Patrick Verbeten carries a clear calling to serve both the Church and the nation of Israel. He has served with Bridges for Peace for 16 years, including 10 years living in Israel, where he held leadership roles as the Zealous (Young Adult) Coordinator and Israel Operations Director. During this time, Patrick helped create and direct full time discipleship and volunteer program for young adults, equipping the next generation to engage Israel with biblical understanding, compassion, and purpose.

Prior to his work with Bridges for Peace, Patrick served in pastoral roles within local churches. He is an ordained minister with the International Ministerial Fellowship and pursued theological studies through Global University.

Patrick is happily married and the father of two daughters. His life and ministry are grounded in a deep love for God’s Word and a commitment to strong family values, which continue to shape his leadership and calling.

Rebecca Verbeten serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Bridges for Peace USA, with a focus on field engagement and next-generation outreach. She brings 30 years of ministry experience, including discipleship, preaching, teaching, and Israel advocacy in both the United States and Israel. Throughout her ministry, Rebecca has been deeply committed to equipping believers of every generation to love, bless, and stand with Israel in alignment with God’s Word.

Before living in Israel, Rebecca traveled extensively throughout the United States, sharing this message with young adults across the American Church. She then spent ten years living in Israel, where she and her husband, Patrick, helped create and direct a full time discipleship and volunteer program for young adults, investing in the next generation through biblical teaching, service, and bridge-building ministry.

Rebecca is passionate about the entirety of Scripture and about helping others discover God’s heart and redemptive purposes for Israel and the Jewish people. She now considers it a humbling and holy calling to be back in the United States, once again serving the Church by bringing clarity, compassion, and biblical perspective on Israel.

Tel Aviv / Coastal Plain

• Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv): Step onto the soil of Israel—where ancient covenant and modern miracle meet at the nation’s gateway.
• Tel Aviv: Israel’s vibrant coastal heartbeat—modern energy, Mediterranean beauty, and a living picture of restoration.
• Orientation: Our first group gathering to prepare for the journey ahead. We will review the itinerary, answer questions, and share essential context on Israel’s current situation, including the October 7 Hamas invasion and its aftermath. This is also a time to build unity and prayerful expectation as we begin the tour. We will reflect on the biblical importance of Israel so we can travel with understanding, compassion, and purpose.

• Jaffa (Yafo): Walk the ancient stones of a biblical port where God opened doors to the nations and the Gospel moved forward.
• Independence Hall: Stand where history turned in 1948 and a nation was reborn—fulfilling prophecy before the world’s eyes.
• Caesarea Maritima: Explore the grand Roman city where the apostles carried the truth into the empire and the Gospel echoed through power and politics.

Galilee / North Israel

• Mount Arbel: Breathe in breathtaking views overlooking the very region where Jesus walked, taught, and called His disciples.
• Capernaum: Step into “Jesus’ town,” where miracles unfolded, crowds gathered, and the Kingdom of God was proclaimed on the shores of the Galilee.
• Magdala: Encounter a powerful place of redemption and restoration—the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene.
• Peter’s Primacy (Tabgha): Sit by the sea where Jesus restored Peter—an unforgettable reminder that failure is never final with God.
• Sea of Galilee Boat Ride: Sail across the waters where Jesus calmed the storms.

Golan Heights / Northern Border

• Caesarea Philippi (Banias): Stand where Peter declared, “You are the Messiah”—a bold moment that still challenges believers to wholehearted faith.
• Majdal Shams (Golan Heights) Bridges for Peace Memorial Garden: A sacred space of remembrance and hope—honoring the lives of the 12 Druze children murdered by Hezbollah rocket fire.
• Meeting with Soldiers at the Syrian Border: Hear firsthand from those who defend the land today—bringing clarity, gratitude, and a deeper call to pray.
• Drive 4 wheelers to Hippos (Journey/Experience): Travel through the rugged beauty of the north on 4 wheelers to Hippos, an ancient Hellenistic city in the Decapolis near the Sea of Galilee, which scholars believe Jesus likely visited.
• Hippos/Sussita National Park: Walk among the ruins of an ancient city perched above Galilee.

Jordan Valley / Dead Sea Region

• Yardenit (Jordan River Baptisms): Visit the waters that symbolize new life—an unforgettable moment of surrender, renewal, and celebration.
• Drive through the Jordan Valley: Trace a biblical corridor where God led His people—lush valleys, desert edges, and timeless promise.
• Dead Sea Swim & Float: Experience the lowest place on earth—yet one of the most awe-filled reminders that God brings beauty to the barren.
• Masada: Ascend Israel’s fortress of courage—a place that whispers of endurance, identity, and the cost of freedom.
• Walk Down the Roman Ramp: Follow the path of ancient battle and resolve—where the echoes of history strengthen the heart.
• Kfar Hanokdim (Desert Hospitality): Sleep in the wilderness under a sky of stars.
• Camel Ride & Worship Event: Ride through desert landscapes like the patriarchs once did—then join together in a night of worship under the very stars that declare God’s glory.

Southern Israel / Gaza Envelope

• Solidarity Day in the Gaza Envelope: Stand in solidarity with the resilient communities on Israel’s front lines; those affected most by the October 7th invasion. Hear their stories and learn how Bridges for Peace has ministered to these communities. 

