Israel Tour 2010 Updates
Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August Today is the groups last day of Israel Tour before returning home, and this is the last email you’ll receive. When you see your children and speak to them about their experiences, we’re confident that you’ll discover that it was a fun, meaningful and educational trip for them, an opportunity and experience they’ll never forget as well as just the start of a long movement journey. We are confident that this trip will be a monumental and meaningful experience for all your children which will strengthen their connection to Israel and the Jewish people, not to mention give them both English and Israeli friends for life. We will be in touch with further details of how your children can remain involved in Maccabi. There are a number of different opportunities ranging from our leadership programme with a youth leadership and sports tracks, international sporting event and our streetwise (personal development and safety programme). We hope that they will be able to join us for our leadership weekend on the 17-19TH December. Kinneret Cemetery The cemetery at the foot of the Sea of Galilee where members of the farm, the moshava and the Kvutsa are buried. Here, among others, are buried the poetess Rachel, several ideologues and leaders of the Labor Movement, and Naomi Shemer, who lived in Kineret. Rhapsody The two day experience involves building a raft large enough and strong enough to carry approximately 20 people, design a unique sail and sail across Kinneret as part of a race. This experience is often a highlight of the groups experience in Israel. Dear Parents, Mount Bental The Mount Bental provides stunning views of Mount Hermon, the Golan, several Druze villages and a network of old bunkers and trenches. Located in the Golan Heights, Mount Bental is 1,170 meters above sea level. During the Yom Kippur War, Mount Bental was the site of one of the largest tank battles in history. Mount Bental is a key strategic point for Israel due to its advantageous observation point. Israel knew that it can not risk losing this mountain, nor any of the Golan Heights. The Syrians attacked the Golan with 1,500 tanks and 1,000 artillery pieces. Israel countered with only 160 tanks and 60 artillery pieces. The long stretch of valley in between Mount Bental and Mount Hermon became known as the Valley of Tears. Today the group travelled to the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) where they began the unique Rhapsody (raft building experience). The group split into two different teams and began an ‘Apprentice’ style Rhapsody challenge competing in building rafts in the hope to win the race across the Kinneret. All of the participants got stuck in and have had a very challenging yet exceptional day. Accommodation Under the stars on the shore of the Kinneret Tuesday 27th July Tzfat Tzfat is a rather small town located in Northern Israel, 900 meters (3200 feet) above sea level in the mountains of the Upper Galilee. It commands magnificent views east to the Golan, north to the Hermon and Lebanon, west to Mt. Meron and the Amud Valley, and south to Tiberias and the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). The city flourished in the 16th century, when many famous Jewish religious scholars and mystics moved to Tzfat following the Spanish Expulsion, fleeing from the horrors of the Inquisition. Tzfat then became the spiritual center of the Jewish world, where Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) reached the peak of its influence. It was here that the first printing press in the Middle East was set up, publishing in 1578 the first Hebrew book to be printed in Israel. Accommodation HaKook – Kinneret Area Monday 26th July Dear Parents, River Jordan The River Jordan is one of the most well known rivers in Israel. I has been spoken about for millennia, being the original biblical boarder of Eretz Yisrael as well as being the site in Christian tradition of the baptism of Jesus. The river runs 251 kilometers long and is known throughout Israel as the top kayaking spots in the country. Accommodation Host Families – Maale Yosef Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July Dear Parents, Mifgashim in Ma’ale Yosef The British community has a long standing relationship with the communities of “Ma’ale Yosef” in the Western Galilee. Profile of Ma’ale Yosef: · 2 regional councils: Ma’ale Yosef and Merom HaGalil · 1 township of Shlomi · 44 settlements · 1 development town · 25,000 residents · 1 developing area… · 1 of the most beautiful regions in Israel Rosh Hanikra Rosh Hanikra is situated on the most North West point of Israel, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea. After years of erosion from the lapping waves of the sea, a series of beautiful water caves and grotto's has been created. It is not really possible to describe the beauty of the place, and of course this photo does not do it justice. Accommodation Host Families – Maale Yosef Friday 23rd July One of the many jewels of Israel is the city of Haifa, a clean and green city that stretches from the shores of the Mediterranean up the slope of Mt. Carmel and is topped off by the high-rise University of Haifa. This is the site of Israel's major port, the place where both people and goods enter the country. Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and perhaps the most progressive, with a population of approximately 250,000. Haifa has always had a large Arab population and, today, Haifa is one of the places in Israel where Jews and Arabs are in regular contact and make genuine efforts to promote coexistence. The Bahai shrine and its fabulous gardens extend from the summit of Mount Carmel along the north-western slope of the mountain. In total there are 19 terraces and more than 1,500 steps as the garden sweeps down towards the Haifa port. The gardens, particularly the upper terraces, offer a stirring view of the blue bay below. The centre piece of the hillside garden, midway down on terrace number ten, is the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab. Completed in 1953, the building contains the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed – the Bab – a Muslim in Persia who proclaimed the coming of a "Promised One" in 1844. He was executed for heresy in 1850, and his disciples brought his remains to Haifa in 1909. The man that the Bahais believe was the "Promised One" – Husayn-Ali, Baha’u’llah – was exiled from Persia and settled in what was then Palestine under the Ottoman Turkish empire. He is buried near Akko where he died in 1892. Baha’u’llah’s son, Abbas Effendi, instructed believers to purchase large tracts of Mount Carmel overlooking Haifa Bay, which Baha’u’llah had envisaged as the world headquarters of the Bahai faith – an event which later came to pass. Few Bahais live in Israel, but some 700 volunteers from abroad serve in the Bahai World Centre, the spiritual and administrative centre of Bahaism. Pequin Youth Hostel – Western Galil Dear Parents, This morning the group travelled to the Jerusalem area where they visited Mount Herzl and the Yad Vashem museum. Located on Har Hazikaron, the Mount of Remembrance, in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem is a vast, sprawling complex of tree-studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, archives, monuments, sculptures, and memorials. The new museum was dedicated on March 15, 2005 at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. It occupies over 4,200 square meters, mainly underground. Both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, it presents the story of the holocaust from a unique Jewish perspective, emphasizing the experiences of the individual victims through original artefacts, survivor testimonies and personal possessions. One part of the mountain contains some of the most important people in the history of the state of Israel (prime ministers, presidents, heads of the Supreme Court, heads of the WZO) including that of Yitzhak Rabin. The main military cemetery is for those who fell during the wars in Israel and is situated on the northern slope of Mount Herzl. Men and women, Israeli born and non Israeli born residents, old and young are buried together in the cemetery which reflects Israeli society and its diversity Israel Experience Mega Event All of the youth movements worldwide (approximately 3,000 people) have been invited to a mega-event in Hertzelia Park. The group are currently enjoying entertainment from Israeli singers and dancers and the opportunity to catch up with and make new friends from other youth movements. Accommodation Maccabim Wednesday 21st July Dear Parents, The group are doing very well and the madrichim have only positive comments to say about your children! Today the group spent the day in the Tel Aviv area. They visited the unique sensory exhibitions at the Children’s Museum and the Olympic museum. Olympic Museum Accommodation Maccabim Today the group have commemorated Tisha Ba’av. The group did a scavenger hunt around Tel Aviv and then spent some time on the beach. They then visited Rabin’s Square and participated in activities on Israeli culture ran by the madrichim. Tisha Ba’av Rabin Square Accommodation Maccabim Monday 19th July Today the group started their journey to the centre of Israel. They arrived in Tel Aviv and visited the old city of Yafo (Jaffa), the Flea market and Neveh Tsedek. Tonight is Erev Tisha Be’Av and so the group will run a tekkes (ceremony) to commemorate this day. The Independence Hall Museum is located in Tel Aviv. On Friday, May 15, 1948 David Ben Gurion proclaimed Israel’s independence in the Declaration Hall. Because of the historical importance of the event the hall was restored with the help of witnesses and