Our Team

WELCOME!

As the Chairman and Founder of Immanuel Tours, I would like to invite you to the experience of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to Israel!  With over 50 years of experience in Israeli tourism, I can assure you that there is no one who takes the care that Immanuel Tours does to ensure that every group and every trip is treated like family and that every effort is made to be sure that their journey is everything they hoped it would be and more. We have been blessed to connect with peoples from all over the world and to bring them into contact with the land and the people of Israel. Immanuel Tours is essentially a family concern and it is our aim to render a service with a personal touch. We hope to welcome you to Israel soon!

Phillip Meyers

Chairman and Founder

Immanuel Tours

Susan Eshed

CEO

As the daughter of Phillip Meyers, the tourism business is a world I grew up in. I remember visiting the tour groups with my Father since I was a very little girl.

In 1984 I joined my Father and have been working at Immanuel Tours ever since. I started working from the ground floor, gaining valuable hands-on experience that lead me to my role today. I strive to balance tradition with innovation, and I am committed to maintaining the company’s core values. What I enjoy the most in my work is meeting people from all over the world and getting the chance to know them and develop personal contact that continues for years.

Dan Eshed

Managing Director

Hey there! I’m Dan. After some invaluable years working abroad, I returned to Israel and delved into the legal realm, serving as an advocate in one of our leading law firms. Now, I’m honored to represent the third generation of Immanuel Tours and committed to carry on the legacy. As the Managing Director of our family’s business, I’m passionate about bringing Pilgrims to the Holy Land. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s a deep-rooted calling. Our team boasts the most extensive experience in organizing Christian tours, ensuring every journey is profound and exceeds your expectations. Together, we’re dedicated to ensuring your pilgrimage to the Holy Land is truly memorable.

MEET THE TEAM

Our team is the heart of Immanuel Tours. Find out more about the staff that will become your friends.

Mette Ketter

Tour Operator

I am from Denmark but have lived in Israel since 1990. My husband and I have 3 children and we live in Nes-Ziona.

I have been working in tourism since 1994, joining Immanuel Tours in 1999 serving the Scandinavian market. I enjoy the challenge of making every trip to Israel special and memorable and meeting with my groups during the tour.

Shiri Dagan

Tour Operator

I have been working in the tourism industry since 1992 and as a tour operator at Immanuel Tours since 2005. I am a native Israeli, as well as the mother of two sons.

The most enjoyable part of my job is the interaction with the different people coming here from all over the world and making sure their visit is meaningful and valuable.

Gabby Jinno

 Tour Operator

I was born in Uruguay, but I’ve lived in Israel since 1970. I’ve been working in tourism since 1986, joining Immanuel Tours in 2010, helping clients from all around the world.

One of the most significant areas for me in Israel’s landscape is Negev, which symbolizes for me a Genesis View. I love Israel and that is one of the reasons for being in this business for so many years.

Our tour operator, Sergio

Sergio Casas

 Tour Operator

I am a dedicated tour operator with 15 years of experience in Israel. Originally from México, I now reside in the heart of Israel with my spouse and two lovely daughters. Committed to crafting exceptional tours, I invite you to explore the beauty, history, and deep faith of this captivating land with me. My intention is to help you create cherished memories that will continue to inspire and amaze.

Rivka Wolkowiski

Accounting Department

I’m Rivka Wolkowiski, a bookkeeper with 67 years of life’s journey under my belt. I was born in Uruguay, but my heart led me to Israel at the age of 20, where my love for this remarkable country blossomed. I’m blessed with 2 wonderful children and 6 lovely grandchildren . Since 2016, I’ve been a dedicated member of the Immanuel Tours family, where I put my skills to work as a meticulous bookkeeper. Outside the world of numbers, my passions include exploring the scenic trails of Israel, expressing my creativity through drawing, and cherishing quality moments with my beloved family.

Ma’ayan Biton

Accounting Department

I am a 22-year-old who embarked on a new journey after completing my Military Service in October 2021. In May 2023, I proudly became a part of the Immanuel Tours team, where I contribute my skills in the Accounting Department. My job is not just work; it’s about sharing my passion with colleagues that I cherish. Growing up with both my parents deeply rooted in the Incoming Tourism industry, I’ve naturally gravitated towards this field, feeling intimately connected to its essence. Excited to continue this legacy with Immanuel Tours.

Heidi Maynard

Content Creator

Hey there! I’m Heidi. While I am originally from England, Israel has been my home since 2018. My adventure in this enchanting land began in 2014 when I joined an archaeology excavation. This transformative experience opened my eyes to the captivating culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history of the Holy Land. As a photographer, there’s nothing I love more than capturing those moments of pure joy, adding to the memories that you’ll cherish forever. My passion is to share the beauty and significance of this land through curated content, stories, and the lens of my camera.

