Easter in Jerusalem would normally be a throng of pilgrims.
But it has been reassuring, if a little surreal, to see masked worshippers following the Path of the Cross.
But it does give us a sense, both metaphorical, and real, of revival, of resurrection.
Israel, and Britain for that matter, have been the great success stories of the vaccine roll-out.
The Promised Land has vaccinated half of their population
While 1 in 12 Britons have had both jabs, although there are more than six times as many of us.
Common cause
But let’s celebrate both our countries and talk up the preliminary discussions of the UK-Israel route opening up from August.
Yes, May 17, has been mooted for a Travel review but late summer remains more realistic.
A British Government source was quoted in the Sunday Times.
They said: ‘There will be a system of travel corridors to green-list countries with good vaccination rates. Israel, here we come!’
So where are we with our Israeli friends who we touched base with at the digital World Travel Market at the end of last year.
Well, several airlines have added limited routes and slowly increased flights in June and July.
Easy does it
That would then be in line with an August return for Britons so keep an eye on all our old favourites.
EasyJet offers two nights room only at the American Colony Jerusalem on July 2.
Leaving from Luton (hint to our Government to get a move on) £396pp, which means £792 for two.
While Virgin Holidays has tempted us of a Scottish persuasion, and now living up here in Braveheartland.
With seven nights at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem from £3381pp (well, you deserve it) for October 26.
Kayak is many a traveller’s second point of contact (after jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com obviously). And what about the Queen of Sheba for my Queen of Sheba?
The Dead Sea
Three nights and flight at the Hilton Eilat Queen of Sheba Hotel three nights and flight for £1,079
And, of course, our friends at G Adventures who have been trying to get me out to Israel these past few years (you have, you have, you have).
G whizz
They have 15 days from £999 Jordan and Israel Adventure from £1954, valid on December 10 (plenty of time to be super-vaccinated). And this was £2299!
Mt Nebo, Jordan
Now teasingly, as you’ll all know by now, I’ve been taken right to within 50 metres of Israel from the Jordan side at the site of John’s baptism of Jesus.
And so I’ve seen the Promised Land… only the Israeli soldiers on the banks were looking suspiciously at us from the other side.
I’ll just have to leave it to our holiday providers to look after us as always.
MEET YOU BY THE WAILING WALL
