Breaking the Ice
This was our first day in Israel actively exploring something besides an airport, a bus, or our jet-lagged exhaustion. :)
After getting "a night's sleep" at a resort-like kibbutz, we toured the north of Israel around the Kineret. It reminded me of California, sporting the same rust and yellow-colored soil and sparse shrubbery. But there were some notable differences, namely small but well-covered farm plots, the lack of cars, and the occasional passing IDF convoy.
We played ice-breaking games, went for a surprisingly leisurely water hike, visited an olive oil factory, and spent a decent amount of time rafting down the Jordan River.
These were all great bonding activities, but my favorite part of the day by far was visiting Mt. Bental at the Golan Heights. We stared out onto the Valley of Tears, took note of the paved border between Syria and Israel, and every so often heard a faint booming sound similar to waving a large sheet of metal - the same byproduct of the current U.S.-Russia joint bombing campaign against ISIS.
The visit was important because it was our first history lesson. We learned about the Golan Heights' militarily strategic position, arable soil, and proximity to our water source; all reasons why Israel would not be inclined to return the land to a country with which it maintains only a cease-fire agreement.
But beyond the lesson - and the sights - it broke the ice for deeper conversations between our American and Israeli group members on the subject. The discussions were surprisingly moderate in tone; there's plenty of room for emotional fireworks between outsiders and those who live the situation - who serve - but different views were articulated respectfully in both questions and answers, which indicates good things for conversations to come.
It's important not to minimize the role of the conflict in all of our lives. For many of us – myself included – it's one of the major reasons that we're here, and is the daily reality of all who live in this land. But it's equally important to not let the issue completely rule our experience. Judging from the tone and range of our conversations today and the progress we've made in getting to know one another, I'd say we're doing just fine.
We ended the night by celebrating a group member (Allie)'s 22nd birthday with a responsible amount of celebration and plenty more conversation. It was a great way to celebrate the end of our first day in Israel. It's now half past midnight, though, so it's time to say one last L'chaim, chag sameach, and laila tov.
Photo Credits: Header Image-@isaaclglear, Image 1-@natefrogg773
