HaShomer Ministries
The itinerary and schedule for this HaShomer tour has been meticulously crafted and prayed over, and we believe it will be a fulfilling experience for all participants. Please read these guidelines carefully before registering.
One thing that can greatly impact the group’s experience is timeliness. Each day’s schedule includes specific times for individual exploration or leisure at the various sites. If someone is late or missing, it holds up the entire group — even ten minutes can put the whole day behind. Please be respectful of the schedule.
Breakfasts and dinners are served at set times at the hotels. If you miss breakfast or dinner (though the hotel buffets are phenomenal), HaShomer is not responsible for stopping or finding additional meal locations. Lunches are eaten in areas or locations during tour days; please be respectful of time constraints so we stay on schedule.
Tips and gratuity for the guide and bus driver are included in the tour price. Toward the end of the tour an additional collection will be taken to give to each of them — the amount is at your discretion. Tips for hotel staff (front desk, dining room, housekeeping, and bell staff) are also included; feel free to tip personally above that for anyone who goes above and beyond.
When eating in restaurants, taxes are included in the bill. Israel charges a 17% VAT on all service, but gratuity is separate. Standard restaurant gratuity is 12–15%, generally left on the table in shekels.
Tourism is one of Israel’s largest industries, and the State takes great care to ensure the safety and security of tourists. By agreeing below, you acknowledge that you will follow all directives given by the tour operator, guide, bus driver, and HaShomer representatives to ensure both your personal safety and the safety of the group. This includes, but is not limited to, directives regarding appropriate clothing and speech at holy sites, as well as instructions regarding illegal items. You also acknowledge that the security situation sometimes requires last-minute schedule or itinerary changes to ensure safety.
Israel’s anti-missionary laws prohibit distributing items or information for the purpose of — or that can be considered in exchange for — sharing the gospel. Bibles and devotionals for personal use are permitted and encouraged. However, anything additional such as tracts or pamphlets to be handed out is forbidden. We also recommend refraining from wearing clothing bearing slogans or messages that imply proselytizing. In traveling to Israel, it is important that we as believers come with a humble posture — to grow and learn how best to partner with the Jewish people, allowing the L-rd to work through us at His will.
HaShomer, its representatives or officers, and any of our service providers will not be held liable for any changes, delays, defaults, cancellations, weather conditions, personal injury, illness, acts of terrorism, bankruptcy, or any other act that may affect the service or agreements of a particular carrier or supplier.