pictures. The streets of Jaffa are one of the most attractive places to tour in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa region. The city which has always been the entry port to the ancient land of Israel is even today, full of the traditional sights and sounds which have always characterized it. Jaffa was named after Noah's son, Japheth, who built the city after the flood. There are others who believe that the name derives from the Hebrew word "Yofi" - beauty. From archaeological discoveries and ancient documents we learn that Jaffa existed as a port city some 4,000 years ago, serving Egyptian and Phoenician sailors in their sea voyages. Neve Tzedek The beautiful area of Neve Tzedek ‘Oasis of Justice’ was the first neighbourhood in Tel Aviv. It was established in 1887 on land which belonged to a political activist called Aaron Shlush. Neve Tzedek is home to many artists whose work are displayed throughout the area. Accommodation Maccabim Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July Dear Parents, The group spent their second Shabbat in Southern Israel. They had a very relaxing Shabbat yesterday where they enjoyed activities run by their leaders and pleasant walks in Eilat. Today the group spent the morning doing a hike at the Red Canyon. They then drove North where the group split and each movement did their own activities. Maccabi GB chanichim went the the Kfar Maccabiah and met with Carlos who is the head of the Maccabi World Union and visited the Maccabi Museum. Eilat Eilat is the most Southern Israeli city, located deep in the desert. The sun always shines in Eilat with the average day time temperature rarely dipping below 70 degrees. Due to this harsh climate, the Eilat region was never highly developed; however this has not prevented large numbers of people from settling there. Situated at the crossroads between the gateway to the Red Sea and to the Muslim holy site of Mecca, has ensured constant human involvement in Eilat. In 1948 the Golani brigade seized control of Um Rash Rash, today known as the city of Eilat. Today Eilat and the surroundings are great tourist attractions because of its climate and year round sunshine. Coral Beach The Coral Beach is situated on the coral reef in the Gulf of Eilat and is one of Eilat’s main attractions. The reef, which is the most northern reef in the world, is a product of the warm and clear waters in the Gulf. At the beach the group enjoyed snorkelling and discovering beautiful fish and other sea creatures and plants. Accommodation Outdoor stay in Palmachim Friday 16th July Dear Parents, The group spent the majority of their morning snorkelling, swimming and discovering the wonders of sea-life in the stunning Red Sea. They spent time shopping in Eilat at the Tayelet and in the mall. The group then started their preparation for their 2nd Shabbat together. Coral Beach The Coral Beach is situated on the coral reef in the Gulf of Eilat and is one of Eilat’s main attractions. The reef, which is the most northern reef in the world, is a product of the warm and clear waters in the Gulf. At the beach the group enjoyed snorkelling and discovering beautiful fish and other sea creatures and plants. Shopping After their time on the beach and their morning hike, the group head towards the shops. They were given free time to shop in Israel’s most popular tourist destination. The group then headed back to their guest house and started their preparation for Shabbat. Please remember that you will not receive an email from me tomorrow, but I will be in touch on Sunday .Shabbat Shalom Accommodation Eilat Guest House Thursday 15th July Dear Parents, The group did a hike this morning at Ein Gedi and then made their way to Eilat. They are staying in Eilat for 3 nights so the group will got settled and unpacked their bags. They visited the sand dunes and had a lot of fun rolling and playing in the sand. Ein Gedi Ein Gedi National Park was founded in 1972 and is one of the most important reserves in Israel. The park is situated on the eastern border of the Judean Desert, on the Dead Sea coast, and covers an area of 6,250 acres. Eilat Eilat is the most Southern Israeli city, located deep in the desert. The sun always shines in Eilat with the average day time temperature rarely dipping below 70 degrees. Due to this harsh climate, the Eilat region was never highly developed; however this has not prevented large numbers of people from settling there. Situated at the crossroads between the gateway to the Red Sea and to the Muslim holy site of Mecca, has ensured constant human involvement in Eilat. In 1948 the Golani brigade seized control of Um Rash Rash, today known as the city of Eilat. Today Eilat and the surroundings are great tourist attractions because of its climate and year round sunshine. Accommodation Eilat Guest House Wednesday 14th July Dear Parents, Today the group arose at the crack of dawn