My name is Iyad Qumri and I am an independent "on the ground" guide for pilgrimages in the Holy Land. This means that I am not associated with any college. Once you arrive at the airport in Tel Aviv, Israel or Amman, Jordan, your transportation will be waiting, your lodging will be expecting you, and all of your site fees and food including tips will be included. I want each of you to completely relax in the hands of your leaders. You are on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and you will see and experience more than you ever imagined.

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I was born in Jerusalem, grew up in the Holy Land, attended schools here and most important this is where my family lives. This is also where I met and married my wife, Simone, and where our two sons Sami and Rami were born. It is also where Sami met and married his wife Snjezana. I am proud to say that they are all now working with me, hand-in-hand in the tour business.

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Professionally I have been leading tours for more than thirty years. I am a Christian guide and my pilgrimages have represented a number of denominations including Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist. Many of my groups return a couple of years later bringing friends and family with them. I consider this to be a tremendous compliment.         

One of the highlights of my career is being named a Canon in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. This means that even though I am not a priest I have been recognized for my religious contributions to this diocese.

Rami Qumri is our financial administrator at Qumri Pilgrimages. He is responsible for managing and directing financial operations and maintaining financial records. His strategic approach to financial management helps us maintain stability and ensuring we can continue to offer exceptional travel experiences to our pilgrimages.

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In addition to his role in finance, Rami is also a licensed tour guide with deep knowledge of the Holy Land. Living abroad and experiencing other international communities and cultures, Rami has his own unique ability in service to help pilgrims connect spiritually with the history of the Holy Land and its people's culture.

Sami Qumri plays a dual role in overseeing the smooth operation to our pilgrimage ministry while driving creative promotional efforts to engage and inspire future pilgrims. From coordinating pilgrimage schedules and crafting compelling itineraries, he ensures every detail aligns perfectly to highlight our unique experiences.

 

Having lived abroad in international communities, Sami brings a unique perspective that helps foster deeper connections between cultures. This experience allows him to better integrate

diverse traditions with the local community during pilgrimages, enriching the historical and spiritual journeys through the Holy Land.

 

Sami also joins the pilgrims on occasion to assist with special needs, respond to questions about the land and its cultures, and to add his own unique welcome to visitors from all over the world. Outside of his professional achievements, Sami is the husband of Snjezana, and together they share a strong dedication to delivering outstanding pilgrimage experiences.

Snjezana Qumri is an integral part of our logistics team, ensuring every aspect of our pilgrimages runs smoothly and efficiently. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, she manages transportation, accommodations, and on-the-ground coordination to provide seamless travel experiences.

 

Whether liaising with local vendors or troubleshooting last-minute 

changes, Snjezana works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every journey is hassle-free and unforgettable. Her dedication and expertise make her a vital contributor to the success of our pilgrimages. Outside of her role, she shares her passion for travel and teamwork with her husband, Sami. Together, they bring a unique dynamic commitment to ensuring exceptional pilgrimage experiences.

Omar is our lead bus driver and the backbone of our journeys on the road. With a calm presence and unmatched vigilance, he ensures every trip runs smoothly and safely. Known for his deep sense of responsibility and awareness, Omar consistently monitors traffic updates and adjusts routes in real time to avoid delays or any potential security concerns.

His dedication goes beyond just driving—he genuinely takes care of our team and pilgrims, creating a reliable and comfortable atmosphere throughout the pilgrimage. With Omar behind the wheel, we know we are in good hands.