Bishop Jon J. Bruno
The Right Rev. Jon J. Bruno
Bishop of the
Diocese of Los Angeles
California
"Iyad Qumri is an Arab, A Palestinian, and a Christian." He initially began to learn his profession under the tutelage of The Rev. Canon John Peterson, at that time the Dean of St. George's College (Jerusalem); and he became licensed as a Guide by the State of Israel's Ministry of Tourism in 1997. He is fluent in Arabic, English and Hebrew; and by all accounts, he has become one of the most knowledgeable guides in the Holy Land.
Over and above all of this, he is the only Licensed Guide we know of who is an Episcopalian; and having spent most of his life in and around St. George’s Cathedral and College, he is thoroughly familiar with the diocesan parishes and institutions in Israel and the West Bank. In fact, as the direct result of guiding close to 300 Pilgrims from Southern California over the last five years and introducing them to his Palestinian Episcopalian brothers and sisters, I recently had the privilege to make him a Honorary Canon of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Everyone who has traveled with him knows how deserving he is of this recognition, but without exception they also will say that his wife Simone and sons Sami and Rami contribute mightily to his ministry and should share in this recognition. I wholeheartedly agree, and I state unequivocally that there is no one in the Holy Land better equipped to assist in planning and constructing a Pilgrimage tailored to any Pilgrim’s specific objectives and needs."
The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno
The Very Rev. David Duplantier Dean Christ Church Cathedral
New Orleans, Louisiana
"I have worked with Iyad to design pilgrimages since 1999, and the groups always express deep appreciation for his thoughtful attention to minimizing wasted time standing in lines, and creating unique opportunities for prayer and reflection at many of the Holy Places we visit."
The Very Rev. David Duplantier
Dean David Duplantier
The Rev. Canon John L. Peterson
Hendersonville, North Carolina
"For the last 33 years I have been working closely with Iyad Qumri at St. George's College, Jerusalem, and now with Qumri Pilgrimages. Over these three decades I have seen Iyad grow into one of the best, if not the best, tour guide, licensed under the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, leading church groups on Pilgrimages in the Holy Land. Because Iyad is a faithful Palestinian Christian Anglican in the Diocese of Jerusalem, he understands the culture and traditions of pilgrims.
Today the staff of Qumri Pilgrimages offers a high quality pilgrimage for parishes, cathedrals and dioceses. No one can be on a Qumri Pilgrimage without having their understanding of the Scripture deepened and their faith strengthened. Qumri Pilgrimages always open new windows into the Bible, the land, the historic churches in Jerusalem, and the peoples of the land for all pilgrims."
The Rev. Canon John L. Peterson
From the Right Rev. Edward J. Konieczny Bishop of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
"Iyad has the ability to weave historical, cultural and Biblical facts into our Christian story that enhances the spititual nature of the pilgrimages he leads. Working with Iyad to plan our Journeys to the Holy Land is always a joy! His knowledge and attention to detail has made every trip a huge success."
"There are many guides in Israel, but none who possess the commitment, character, and professionalism seen in Iyad. Through his extensive experience, knowledge of the Holy Land, and professional relationships, Iyad is able to guide so journers into a life changing and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. There is no other guide I would consider for any of my trips to the Holy Land."
The Right Rev. Edward J. Konieczny
Bishop Edward J. Konieczny
The SSJE Brothers
Cambridge, MA
"The leadership provided by our longtime friend Iyad Qumri for the 30 members of our “Fellowship of St. John” and four SSJE Brothers was inspired and inspiring. Iyad’s melding of historical, biblical, and political insight; his attention to countless details for us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” in this land of promise and conflict; his gentle humor and sometimes-hard questions made for a transformative experience for all of us pilgrims."
-Curtis Almquist, SSJE