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Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation

IALF

March 6, 2020 By Nicole

Class of 2020 Discovers the History of Jerusalem

Filed Under: Class of 2020, News

Bruce Frank, Carl Herrmann and Josh Turney – Presiding Fellows

The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Participants spent their final day in Israel with a flexible itinerary that enabled the Class to either participate on a guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem and The Holy Sites or discover the wonders and attractions of the Old City by doing optional excursions on their own. 

The guided tour of the Old City was conducted by Apo Benlian, a local licensed Tour Guide, with extensive knowledge of the Biblical History and Geography of The Holy Land.  The morning tour started with a discourse on the historical origins of Jerusalem, from a highly elevated location not far from the top of the Mount of Olives (the site of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven, 40 days after his Resurrection).  The view was absolutely breath-taking and made easily visible the Ruins of the former Jewish Temple, the Muslim Golden Dome, the original Gated Entrance and Walls surrounding the original Old City, as well as an ancient Jewish Cemetery. 

Breathtaking view of the old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.

Also visible were the Garden of Gethsemane (site of Jesus’ Agony on the night of his Betrayal), the elevation on the Mount of Olives where Jesus would have wept over Jerusalem and prophesied the Destruction of Temple and subsequent diaspora of the Jewish People. 

Our group then had the opportunity to walk the original route of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, with stops at both the Dominus Flevit Church, as well as tour the original Garden and present Church in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Olive trees found in the Garden of Gethsemane site of Jesus’ Agony on the night of his Betrayal.

Heavy rains would end our tour early, but so valuable and informative was this tour while it lasted.  Friday afternoon enabled more private touring of the Old City on a small group and individual basis. 

Friday evening would gather our entire class for our “Last Supper” at the magnificent Notre Dame Wine and Cheese Restaurant overlooking the Old City.  This would be the last dinner enjoyed by our class together for our International Study Seminar. 

Class of 2020 members enjoy their “Last Supper” at the Notre Dame Wine & Cheese during their last night in Jerusalem.

Friday evening finally culminated with time for individual thoughts and reflections by each of our class members at the Olive Tree Hotel.  This time for class sharing was particularly emotional as it really tied together not only our experiences from this International Study Seminar but also our entire class experience during these past 19 months of IALP seminars and travel together. 

The evening concluded with keynote addresses to our Class from IALF CEO Lee Strom, Program Director Todd Lowery, and IALF Board Member Gary Baise and spouse Ann Baise. 

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation President and CEO Lee Strom address the Class of 2020 members.

Most of our Class then retired for a very brief night’s rest, and subsequent marathon day of travel home on Saturday.

Previous Post: « “Knowing people different than you, hearing different voices – that’s the key to leadership. Diversity is paramount.”
Next Post: Mentoring the Next Generation of Ag Leaders »

Primary Sidebar

"IALF provides continuation of leadership through education. The result is successful leaders at all levels. The class size makes it special and allows outstanding people to be part of the program."

Dan Kelley, Class of 1984

Past Chairman of the Board, GROWMARK, Inc.

"You will experience mind-expanding concepts and meet people that challenge you. You will never again see yourself as a small part agriculture. You will see agriculture as the most important industry in the world and realize that you have unlimited choices how to serve and influence the direction of that industry."

Jim Frank, Class of 1984

Frank Environmental Services

"The Illinois Ag Leadership Program extends to participants strong and credible experiences which go beyond the typical degree program."

Gerry Salzman, Class of 1992

Past Senior Director Global Marketing, Case IH

"IALF alumni have affiliations with leading organizations in agriculture. IALF has visibility and has positioned itself with a hybrid view of agriculture-urban and rural, combined with strong relations with land grant universities and the private sector. Their graduates are strong voices in the agricultural community."

Bill Niebur, Class of 1988

President and COO, Hi Fidelity Genetics

"The IALF program made me more aware of the importance of agriculture in developing underdeveloped countries.  It opened my eyes to the opportunities all around the world as well as the global impact developed countries have on agriculture."

Brian Anderson, Class of 2014

Pioneer

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