There are more than 11,000 Maronites are currently living in Israel, predominantly in the villages of Iqrit, Kfar Bir’am and Jish in the eastern Galilee.
The Maronite Catholic minority sees revitalizing the Aramaic language of prayer from Biblical times as one of its most sacred responsibilities. The Ministry of Education provides an allocation of teaching hours for Aramaic history and language instruction in the schools.
The tour will explore the Maronite and Aramaic community’s heritage and Christmas traditions. We will meet community leaders involved in preserving the Aramaic language and enjoy the town’s holiday atmosphere ahead of the Christmas.
The tour includes:
A meeting with Reverend Yousef Yacoub, at the ancient Maronite Catholic Church of Kfar Bir’am and tour of the village.
Meeting with Makhoul family ahead of Christmas at their home.
A children’s performance of traditional Aramaic hymns and songs.
Lunch at family-owned winery.