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM OF GUIDES AND DRIVERS

Find out more about our team of experts

Ilan Barkay

 Tour Guide

I was born in Jerusalem and became a tour guide in 1987 after serving in the IDF. I specialize in Christian tours, taking courses in Christianity, archaeology, history and specific sites in Israel. In 2004, I was selected as the best tour guide by the Israel Ministry of Tourism!

I see my work as a mission to transfer the historic wealth of the bible and inspire love for the Holy Land!

Immanuel Tours

David Minai

 Bus Driver

David Minai is a very good and valuable member of the Immanuel Tours staff and has been working with our company for many years; always to the full satisfaction of ourselves and the groups which he has driven in his luxury motor coach.

He lives in Ashkelon with his wife and family, a city which is only a few kilometers from the border with Gaza.

Lior Rothenberg

 Tour Guide

My name is Lior Rothenberg, and I have been a licensed tour guide since 2008. I live in Kibbutz Mevo Hama on the Golan Heights, where I live with my wife, Ayala, and we are raising four children. My passion for nature, history, and archaeology developed from an early age, and it brings me great satisfaction to share this passion as a guide with people from many countries who come to Israel.

Throughout the years, I have studied various subjects including history, archaeology, science, and most importantly, the love for people. I have guided many groups, families, and individuals from all over the world, connecting them to the history, archaeology, politics, and the Bible. I specialize in guiding Christian and Jewish-oriented tours that delve into the story of Israel.

Immanuel Tours

Yoni Simmons

 Tour Guide

I was born in the United States to a Jewish father and Christian mother (who both are believers)who decided to move to Israel when I was just 3 years old as an act faith in God and a desire to be part of the Jewish destiny. I served in the IDF and had a variety of other experiences before experiencing grace myself and becoming a Christian tour guide.

My wife and I have 3 children who we are also raising in faith.

Gale Mashiach

Gale Mashiach

 Tour Guide

I have lived in Israel since 1979, holding dual-citizenship with Israel and America, and am married with 5 sons. I love to travel myself, having been around the world sharing my love of Israel, so I have a passion for making others travel to the Holy Land an exciting adventure that they will treasure forever.

My understanding of the Christian faith & passion for the history and archeology of this spiritually rich country brings the Bible to life!

Immanuel Tours

Yo’el Berkowitz

 Tour Guide

I have lived in Israel since 1991 after moving here from the United States. Having traveled the world teaching the Bible, I am genuinely interested in knowing people, making them feel comfortable, appreciated, accepted and welcomed.

I’m personally devoted to a life-long path of learning in all areas and subjects available to me. Everything I learn I seek to integrate into my occupation of teaching and guiding.

Aviel Bar David

 Tour Guide

I am a Licensed Tour Guide. I have undergone specialized training, including a comprehensive Christianity course at the Ben Zvi Institute in Jerusalem. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Israel and Jerusalem studies. I am a Messianic believer in Yeshua, and a lifelong resident of Yad Hashmona, the only Messianic village in Israel. I am fortunate to live among like-minded individuals who share a deep faith in Jesus. Being part of this congregation, as well as a part of the larger Jewish and Israeli society, has enriched my understanding of the intertwining threads of faith, culture, and history that make Israel such a captivating destination. I am passionate about showcasing the rich history, captivating geography, and fascinating archeology of this extraordinary land.

OUR PARTNERS

We are proud to work with the following partners. If you are interested in partnering with Immanuel Tours to provide excellent service, please contact us!

OUR MISSION

To provide Christians from around the world the utmost service and care in the assistance of travel to the Holy Land and experience the Bible and its setting first hand, helping to deepen their faith and resolve in its truth.

What People are Saying about Immanuel Tours

  • Donna Grossman
    Thanks so much for my wonderful experience learning about the history and truly seeing the Bible come alive through the wisdom and gift of teaching through Lior. Such a fine brilliant teacher who truly knows the Bible. Everyone on our tour Steps of Faith drew closer to God and was challenged to think beyond ourselves and fall in love with Israel.
    Thanks to the genius of David our bus driver who swiftly brought us safely through the Holy Land and provided wonderful places to eat during the holiday of Shavuot.
  • Nikki AdamsNikki Adams

    Our family (my husband and I, our 3 children, and my parents) just returned from a tour with Immanuel. The experience defies description. Our daughters (ages 19, 16, and 12) were in tears the last day simply because we were leaving. The hospitality, sites visited, connection to the Holy Land, the passion expressed for the land of Israel, the food and lodging--everything went so far above our hopes and expectations. David--our driver--and Lior--our tour guide--had chemistry and a gift for making us feel connected to the land. Gabby paved the way for easy planning. Our experience was best summed up by my husband: Going to Israel felt like a journey home. Forever we'll carry gratitude and love for the land of our forefathers and our Christ.

