INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING 2009
In the footsteps of the Bible
The International Youth Gathering organized by the International Police Association (IPA) will take place in Israel in 2009. The main theme of the gathering is :”In the footsteps of the Bible”. The gathering will take place from July 26 to August 9, 2009.
The Biblical Land of Israel formed the basis of the Jewish, Christian and Moslem heritage. The Bible and the New Testament, are today revived in Israel. We will visit Jerusalem, both above and under the ground, witness some of the hugest building projects in the history, visit the City of David, Salomon, the foundations of the Temple, witness the destruction of Jerusalem, the prophets, the Kings of Israel, the Judges, follow Jesus on his way to crucifixion on the Via Dolorosa, the place of his judgment and crucifixion, and visit the Church of the Tomb.
In the Jerusalem area we will get to know the place where John the Baptist was born, and the path followed by Maria in Jerusalem.
In the North of Israel we will visit Tiberia and Nazareth, see the place Jesus walked on the water, visit the site of Jesus Jordan River baptism. We will get to know ancient cities from the time of the Kings, the Moslems and the Crusaders. An old harbor of Acre and a Roman harbor immersed in the sea of Caesarea.
In the South of Israel we will get to know the desert, the city of Abraham, together with historical sites at the Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran.
Israel is not only history and heritage. It also has lively cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, exciting recreation sites, beaches and even the lowest place in the world, the Dead Sea. In Israel one can find recreation and cultural sites, museums and a young and lively society. This year Israel celebrates 60 years of its establishment. In spite of its young age, Israel has a 3500 years heritage, holds a prominent place in the fields of high-tech, agriculture, medicine and science and is considered as a world leader in the environmental domains of water treatment, irrigation, solar energy and alternative energy.
Schedule of activities
July 26 – 28, 2009 – 3 nights – 4 days
Tzoba Kibbutz Belmont Hotel, Jerusalem
The participants will arrive in Israel on July 26 and be transported to Tzoba Belmont Hotel – Jerusalem for the reception and the organization. A festive reception will be held in the evening, with the participation of the members of IPA- Israel presidency, so that the participants may get to know each other.
During their stay, the participants will enjoy several planned tours through Jerusalem, including a visit to Yad VaShem, holly places, a jeep tour as the guests of the Israeli Border Police in Jerusalem, and will visit the Special Counter Terror Unit
July 29 – August 1, 2009 – 3 nights – 4 days
The Guest House and Recreation Village Neurim
The participants will be the guests of the special school for officers of the Israeli Police at Neurim. During their stay they will participate in a one-day physical fitness program used for the qualification to police roles including hand-to hand combat, self-defense, obstacle course and more. Two additional days will be dedicated to visits at historical sites and the near-by towns.
August 2 – August 5, 2009 – 3 nights – 4 days
The Recreational Village at Rosh HaNikra
The participants will stay at The Recreational Village at Rosh HaNikra , located in the North of Israel. During the stay we will visit sites in the North of Israel: Tiberia, Nazareth and the Christian holly places, the town of Haifa, including a visit at the Bahai Gardens, and will be sailing as the guests of Haifa Maritime Guard. We will have a one-day visit to the Israeli Police School where we will receive basic training in police subjects.
August 5 – August 7, 2009 – 2 nights – 3 days
Kibbutz Sde Boker
The participants will stay at the Sde Boker Field School and get acquainted with the desert, the historical sites, the desert agriculture and the Nature Reserves.
August 7 – August 9, 2009 – 2 nights – 3 days
The Maccabiah Village
The participants will stay at the Maccabiah Village. During their stay they will visit the Safari, Tel-Aviv – Jaffo including the Rabin Square, Azrieli Center and the markets.
On August 8 a participants farewell party will be held.
On August 9 the participants will leave Israel.
The gathering is intended for youth aged 16 – 17
Limited to 50 participants
Up to two representatives of each country
The price per participant is Euro 650 (and flight expenses)
Last registration date for Section Israel: March 26, 2009 (your National Section will give an earlier date).
Last payment date: May 26, 2009