A US Christian group that brings college students to Israel celebrated a wonderful milestone. During its winter program, Passages brought 450 students to the Holy Land, bringing the total number of participants to 10,000 since its inception in 2015.
We are at a unique moment in history, where Jews and Christians can come together for the first time and create positive and impactful experiences. —Rivka Kidron, co-founder of Passages
Passages is an initiative of the Philos Project that believes in bringing young Christians to the land where Jesus walked and preached to help strengthen their Christian faith. A trip to Israel is a great opportunity that should be a experienced by every Christian and Passages makes it easier for students to explore the country by offering subsidized visits, reports JNS.org.
Most of the time, it’s the older Christians that are able to visit Israel. They have the time and money to see the historic sites and walk the paths passed by the first disciples and early Christians. Passages hopes to bring more young Christian leaders to Jerusalem to discover the roots of Christianity.
“We are at a unique moment in history, where Jews and Christians can come together for the first time and create positive and impactful experiences,” said Rivka Kidron, co-founder of Passages.
One of the group’s key goals for its students is “building their Christian faith and bridges of friendship with the Jewish community.”
Kidron pointed out that Jews and Christians must unite and stand up for what’s right. “Unfortunately, antisemitism is on the rise, and I think we need each other now more than ever. I feel very blessed to be here and living here at this moment, and [to] share it with you.”
Passages is a unique and only program that aims to provide Christian students the opportunity to discover the deep roots of Christianity, engage with modern-day Israel and give them the tools to become impactful leaders in their communities. For seven years, Passages trips, with its leadership development and alumni engagement programs, have inspired thousands of Chrsitian students from hundreds of colleges and universities.
The schools that participated in its past season included Hannibal LaGrange University, Regent University, the University of Chicago, Patrick Henry College, The King’s College, Missouri Baptist University, Ignite Movement, Florida State University, Roberts Wesleyan College, Belmont University, Forge Leadership Network, Trinity Christian College, Hillsdale College, Oklahoma Baptist University, Grove City College, Houston Christian University and Colorado State University.
