Sar El Rosh Hashana Update
WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Shalom and Shana Tova to our dear friends!
As we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, known today as the Jewish New Year, we're encouraged by God's faithfulness and new beginnings here in Israel. The sound of the shofar reminds us that restoration is always possible, and we're witnessing that firsthand with tourism returning to the Land of the Bible.
Please join us in prayer for the complete end of the war in Gaza, the safe return of all hostages, and the full restoration of the communities. Your prayers and support sustain us.
I want you to know that your safety is our top priority. We carefully follow all security guidelines, stick to safe pilgrimage routes, and handle every visitor with complete responsibility. All parts of the country and all sites are open and operating as normal, welcoming visitors from around the world.
Follow our social media for daily updates and insights from Israel – we love sharing this beautiful land with you!
Blessings for a sweet new year,
TOURISM ON THE RISE
We are witnessing a wonderful increase in tourism and groups coming to Israel! With hundreds of pilgrims in the land as we speak, we are encouraged by the bookings we're seeing for the coming months. There's a renewed sense of confidence, and people are ready to experience Israel again.
Here's some exciting news: September 18th marked the highest number of passengers since October 2023 to pass through Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport in a single day – over 100,000 people! This number is expected to keep rising, which shows just how much people want to visit Israel.
Airlines Coming Back Strong
Most foreign airlines have returned to flying to Israel, and we're seeing more good news every week. KLM and Swiss are returning next week, and British Airways, Air Canada, Ryanair, ITA, and others have announced their return by October. Even better – United Airlines is expected to add Chicago and Washington DC flights starting in November, making it even easier for our American friends to visit.
Time to Book
With this increase in bookings, we strongly recommend having your travel agent contact us soon to start planning and secure your services. The momentum is building, and we don't want you to miss out on your preferred dates!
Getting Ready for Your Return
We are preparing our staff for the return of big numbers and getting our fleet of buses ready for action. Our beloved drivers, many of whom you know personally, are still with us and have been driving mainly for local customers during this time. We are also renewing some of our buses to ensure your comfort and safety on every journey.
EXCITING NEWS FROM THE GALILEE
David's Harp Restaurant in Capernaum Reopens!
We have wonderful news from the Galilee! The David's Harp Restaurant in Capernaum is reopening for groups right after Yom Kippur on October 3, 2025. We can't wait to welcome you there, right where Jesus called His first disciples.
Our Hotels Are Ready for You
The David's Harp Galilee Resort Hotel is full with groups enjoying the breathtaking Sea of Galilee views and amazing hospitality. The atmosphere is fantastic! Have your travel agent contact us to secure space for your group – this beautiful location is in high demand.
Meanwhile, the David's Harp Netanya Hotel by the Mediterranean is hosting groups and ready to welcome you for your first night in Israel. There's nothing quite like arriving in Israel and being greeted by the Mediterranean breeze!
HISTORIC NEWS FROM THE CITY OF DAVID
For the first time in 2,000 years, Jerusalem's ancient pilgrimage road has been fully unveiled! This historic pathway once led pilgrims from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple and served as Jerusalem's main street during the Second Temple period.
The route was officially inaugurated on September 15, 2025, at the City of David National Park, with Prime Minister Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and other senior officials in attendance. The fully exposed 600-meter route will be open to the public by early 2026.
This is going to be an incredible addition to any Jerusalem itinerary!
SAR-EL ADVENTURES: EXPERIENCE ISRAEL LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Want to try something different? Sar-El Adventures invites you to experience an ATV ride through the barren hills of the Judean Desert. You'll drive where John the Baptist declared "prepare the way," following the same paths where priests once walked with the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. The views are amazing – Jerusalem on one side and the Dead Sea on the other.
This, and other activities, are a great way to connect with the biblical landscape while having some real adventure. Check out Sar-El Adventures Instagram for more details and photos from the desert.
SAR-EL GREECE: WALK WHERE PAUL WALKED
Probably second only to Israel itself, Greece is one of the most important biblical destinations you can visit. Come walk in the actual footsteps of the Apostle Paul! Stand where he delivered his famous sermon about the "Unknown God" to the philosophers at Mars Hill in Athens (Acts 17), then travel to Corinth where he lived for 18 months, established a thriving church, and later wrote his letters to the Corinthians. You can also visit Thessalonica and Philippi, cities where Paul planted churches and later wrote some of his most beloved epistles.
The connections between Paul's ministry and the early church come alive when you experience these places firsthand. Visit our brand new Sar-El Greece website to explore ideas and possibilities for your church's journey through Greece.
Visit our new website at: sarelgreece.com
CLOSING THOUGHTS FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As we enter this new year, we see God's hand moving in wonderful ways. The return of tourism, the reopening of beloved sites, and the growing confidence of travelers all point to brighter days ahead.
We remain committed to serving you and your groups with excellence, safety, and genuine care. Israel is ready to welcome you with open arms, and we are here to make your pilgrimage everything you've dreamed it could be.
We invite you to come and see for yourself the miracle of Israel's restoration and resilience. As you plan your visit, please continue to pray with us for the complete end of the war, for our brave soldiers defending the land, and for the swift and safe return of all hostages to their families.
Thank you for standing with us, praying for us, and choosing to experience the Word of God in the very places where it all happened. We can't wait to welcome you home to Israel.
L'Shana Tova – may this new year bring peace, blessing, and many meaningful journeys to the Holy Land!
Samuel Smadja
Founder & President, Sar-El Group
Contact your travel agent today to begin planning your Israel experience.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'" - Psalms 122:6