Tours in English is a social enterprise founded by Fred Schlomka that works with several organizations providing alternative tours that are informative and analytical, covering the political geography of the region. The wide range of itineraries visit areas that embody the history and current status of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and between Israel's Jewish and Arab citizens. The information and analysis provided on the tours are based on human rights considerations, the rights of self-determination, and the rights of all peoples to live in safety and political freedom.
Many of the tours visit sites of historical, cultural and religious interest, placing them within the context of the ongoing analysis provided by the guide.
Jerusalem & the West Bank
The tours in the Occupied Territories visit the Separation Barrier, and travel the roads and tunnels that connect to Jewish settlements. Some tours arrange visits with residents of the territories, both Israeli and Palestinian, that help develop an understanding of the complexities of the relationships. A wide range of information about social, cultural and historical issues is provided that help to link together the sites visited and your previous knowledge about the region into a coherent perspective on the situation. The tours provide a unique opportunity to gain first-hand, in-depth knowledge of the situation on the ground, and hear critical analysis from knowledgeable guides.
Israel
Tours inside Israel (West of the Green Line) takes you on a journey of discovery through the peeled back layers of history from the Negev desert to the hills of the Galilee. Almost every part of Israel was transformed after 1948 as the country developed and absorbed millions of Jewish immigrants, at the expense of the former Palestinian residents who became refugees. Tours in English provides information about the destroyed Palestinian villages, the plight of the Bedouin, and examines on the ground the relationship between Israel's Jewish and non-Jewish citizens.
Private Tours
Private tours can be arranged for individuals or groups to almost any part of Israel and the West Bank. They can be custom designed and can include visits with Israeli and Palestinian human rights activists, business leaders, or government officials. Specialized tours can also be arranged for businesspeople or diplomats visiting the region.
Tours in English is administered by Fred Schlomka, a resident of Israel whose family has lived in the country for almost 200 years. Fred has been the chief executive of several companies and non-profit organizations on both sides of the Atlantic. He established Tours in English in 2007 in order to expose people visiting Israel, and Israelis, to the realities of the country, from a human rights, cultural, and environmental stewardship perspective.
In 2003 Fred was awarded a Social Entrepreneur Fellowship from the Echoing Green Foundation in New York for his work in advancing relationships between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. In addition to his professional work, Fred is also a karate teacher at the American International School in Israel, and a board member of the Traditional Karate Federation of Israel. He has lectured on Israeli/Palestinian issues in Europe and the USA, and his articles have been published widely.
Contact Fred Schlomka
Tours In English works with the following organizations:
Alternative Tourism Group, Bethlehem
Daila: A social and cultural outreach center in Jerusalem
Dukium: Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality
Siraj center for Holy Land Studies Bethlehem
This web site does not benefit from any of the Extended Tours listed as a public service for the above organizations. While income for ToursInEnglish.com is generated from the day tours, it is the policy of this business to help promote a wide variety of alternative tours organized by Palestinian and Israeli organizations that are in accord with the operating philosophy outlined above.
About Alternative Tours
