04/04/2026
During my recent visit to the United States, I had the privilege of visiting Imagine Travel and meeting Rick Ricart in his own environment, for the first time.
We had met Rick numerous times in Israel, but this was the first time we actually saw him in the United States.
We drove all the way to Lakeland specifically in order to meet with Rick and his team and see their offices.
For many years, I have been working with their groups here in Israel.
Guiding, sharing, connecting people to the land.
But this time, it was different.
Instead of seeing them in Israel,
I came to meet them where they are.
To step into their world.
To see what happens behind the scenes.
The ones who continue to work, to believe, and to wait,
for tourism to return to Israel.
I walked into a room full of people who love Israel.
Not from a distance,
but from the heart.
People who think about Israel daily.
Who pray for Israel daily.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:6)
And I stood there, listening,
feeling something that is hard to put into words.
Because when you live here, in the reality, in the complexity,
you don’t always see how far that love reaches.
But sitting there, with them,
I felt it.
Real.
Steady.
Unconditional.
These are not just partners.
These are people who carry Israel in their hearts.
And in a time where everything feels uncertain,
this kind of connection gives strength.
It reminds me that what we do is not only about tourism.
It is about people.
It is about faith.
It is about connection.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Thank you, Rick.
Thank you to your entire team.
For your love, your prayers, and your continued belief in Israel.
We are waiting for the day we will walk these paths together again.
