Dear YMCA Friends, Harold Smith and I invite you to join the special YMCA Study Tour to Jerusalem in May.  Sponsored by the YMCA of Greater New York’s International Branch, it is open to YMCA key volunteers, staff and YMCA friends who would like to have an in depth look at the YMCA’s work in the Holy Land as well as to visit sites that are important to three major religions.  The trip brochure and application form will be ready very soon. Meanwhile, here are details to help you plan.

	Dates:	May 11 – 21, 2006
	Leaders	Harold C. Smith, retired President, YMCA Retirement Fund and current Chair of the New York Y’s International Branch, is the trip leader. A United Church of Christ minister, he will help us understand the Biblical history of the places we visit. Bonnie Mairs, Executive Director Emeritus of the International Branch, will be staff trip director.
	Host	Rizek Abusharr and Len Wilson, both former Secretary Generals of the Jerusalem International YMCA, will be our hosts. Our YMCA home will be the Jerusalem International YMCA.   Its Three Arches Hotel is very comfortable and is in a very safe part of the city.   We will also stay several days at Peniel, the YMCA’s conference center in Galilee.
	Program	The trip will include: tours of YMCA activities: visits to historical and Biblical sites; meetings with YMCA members; lectures and discussions with a variety of specialists in the region.
	Our Goal	To enable YMCA leaders to: Get a first-hand experience in what the YMCA has been doing in the region for 125 years. Develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for peace in the Holy Land. Enjoy Jerusalem as a historical, religious and modern city.
	Cost	Double room (2 persons sharing) - $2600 per person. Single room - $2900.   Fee includes: Round trip airfare from Newark airport; airport transfers and all local travel in Israel; most meals; services of an experienced guide and entrance fees.  Does not include medical or trip cancellation insurance.
	Scholarships	Several donors have given us scholarship funds in memory of William Sword, Sr.  We will award $1500 scholarships to up to 4 young YMCA staff (under 30)   with strong international interests.  Interested persons should contact us for an application.
	Please	To hold a place, to ask questions, and to suggest other people who may be interested, please contact Bonnie Mairs.  You can reach her by email (bmairs@ymcanyc.org) or at (212) 727 8800 (office).  As she is working only part time at the YMCA, you can also contact her at home (212) 666-4736.  You may also contact Jesus De Las Salas, Branch Executive Director, at (212) 720 – 8000 or email: (jdelassalas@ymcanyc.org).

Sincerely yours,

Alice “Bonnie” Mairs