Tzfat, Tel Aviv, Kiryat Gat, and Jerusalem!
Hey everyone it's Aaron Kaufman here, participant from Bus 48!
I am so thrilled to be the guest blogger today!
Today was a long day for Bus 48. After visiting the old city of Tzfat, we woke up very early in Tel Aviv and headed for Rabin Square. Rabin Square is the center of Tel Aviv and the location where Prime Minster Yithak Rabin was assassinated for his beliefs in searching for peace for Israel. 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.
Later, we traveled to Kiyat Gat, the Chicago Partnership region of Israel. While in Kiryat Gat, we visited an elementary school that the Jewish United Fund of Chicago has helped sponsor the low income families and the students there to be able to have extracurricular activities like music in the school. When we arrived, we were greeted by the students in the school yard. They were so EXCITED to meet everyone and ask our names. I spoke to a boy who loved basketball, he was more of a Miami Heat fan than the Bulls though.
We first watched a musical performance by the students. Then we were able to participate in the music by either playing the new drum sets donated by the federation as well as dance and sing with the kids.
Later, we were all broken up into two 6th grade classrooms and worked one on one with the students of the school with a "get to know you" activity through teaching them English. The principal then thanked us for our work and told us once the bell rang many of the students refused to get up from their desks because they enjoyed learning from us so much.
After the school we headed out for lunch. We went to Aroma Cafe. And let me tell you this is the best meal I have had in Israel. It's always a must stop and one of my favorite places to eat here. (See pic below). I would describe this place to Americans as a mix of Le Pan Quoiten or an upscale Panera Cafe. I dined on an iced Aroma coffee (which is like a frappchino) avocado sandwich and chocolate croissant. YUM!
Then we headed for Jerusalem...
On our way to Jerusalem, we stopped at Segev, one of our Israeli participants homes in the city of Shaom. Her family opened their doors with open arms. They were so nice to welcome all of us and couldn't have been more hospitable. We had snacks and softdrinks in her backyard and celebrated two birthdays on the trip. He mother baked cakes and brownies for us to enjoy!
On to Jerusalem...
We arrived to Jerusalem and walked through the Jewish Quarter. Before arriving we were given paper and pen to write notes to put into the wall. Many participants wrote about personal experiences or connections to their Jewish religion or spirituality. Bar was able to get us on top of an apartment to view the Dome of The Rock and The Western Wall. It was one of the most incredible views of Jerusalem I have ever seen. Then we ascended down to visit the Western Wall for personal time and reflection.
On to the next one...
