “The other 99 percent are just peaceful, family-loving people like you and me.”
He said traveling to the Middle East – Jerusalem in particular – is actually very safe.
“Tourism is one of Jerusalem’s biggest industries, so they keep the tourists safe,” Murphy said to the constant question he receives about the safety of traveling to the Middle East.
He also said English is spoken commonly and the American dollar accepted rather widely.
Murphy has visited 22 different countries as side trips, having first started his world travels in 1967.
“Not many people had gone to the Holy Land at that time,” Murphy said. “So, there was a big desire to have those who had visited the area to go and speak at churches about their experiences. I’ve given hundreds of talks since then.”
The trip lasts 11 days, from April 30 to May 10.
On the way back to the States, the group also plans to make a stop in Istanbul.
To learn more about the trip planned for next spring, you can contact the Murphys at 828-894-0104.