A program called Passages that aims to bring Christian college students to Israel reached the milestone of having brought 10,000 students to the country. The milestone was marked with a ceremony at Jerusalem's Ramada hotel on Monday.
The program was founded by Rivka Kidron and Robert Nicholson. Passages set out to connect young Christians with Israel by partnering with Christian schools to recruit students. They later expanded their operations to include public universities as well.
The program says it gives Christian students with the potential to be leaders a new approach to experiencing Israel.
“Passages offers Christian college students with leadership potential a fresh and innovative approach to experiencing the Holy Land,” the organization said. “Participants encounter the roots of their Biblical faith first-hand and come face to face with the modern-day miracle that is Israel and have opportunities to build upon their trip experiences with additional leadership training, with the goal of building their Christian faith and bridges of friendship with the Jewish community.”
Participating schools
This winter, 450 students participated in the program.
“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 Passages co-founder Rivka Kidron.
“Now more than ever, Jews and Christians have to come together around our shared values and stand up for what's right in this world.”
Rivka Kidron, co-founder of Passages
“Now more than ever, Jews and Christians have to come together around our shared values and stand up for what's right in this world," she said. "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 share it with you.”