Vaccinated US theology students visit Israel, the 1st tour group in over a year

The first group of vaccinated tourists arrives in Israel as part of a new program to gradually reopen Israel’s borders to foreign visitors who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19.

The group was made up of theology students from Prince of Peace Church in the US state of Missouri, according to the Tourism Ministry, which says they were greeted with flowers before undergoing mandatory COVID-19 tests.

“You are the first organized tourist group to visit Israel in over a year,” Tourism Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen tells them, according to a ministry statement. “Israel is an attractive destination, with unparalleled historic and religious sites sacred to three religions, vibrant cities, amazing food and warm people. I am sure you will enjoy it all.”

She says she hopes more groups will soon be on the way.