Logistical Information for those Attending the Consecration of Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad as Bishop of the ELCJHL
Information for Guests Traveling to the Consecration of Bishop-elect Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad and the Honorary Reception of Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar
For additional questions, please contact [email protected]
Travel and Transportation
Visa Information
Visitors from certain countries can travel to Israel without applying for a visa. You can check your eligibility here to see if you need to complete a visa application. Beginning in 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries MUST fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to arrival. More information can be found here.
Arrival and Transport to Jerusalem
Air Travel: The easiest route for international arrivals is through Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. The airport is currently operating normally. Check with your preferred airline to make sure they are flying to Tel Aviv at this time.
Taxi: Private taxis are available at Airport Terminals 1 and 3. We recommend coordinating transportation ahead of time through the following Taxi Company:
Elias Naber – WhatsApp +972 50-553-2392
If the previous taxi company has no availability, we recommend:
Dyafeh – WhatsApp +972 52-723-7072
Train: There is train service from Ben Gurion Airport to Yitzhak Navon Station in Jerusalem. The train leaves every hour and is about a 30-minute ride to Jerusalem. Tickets can be purchased at the station. Information about purchasing tickets can be found on the Israel Railways website.
Bus: Bus service is also available from the airport to Jerusalem using the Egged line. Bus No. 485 departs from Terminal 3, Level 2, Exit 21. This line goes to West Jerusalem, where additional inner-city transit is available.
Once in Jerusalem public transportation using the light rail and buses is widely available and provides service to most areas including the Old City.
Transportation to the Services
For those staying in Jerusalem, public transportation is widely available at a low cost. Some hotels, including the Notre Dame and Saint George Hotels, are walking distance from the Church of the Redeemer in the Old City.
For those staying in Bethlehem, transportation from Abraham’s Herberger Guest House to Jerusalem will be arranged by the ELCJHL. This is available even if you are not staying at Abraham’s Herberger. Please contact [email protected] to provide your group details if you want to be included in the transportation from Bethlehem.
For those staying in Jerusalem, the ELCJHL will arrange transportation from Jerusalem to Beit Jala for the honorary reception of Bishop Azar. Public transportation is also available using the 231 Bus Line from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. If you would like to arrange transportation for your group from Jerusalem to Beit Jala for the reception, please contact [email protected].
Lodging
If you are asked at the airport where you are staying during your visit, please provide the church address: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1 Muristan Road, Jerusalem. This will help with smooth passage through security.
Call Dcn. Bassem Thabet via WhatsApp if you have issues at the airport: +972 54-838-0884
Recommended Hotels Jerusalem
- Notre Dame of Jerusalem - Located directly outside the New Gate of the Old City, this hotel is within walking distance of the Church of the Redeemer as well as many other Holy Sites, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Saint George Hotel Jerusalem - A ten-minute walk from the Old City, the Saint George Hotel enjoys a prominent location in East Jerusalem steps from many convenient food and transportation options.
- Ambassador Hotel - Located in a quiet area of Jerusalem, the Ambassador offers nice views of the Old City and nearby gardens. Slightly farther from the church, the Ambassador is near the tram line which will bring you directly to the Old City.
Recommended Hotels Bethlehem
- Abraham’s Herberger (Beit Ibrahim) - Operated by the ELCJHL, Abraham’s Herberger Guest House is the perfect place to stay in the Beit Jala/Bethlehem area. The Guest House is connected to the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala and conveniently located to many sites in Bethlehem and Beit Jala.
- If Abraham’s Herberger is full, we will assist in arranging alternate accommodation in Bethlehem. For accommodation at Abraham’s Herberger or elsewhere in Bethlehem contact Naim Muallem: [email protected]; WhatsApp +972598220885
Dress Code
For All Attendees
Dress code for both Bishop Azar’s honorary reception and the Consecration of Bishop-Elect Haddad is formal. We encourage you to dress warmly, as Jerusalem in January can be quite cold, even inside.
For Clergy
Clergy are invited to vest and process during the Consecration service. The color of the day will be red. Seating will be reserved for you in the front of the church. There is no need to vest for the honorary reception of Bishop Azar.
Schedule
Preliminary Program of Events
9 January 2026 – Honoring Sermon and Reception for Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar at Talitha Kumi School, Beit Jala (3:00 p.m.)
10 January 2026 – Free day for guests
11 January 2026 – Consecration Service at the Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem (3:00 p.m.)
- Receptionfor all in the church hall to immediately follow
- Dinner forbishops and invited officials (invitation only)
12 January 2026 – Meeting for church delegations with Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad (11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Church; all delegations are welcome to attend)
13 January 2026 – Travel to Jordan; meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II (invitation only – to be confirmed)
13 January 2026 – First Official Service in Jordan (tentative - 5:00 p.m.)
- Reception for all to follow
14 January 2026 – Return to Jerusalem; meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah (invitation only – to be confirmed)
15 January 2026 – Alternative date for meeting with the Palestinian President
Free Time Options
The schedule includes a free day on January 10th. If your group would like to arrange a visit to the ELCJHL Schools or a meeting with some ELCJHL Pastors to learn more about the ministry of the ELCJHL, please contact [email protected]
Guests may want to schedule time to visit Holy Sites or organize a tour with a local guide. For those visiting for the first time, we recommend exploring with a local tour guide who can orient you to the stories of both the ancient stones and the living stones. Tour guides can be arranged through Tony Musallam from MI Tours: [email protected], +972-0592750578. Other options for exploration on your own in Jerusalem and Bethlehem:
Security Information
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely from the ground in the Holy Land. At this time, travel to Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Jordan for the consecration and reception is considered safe.
The situation here can be unpredictable and is subject to change. Should security conditions change, we will immediately inform our partners as the safety of all guests is our highest priority. We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all who attend the service and receptions, including coordination with local authorities and secure transportation arrangements.
More specific information regarding security measures can be found in the travel advisories issued by your country’s local representative offices. Your country may also have the option for travelers to the area to register for security alerts.
If you have security concerns during your visit or if you face issues at the airport, please contact Deacon Bassem Thabet: +972 54-838-0884
Another security update will be sent to those attending closer to the event.
Emergency Numbers in Jerusalem and the West Bank
Deacon Bassem Thabet: +972 54-838-0884
Police – 100
Ambulance – 101
Fire – 102