What We've Been Up To So Far!
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 our first full day, we went on a hike and saw several beautiful lookouts around the Golan Heights in the north of Israel. Once we arrived at Kibbutz Amiad, we ate and finally settled in for the night (after playing some fun games).
Our Friday consisted of hiking near the beautiful and mystical city of Tzfat. We got to spend some time in the art and gallery district of the city and ate some delicious authentic Israeli food. We came back to the kibbutz for our first Shabbat, which was truly a beautiful and interactive experience for all. After our traditional Shabbat dinner, we all played games and enjoyed getting to know each other better.
Because it was Shabbat, Saturday was a very relaxed day. We had a very intense and educational activity about what we value in life and our Judaism, and then went to Rosh Pina for a night out.
On Sunday, we left the Golan Heights and traveled back to Tel Aviv, after what proved to be a very hard and very rewarding hike down Mt. Arbel, the site of several Crusade battles. Once in Tel Aviv, we had some free time to explore the Shuk HaCarmel and eat lunch. Many of us ate handmade pasta...it was delicious! We then walked to Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared the state of Israel in May of 1948. It was truly magical to sit in the room where such a historic decision was made. After dinner, we were treated to a concert from Israeli songwriter Udi Krauss, who was excellent. We all enjoyed a night on the town and then finally turned in.
Today, we are on our way to Jerusalem, but we first stopped in Rabin Square and learned all about the famed Prime Minister and his ultimate and tragic assassination. Next, we will be volunteering with some first graders in Kiryat Gat!
It really has been an amazing trip. Over the past five days all of us have grown into a family, and I can't wait to see what the next half of our trip brings!