Jerusalem (Old City + Surroundings)

• City of David: Walk into the birthplace of Jerusalem—where King David ruled and God’s promises took root in stone and soil.
• Pilgrims’ Path: Ascend the ancient road where worshippers once sang their way to the Temple.
• Davidson Center: Explore the monumental ruins of the Second Temple era.
• Western Wall Tunnels: Go beneath Jerusalem to touch the hidden foundations—massive stones that still testify to God’s faithfulness.
• Western Wall (Kotel): Stand at Judaism’s holiest prayer site—where tears, prayers, and hope rise daily from every nation.
• Shabbat Dinner with David Nekrutman: Share Sabbath around the table—an intimate encounter with Jewish faith, warmth, and prophetic continuity.

Jerusalem (Life of Jesus Sites)

• Mount of Olives: Overlook the Holy City with the same view Jesus saw—calling your heart toward intercession, longing, and hope.
• Dominus Flevit: Pause where Jesus wept over Jerusalem—feeling His compassion for the city and His desire for her peace.
• Garden of Gethsemane: Stand among ancient olive trees where Jesus surrendered in prayer—one of the most powerful moments of intimacy on the journey.
• House of Caiaphas: Visit the place of Jesus’ trial and Peter’s denial.
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Enter one of Christianity’s most sacred sites—marked by suffering, sacrifice, and the victory of resurrection.
• Garden Tomb: Step into a quiet, reflective place—where the empty tomb proclaims hope, life, and the triumph of Christ.

Jerusalem (Temple & Prophetic Themes)

• Temple Mount: Stand on the most contested and sacred hill on earth—where past worship and future hope collide.
• Temple Institute: Witness preparations that stir conversation and prophecy—bringing the Bible into real-world expectation.
• Shorashim Shop / Jewish Quarter Discussion: Engage in meaningful dialogue inside the Old City—strengthening understanding, relationship, and purpose.
• Har Homa Shepherds’ Field: Reflect in the hills where angels proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth.
• King of Kings Church Service: Worship in Jerusalem with believers from many backgrounds—celebrating God’s faithfulness to Israel and the Church.

Jerusalem (Memory, Culture, & Service)

• Yad Vashem: A holy pause of remembrance—honoring the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered in the Holocaust. Deepen your resolve to stand against hatred of the Jewish people and never forget.
• Machane Yehuda Market (The Shuk): Taste the colors and flavors of Jerusalem—where everyday life pulses with joy, community, and culture.
• Friends of Zion Museum (FOZ): Discover heroic stories of Christians who loved the Jewish people and play pivotal roles in the establishment of a Jewish State in Eretz (the Land of) Israel.
• Verbeten anniversary/birthday Gala Event: Celebrate the goodness of God together as friends and family.

• Bridges for Peace Service Day: Serve with your hands and heart—bringing tangible blessing and embodying God’s love in action to the Jewish people.
• Succat Hallel Prayer Watch: End the day in prayer and worship—joining the continual intercession rising from Jerusalem.

• Final morning in the City of the Great King
• Say good-bye’s
• Transfers to airport

*Everything is subject to change.

1. What is the total cost?

The tour cost is $3,500 USD per person for double occupancy. It is an additional $1,590 USD if you prefer to room alone.

• Includes: Airport pickup/drop-off, all hotel accommodations, breakfast, dinner, and all tour activities.
• Excludes: Airfare, lunches, and personal spending.

2. When should I book my flight?

You are cleared to book your flight once you have completed your registration and submitted your $200 USD deposit.

3. Is airfare included?

No. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare.

Timing: Your travel must align with the tour schedule.

4. Will I be picked up from the airport?

Arrivals: Transportation is provided from the airport to the hotel on October 3rd.

Departures: Transportation is provided from the hotel to the airport on October 14th.

Note: If arriving early or staying late, you must arrange your own transport and lodging.

5. Do I need a visa?

While many countries do not require a formal visa, most participants must complete an ETA-IL form before arrival. Please consult the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines for your specific country.

6. Is it safe to travel in Israel?

Yes. Despite media depictions, Israel is generally one of the safest countries to visit. We prioritize safety by:

• Avoiding all Palestinian-controlled territories (Gaza, Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem).
• Sticking to vetted, secure routes and locations.

7. Is insurance required?

Yes. You must purchase your own insurance.

Mandatory: Health insurance covering war, terrorism, and COVID-19.

Recommended: Travel insurance for lost luggage or flight/tour cancellations. Bridges for Peace is not responsible for these unforeseen costs.

8. What are the rooming arrangements?

Standard rooms are shared by married couples or two same-sex participants.

Single Supplement: +$1,590 USD (Total: $5,090).

9. Do I need to speak Hebrew?

No. The tour is conducted entirely in English. You will likely pick up a few Hebrew words along the way!

10. Can I get baptized in the Jordan River?

Yes! We offer opportunities for first-time baptisms or rededications.

• Request: We ask that you obtain a blessing from your pastor before committing to baptism.

11. Can dietary needs be accommodated?

We do our best to support special dietary requirements, though we cannot guarantee every request can be met.

12. What will the weather be like?

Expect warm days and cooler evenings.

• Temperatures: Up to between high 70’s and low 80’s during the day.
• Climate: Dry in most areas, but humid in the North.

13. What is the dress code?

• General: comfortable, layered clothing, good walking shoes, hat, and sunglasses.
• Holy Sites: Modest. Shoulders must be covered; pants/skirts must go past the knee. (Scarves/wraps are helpful for women).
• Outreach: Avoid symbols or slogans that could be offensive to the Jewish community.
• Essentials: Swimsuit and towel for the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.

14. What currency is used?

The New Israeli Shekel (NIS).

• Cash: We recommend bringing $100–$150 USD (300-400 shekels) for initial personal spending.
• Cards: International credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• ATMs: Available at the airport; access may be limited during the first few days of the tour.
• Be sure to contact your bank to let them know you’ll be traveling.

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