  • Bob Lutz – San Clemente, CA

    I want to thank you for accommodating our group since we were only 14. And for giving us Yoni as a guide. You are fortunate to have him. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We LOVED him. And Dabash as our driver was excellent as well. Thank you for all your efforts. It was a memorable trip.

  • William AttawayWilliam Attaway

    I've taken groups to Israel with Immanuel Tours since 2009, and have been overwhelmed with their impressive operation. They take such great care of the groups that work with them, and I've never thought of talking with anyone else. They are, quite simply, the best! I highly recommend them to you!

  • Stephen GentryStephen Gentry

    We unfortunately did not get to take our tour with Immanuel tours due to the closing of Israel's border due to Coronavirus. However, you need to know that I have NEVER been treated as well by ANY company as we worked through the problem. Outstanding communication, always looking to take care of us and our needs. They legimately could have charged a cancellation fee, because they did all the work, but they waived all fees. Phillip ,Susan, and Carine are a delight to.work.with and we WILL use them we we are able to reschedule. Thank you Immanuel. Tours, you truly out the hospitable in hospitality.

  • RICHMONDA ADEAGBO

    Thank you so much for the life changing experience. Our guide Yoni Simmons made all the difference. I believe Yoni is made for this. He made his narration so interesting! He was so knowledgable, patient, humble and caring. We could tell he loves what he is doing. He is a real minister of the word of God. If I have the opportunity I will recommend Immanuel Tours to other people and Yoni as a guide in particular.

  • RonnaRonna

    This was the trip of a lifetime! From start to finish everything ran smoothly and was so well organized. Israel is a beautiful country and I can’t imagine seeing it for the first time with anyone other than Immanuel Tours. Thank you so much for making our pilgrimage to the Holy Land such an incredible experience.

  • Marlene PeachyMarlene Peachy

    I can’t begin to thank you……..I mean that from the bottom of my heart.  I know I already have a larger group of people for next year, but these ones that came are forever changed.  They laughed, they cried (for joy) they were deeply moved and Matti and Abbott were spectacular.  They won’t stop thanking me!!!  They know you are the best!!!!  I was just a ride along and encourager.  Of course, they weren’t just  holiday travelers, they knew their Bible and were sincerely making a pilgrimage.  They just had no idea how wonderful it would be.  Thanks so very much!!!  I don’t know how to write Matti and Abbott to thank them, but please convey that for me.

  • Sandra Luttrell, Zola Tours ManagerSandra Luttrell, Zola Tours Manager

    Zola Tours has been hosting pilgrims in the Holy Land for over 35 years, teaching and revealing the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective, and Immanuel Tours has been our land agent for almost 20 of those years. Immanuel Tours staff and services are over-the-top excellent and professional; yet at the same time they treat their clients like family, with a personal touch! They oversee and ensure each part of our tours is handled with perfection and that we and they provide an everlasting, monumental, never-to-be-forgotten Holy Land experience for each of our pilgrims! We cannot sing their praises enough, and we give them the highest and most honored accolades and recommendation possible! If you are in need of the BEST land agent in Israel, PLEASE give them a chance to prove everything we say and believe about them!

    With warmest and sincerest blessings,

    Sandra Luttrell
    Zola Tours Manager

  • Pastor Doug ByrumPastor Doug Byrum

    My wife, Glenna and I have traveled to Israel 13 times, 11 of those with Immanuel Tours. They are simply the best. Reasons, they are family, they care about every aspect of your tour. If someone is hurt they will sit at the hospital. I consider everything they do to be first class. It truly is if you ask and it is possible they will make it happen. It is the only group my tours will travel with, I have used others, none this good. Give them a try, you won't be sorry, I promise...

