Finally, the we saw the curvaceous image of the Dead Sea appear from behind an edge of the mountain, far below in the valley. Driving down into the area of the Dead Sea you can see marked lines on the side of the mountain walls to your right that indicate the points of -100, -200, -300 meters below sea level. The color begins to define the sea as you get closer, turning from sun-drenched silver to an aquamarine that glows bright blue as you get closer.
After a hearty sleep at our lovely hotel in Jerusalem, we awoke to a quick breakfast and got right in the bus for a busy day.
Our first destination was Yad V'Shem, the Holocaust museum in Israel. The museum offered one of our most emotional memories on birthright. We experienced stories that must not be forgotten. We also walked through the children's memorial. For many this was a psychologically troubling place that will forever be etched in our minds. We then stopped at a local mall for a lunch and some delicious pasteries for a lucky few!
I must say that today, our fifth day, was probably my favorite so far.
Today has been the longest and most fulfilling day of the trip! While we're sad it's almost over, we also appreciate all of the amazing experiences, sights, conversations, and moments we have spent together over these last nine days. Here's to making day ten one of the best!
After learning from Bar (our Israeli tour guide) the history behind Rabin and his assassination, we were broken into groups to walk through the square, ask questions to Israelis about how they felt about the assassination and what it meant for the state of Israel. For me, this was an eye opening activity that was really beneficial to speak to Israelis in Tel Aviv to learn how they actually felt about how the assassination effected their lives and the future of Israel as a whole. Getting first handed accounts of how the people of Israel felt during this difficult time.
Other than one or two comments from group mates, I had no idea today was Christmas. No lights. No big red plastic Santa's, or reindeer, or sleighs. Just people, Jewish people going about the errands they need to complete before Shabbat.
Greetings from Israel! Today we are finally reaching Jerusalem, and we can't wait to see everything the city has to offer. We've only been here five days but it feels like we've been here for five years. After arriving in Ben-Gurion Airport and getting through customs, we were greeted by our Israeli participants and went on our way to our first kibbutz.
On Friday December 25th, we spent the day in the Old City of Jerusalem. As a group, we had the pleasure of learning about and exploring the area. Before heading to Neve Shalom, where we stayed for Shabbat, our last activity in the Old City we had time to spend at the Kotel. It was there that I was truly unprepared for what was to come.
I could practically feel the history radiating out of the stones as Ido led us through the streets, some of which were thousands of years old (and some somewhat-recently refurbished).
Making my commitment to my life as a Jew in front of my friends, who are like family, has been a precious moment that I will cherish my entire life.