to climb Masada in time to see the sunrise. After a strenuous hike up and an activity at the top of Masada the group had a relaxing afternoon off. They spent the rest of the day at Dead Sea where they enjoyed floating in the sea and covering themselves in mud! They will be spending this evening at lovely Masada Guest House where they will go on a gentle night hike. Masada After Jerusalem fell to the Romans in 70CE some Jews took refuge at Masada. In 72 C.E. the Roman governor resolved to suppress this outpost of resistance and from then on the Jews (known as Zealots) lived there under siege. As the Zealots witnessed the Romans building a huge ramp from the west side of Masada over to the summit they realised that defeat was near. Their leader, Eleazar Ben Yair, ordered that all Zealots were to be killed. 10 men were appointed to kill the others, they then commit suicide. The group took the ‘Snake Path’ route to reach the summit. Whilst it took the Romans well over a year to reach the summit occupied by the Jews, the group nimbly reached their goal in just under an hour, phew! Once at the top, the group saw incredible sight of the sun rising over the desert, before starting on a tour of the ancient ruins. They soon came to understand the two sides of Masada: that of a great place of heroin, and that of a hideout for the Zealots against the conquering Romans. Like everything on tour, it’s not just what you see that’s important, but what it all means too. The Dead Sea The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and the largest "Natural Spa" in the world it is also one of the world's true natural wonders and a unique tourism destination. The Dead Sea is a one-of-a-kind body of water, 417 meters (1,373 ft.) below sea level with mineral-rich waters and mud flow with natural health and beauty benefits acclaimed globally. But that's not all. Visitors to the Dead Sea come to a world of blue skies, year-round sunshine, magnificent natural landscape, and extraordinary touring options, such as thrilling encounters with history and exploration of the living desert. The unparalleled buoyancy and warmth of the water has everyone floating. And its health promoting thermo-mineral springs and world famous cosmetic black mud have been praised by visitors for millennia. Accommodation Massada Guest House Tuesday 13th July Dear Parents, The group spent the morning on a hike in the Mt. Saharonim crater and swimming at Mitzpe Ramon. They then headed North to experience Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a camel ride and ended the day with a Bedouin feast! There are some great photos on the UJIA Summer snap website - the link is below - enjoy! Mitzpe Ramon Mitzpe Ramon is the gate to the Ramon's reservation and Ramon's crater, the biggest crater in the world. Mamshit Camel Ranch The group enjoyed camels' riding and the generous hospitality of the village, which includes variety of food served in the traditional Bedouin way. . Accommodation The group stayed at the Bedouin farm in a huge tent for all of them. They started their preparation for an early morning start to climb Massada. Monday 12th July Dear Parents, Today the group left Jerusalem to begin their journey travelling south. Throughout the drive the group stopped at key sites and places of interest, culminating at the location of the very challenging Desert Survival experience. Madras Cave Madras Cave was a city which existed from the Iron time (1,000 BC) until the Roman time (4th century). Today you can see traces of houses, tombs and a big pyramid that was used as grave. Some of the caves and tunnels in the area were built by the warrior Bar-Kochva, the leader of the rebellion against the Romans. When the Romans arrived they didn’t want to go inside the tunnels, instead they started fires at the entrances and the smoke made the rebels either leave or die inside. When the rebellion started in 132 it was a success as it brought independence to Judea for 3 years. This was the last independence of Jews for almost 2,000 years until the state of Israel was established in 1948. After 3 years, the Romans came back and destroyed everything that lasted from the Jewish settlement. The spiritual centre of the Jewish people was then moved to the Galilee. Tel Azaka Close to Madras Cave, on the border of Ha’ela are archaeological digs and caves called Tel Azaka. Tel Azaka was a city from the very beginning of the Israeli settlement in Canaan. The city was destroyed by the Babylonians and rebuilt by Ezra and Nehemiah. Tel Azaka became known for one thing – it was where David killed Goliath and where the kingdom of David began being built. Ben Gurion Tomb In 1953 David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister retired from politics, and set up his home in Sde Boker with the aim of inspiring mass settlement in the desert. He died in 1973 and was buried there. Today, you can visit the tomb of Ben Gurion and his wife Pola, and the very modest house which belonged to this Prime Minister. Ben Gurion is considered as one of the greatest leaders of Israel. The group finished their day embarking on their desert experience. Accommodation The desert – under the stars! Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th July Dear Parents, The group spent their first Shabbat in Israel participating in relaxing activities in Jerusalem. They had a very relaxing time and bonded well as a group. After Shabbat went out they visited the Time Elevator Experience. The group spent today in the Jewish Quarter of the old city and visited famous sites including the Kotel and City of David and the water tunnels. The Jewish Quarter The Old City of Jerusalem, captured and renamed 3,000 years ago by King David, is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. The city holds some of the world's holiest sites inside its seven gates; the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Jewish peoples’ First and Second Temples were within these holy walls. There are also smaller but equally powerful attractions; the Tower of David, the Mount of Olives and hundreds of stalls with great crafts that represent the city's many cultures. The group spent the day exploring the Jewish Quarter of this spectacular historic city. The Jewish Quarter is an area of contrasts between old and new, traditional and modern, preserved and reconstructed. This area of Jerusalem occupies approximately 15 acres and has been inhabited by Jews for centuries. When Israel regained the Old City in 1967 the Quarter was reconstructed and hundreds of people live and study here today. The group visited amazing archaeological museums and uncovered ancient ruins within the Jewish Quarter. Mount Zion Mount Zion stands in the western side old the old city of Jerusalem. Even though the mount is not included in the area which is surrounded by the walls of Jerusalem, it is still part of the Old City of Jerusalem. According to the Jewish and the Muslim traditions, King David is buried in Mount Zion. Kotel The Kotel is the section of the western supporting wall of the Temple Mount which has remained intact since the destruction of the Second Temple (70 C.E.). It has become the most sacred spot in Jewish religious and national consciousness and tradition, by virtue of its close proximity to the Holy of Holies within the Temple. Most of the Western Wall which was about 485 meters long is hidden by the buildings adjoining it. Until 1967 the accessible portion of the Kotel was no longer than 28 meters. In front of it ran a stone-paved alley 3.5m wide bordered on its west by a slum area. The Kotel above ground consisted of 24 rows of stones of different dressing and age, reaching a total height of 18 m. with 6 m. above the level of the Temple Mount. In 1967 excavations revealed that 19 more rows lay buried underground. There is now a large plaza in front of the Kotel, with separate praying areas for men and women. Kotel Tunnels From the time of the Temple’s destruction we have been unable to ascend the Temple Mount to stand in the presence of the Lord. As the years and centuries passed, the Western Wall came to symbolize the millennia of Jewish history and heritage as it was transformed into the focus of the Jewish people’s longing for the glories of its past. For hundreds of years the indignity of destruction concealed the major part of the Western Wall. The few stones visible told a tale of devastation. In 1967, soon after the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem, along with creating access to the Western Wall area, a project to expose the full extent of the hitherto concealed Wall was initiated. These excavations revealed the entire length of the Western Wall – 488 meters – in all its glory. The group were explored these tunnels, realising just how small the exposed section actually is. The Kotel was an extremely emotional experience for many of the participants. To see it in real life made this a day one that they will never forget and a perfect way to end their first few days in Jerusalem and open their month in Israel. The City of David The city of David which was biblical Jerusalem is located on a low and narrow spur south of the Temple Mount and today’s Old City. The City of David was built on a hill of hard limestone; the Gihon Springs is the only source of water for the city. The Gihon Springs made the founding of the city possible as it sustained its existence for thousands of years. After a very long and enriching day the group headed back to the hostel the watch the World Cup Final! Accommodation Bayit Vagan Guest House, Jerusalem Friday 9th July Dear Parents, The group spent their first full day in Israel’s religious, spiritual and historical centre, Jerusalem. The day began with ‘get to know you’ games and activities run by their four leaders. This