  • Matt StoneMatt Stone

    Just got back from a Zola Levitt Israel tour and my wife and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Dror was our guide and Charlie was the driver. They both performed above expectations. We couldn't get enough of Dror's observations and knowledge. Charlie made the transportation logistics seem effortless, he was applauded multiple times navigating us around. A++

  • Lina OliverLina Oliver
     Thank you so much for a very well organized tour/pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our guide, Asher, and our driver, David, were very nice & they were so great. Very knowledgeable too! It was a wonderful experience.  We hope to visit the Holy Land again with Immanuel Tours.
  • Maria SisonMaria Sison

    I was fortunate to join the Holy Land Pilgrimage provided by the Immanuel Tours and sponsored by Father Joel Lopez of Illinois, USA on November 6-14, 2013. I have to say that it is a once in a life time experience that has strengthened my faith and helped me grow spiritually and the memories of which I will treasure for the rest of my life. Father Joel was as good as it gets—so much fun to be with. I think that he will attract many pilgrims in the furure just by his personality.

    But of course the wonderful experience would not have been possible were it not for the presence of our driver David and out guide Asher Vaza. Asher has such love and passion for the history of Israel and the Jewish Faith and it showed whenever he spoke which was so captivating and always transformed us all to that amazing time. He has a vast knowledge of history which was very impressive. I’m old and have worked hard all my life and have gone to so many places and participated in many tours and have not encountered a guide as good and as moving as Asher. He is an asset to your company. Many in the group said that they will only recommend Immanuel tours of the Holy Land if Asher and David are on it. and We loved David and Asher. I do not think Father Joel will like another driver and guide aside from those 2. They work so well with each other and have such respect for each other that the whole group commented on it. Of course, that fact just added to make the experience even more enjoyable. Father Joel, David and Asher is a combination that is hard to replicate.

    On our last evening in Jerusalem I met The CEO of Immanuel Tours and his daughter Susan. It was very nice that they both came to meet us. We all appreciated that very much. The whole company and especially those 2 seem like the people I will want to have travel dealings with even in other places. You have a very respectable/trustworthy company and I will pray for your continued success. I know that you will bring more pilgrims to the Holy Land and beyond.

  • Greg and Katie HollowayGreg and Katie Holloway

    Our first experience with Immanuel Tours was over 10 years ago in 2006.  We have been using them ever since and can say the service level has never wavered.  They offer impeccable customer service, with such personal attention given to every detail.  We consider them not just our tour company but they have become our Israeli family.  We have been so blessed through them and highly recommend them.

  • Linda ArnoldLinda Arnold

    My first pilgrimage to The Promised Land was with Immanuel Tours and the entire trip exceeded my expectations. I liked it so much that my husband and I signed up for another tour the following year and took 5 family members with us! Okay, so if that wasn’t enough we signed up again this year and took 4 more friends! Yes, that is three years in a row!

    When I go back to Israel, I will only travel with Immanuel Tours. Outstanding guides, exceptional drivers, and first rate service. Immanuel Tours is truly excited to be a part of your incredible, experience in the Holy Land and care about every little detail.

  • TeresaTeresa

    We had the trip of a lifetime!!

    Thank you and our wonderful guide, Ilan! He is a fantastic guide. So knowledgeable and hard working. We learned so much from him. We are so very grateful to him!

    We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!! Many thanks to you and Ilan!

    We will continue to lobby for Israel here in the U.S. And will recommend Immanuel Tours to anyone going to Israel!

    Todah!

    Teresa

  • David ChaversDavid Chavers

    Immanuel Tours provided very personalized service to us. Two of our group flew in from Egypt ahead of the others by about 8 hours. The two were settled into the hotel, picked up by car by Susan herself and driven to the airport to meet the rest of the incoming group and ride the bus back to the hotel as a group. No extra charge, ''just part of it'' they told us. There were six employees on hand to meet us at the airport to make sure everything went smoothly.

    I could continue, but this email cannot do justice to the service and accommodations Immanuel Tours provided us. I guess the strongest statement I can make is that we are returning with another group this coming year. The thought of using someone else has not even crossed our minds. These people took care of business, and became our friends in the process.

     

  • GinaGina

     

    I must tell you I give both Immanuel Tours and Mordi my highest recommendation – Donna and I had an amazing trip. The personal service, hotels, attention to detail and most of all the flexibility of Mordi (he learned I like frozen coffees – so there was always a stop somewhere) to change up the itinerary when timing/location deemed necessary.

    Now a special word about Mordi – his knowledge and passion for Israel is so evident in his spirit it is a joy to spend time with him. He has a great sense of humor (which I’m sure he needed with us) and loved sharing his Jewish faith and Israeli heritage during our unending questions.

    Yoav – a note of thanks for all your help with our pilgrimage – I know you did all the legwork for the sites, hotels and details. It was flawless and we appreciate all your hard work. You’re the best!

    Again, thank you Immanuel Tours – it was a life changing experience and you made it happen.

    Next year, in Jerusalem!