Julis, the Druze Vatican

A few years ago, the stars aligned for me and I was offered the opportunity to come to Julis to manage the community center in the village.

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Those were 4 wonderful years during which I learned about values and family, about honor and pride stemming from modesty and humility, and about special, extraordinarily talented and wise people with huge hearts.

Julis is one of the most important Druze villages in Israel, known as the "Druze Vatican" - a significant spiritual and religious center for the Druze community. This is where Sheikh Amin Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community for decades, lived, and where Sheikh Mowafak Tarif continues his path. Julis is also home to the memorial site of Sheikh Ali Fares, a historical figure of tremendous importance to the Druze heritage. The place carries a rich legacy of religious wisdom and ancient tradition that is carefully preserved.

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I get excited to visit Julis each time anew. The village is also famous for its special cafes and restaurants, which combine traditional Druze cuisine with high-quality international culinary offerings, all in an atmosphere of warm and authentic hospitality.

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Join me for a tour of the village, where we'll wander through the alleys, experience the special character and atmosphere, visit interesting places, and meet fascinating people.

Arabs and Jews in Israel: How Did We Get Here?

This lecture traces the historical developments that have shaped Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, offering a balanced examination of one of the world's most complex conflicts. Rather than advocating for any particular position, we'll explore the multiple narratives that exist simultaneously—illuminating how each side perceives the same historical events through distinctly different lenses.

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By understanding both Palestinian and Jewish Israeli perspectives, we create space for meaningful dialogue across political, religious, and cultural divides. This presentation welcomes participants from all backgrounds as we examine the intricate tapestry of factors that have led to today's reality in Israel and the region.

Education in a diverse society in a changing reality

Contrary to what many people think, the Israeli education model that allows the Arab minority in Israel to learn in their mother tongue, by Arab educators, is a positive example in the world of minority treatment. However, the Arab education system belongs to the Ministry of Education of the State of Israel, the curriculum is determined by the Ministry of Education and supervised by it.​Despite the positive aspect of studying in the mother tongue, Arab school graduates finish 12 years of study with their level of Hebrew lower by a huge gap than Jewish high school graduates. This is reflected in the ability to pass job interviews, admission to studies and success in them. The Jewish nation-state poses many challenges regarding the issues of the Jewish majority versus the Arab minority in the country, in the education system these challenges are expressed in various forms and raise moral, value and even organizational and technical dilemmas for the educators and decision makers. On this tour we will meet with Arab educators, visit Arab schools and education departments in Arab local councils. We will try to understand what are the main dilemmas and challenges they face and what are the ways in which they deal with these challenges.

The Christian Quarter:

A Journey Through Time

Step through the New Gate into Jerusalem's Christian Quarter on a journey through centuries of sacred history. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the ancient institutions of the Franciscan Custodia and Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, this tour unveils the rich tapestry of Christian presence in Jerusalem. As we explore narrow alleys and historic buildings marked with distinctive religious symbols, you'll gain insight into pivotal moments like the Great Schism that shaped Christianity as we know it today.

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This immersive experience combines religious history, architectural wonders, and living traditions that continue to thrive in this extraordinary neighborhood. Witness how faith is preserved in ancient monastic orders and local communities as you discover one of the world's most spiritually significant urban environments. Whether your interest lies in theology, history, or Jerusalem's complex cultural landscape, this tour offers a fascinating window into the heart of Christianity's most sacred city.

​Alexander Stream: Where Nature Transcends Borders

Journey along the Alexander Stream to explore one of Israel's most inspiring ecological restoration stories and discover how water connects communities beyond political boundaries.

This tour takes the participants through key locations that illustrate the relationship between natural resources, environmental management, and human cooperation in a region often defined by conflict.

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At Yad Hanna, Israel's narrowest point, we'll examine natural versus artificial borders and how geographic proximity creates shared environmental challenges. At Turtle Bridge Park, you'll witness how "water knows no borders" - observing how water management affects ecosystems and communities across political divides. Finally, at the Alexander Stream estuary and Sea Turtle Rescue Center, we'll see how conservation efforts create common ground between diverse stakeholders.

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Throughout the day, participants will gain insights into environmental diplomacy and how shared natural resources can serve as catalysts for cooperation rather than conflict.

Faces of the Galilee: Intimate Encounters with Israel's Cultural Mosaic

The Galilee serves as a living tapestry of Israel's diverse population. Through historical developments, political movements, and geographical circumstances, this northern region has become home to virtually every cultural, religious, and ethnic group in the country—including some communities found nowhere else in Israel.

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Here, Druze, Circassian, Bedouin, Jewish, Christian, Baha'i, and Muslim communities live side by side. Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative, spiritual seekers, and people of countless other traditions practice their beliefs in this shared landscape.

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Our journey offers intimate access to local homes, providing genuine glimpses into daily life through conversations with community activists and local leaders. These authentic exchanges reveal the beliefs, customs, challenges, and aspirations of individuals who represent both themselves and their broader communities.

Through a series of customizable meetings (3-12, based on your interests), we'll share meals, conversations, and meaningful connections with diverse residents across the region. Each encounter offers a fresh perspective on life—one distinctly different from your own experience, expanding your understanding of this complex and beautiful region.