was shortly followed by a picnic lunch in the park where the group met and were welcomed by their recaz (co-ordinator). This evening the group had time to prepare for what will be a very special experience, their first Shabbat together in Jerusalem. Tayelet Haas (Haas Promenade) From the Haas Promenade you get an astonishing nine measures of beauty and 3,000 years of history. From the Promenade, located in East Talpiot, the group were able to see Jerusalem in all its glory - the Old City walls, the New City buildings, and the ancient villages all blend into one panoramic view of this glorious city. With these wonderful views of Jerusalem in the background the group spent the morning breaking down all boundaries and began the process of building a strong group identity. Recaz As you may remember from the security presentations, the recaz works with several youth movements whilst they are on tour in Israel. Her responsibilities include involvement in co-ordinating the logistics of the programme, serious disciplinary issues and supporting the four leaders. The McNoar recaz is Sarai Uval, Sarai has vast experience working with young people as both a leader and co-ordinator with different various organisations in Israel. She met the group to explain the disciplinary procedures and emphasise the importance of sticking to the rules. The group’s leaders communicate with Sarai several times every day as a matter of procedure. Shabbat Preparation The group spent this evening preparing for their first Shabbat together in Israel. This is often a highlight for our groups and the leaders have a very special experience lined up for them. The group had Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) which is often a very moving experience. Accommodation Bayit Vagan Guest House, Jerusalem. You will not be receiving an email during Shabbat; our next contact will be on Sunday 11th July. Shabbat Shalom. Thursday 8th July Dear Parents Welcome to the first in a series of daily newsletters about your child’s Israel Tour journey. Every day (aside from Shabbat) you will receive an email from us providing you with an update on what your child has been doing, additional background information on the sites they are visiting and their sleeping arrangements. At the bottom of every email you will find information regarding how to contact Maccabi GB and emergency contact details. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Enjoy the read! Arrival After a very exciting and noisy plane journey the group safely arrived to Ben Gurion Airport. Once through passport control, the group were met and introduced to their two Israeli leaders –Omri and Lali, who will be joining them for the entire trip. Their journey through Israel soon began with a short bus ride to Jerusalem. I just spoke to the Madrichim -Jake, Max and Kim and they sound great. They said the group have been fantastic and couldn’t have been better behaved! Accommodation Bayit Vagan Guest House, Jerusalem Oliver Marcus Jessica Overlander-Kaye Hanoar Hatzioni Maccabi GB National Director Programme Manager · UJIA Israel Experience have set up a website at www.summertour.org.uk. This will be updated for security news if and when necessary. · In case of an emergency please contact Jessica on 07918 698 453 You can view pictures from the UJIA website, using the following link http://www.ujia.org/israel-experience/snap/photo-gallery/2010/
Dear Parents,
The group enjoyed their final Shabbat in Israel in the same way they enjoyed their first, in the wonders of Jerusalem. Yesterday the group spent the day enjoying activities run by their leaders with a farewell party in the evening.
A Few Last Words
We would like to thank both yourselves and your children for choosing to experience Israel Tour with Maccabi.
Accommodation
HOME!
Friday 30th July
Dear Parents,
As the group prepare to spend their Shabbat together of Israel Tour they have had a last chance to give something back to the country they have taken so much from over the past month. This morning they have been volunteering with young children from around the Kinneret area. Everyone has had a lot of fun playing games and singing songs with the children. The group have spent a relaxing afternoon preparing for Shabbat.
Accommodation
Karei Deshe Guest House - Kinneret area
Thursday 29th July
Dear Parents,
This morning the group got up early and spent a couple of hours making the finishing touches to their rafts before they set sail across the Kinneret. Once they sailed across the lake and dismantled their rafts the group were treated to a relaxing lunch. After a break and time to relax the group visited the Kinneret cemetery to find out about the pioneers who first settled the region.
Kinneret
The Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee is only 13 miles by 7 miles but is one of the most well known bodies of water in the world. It was on one of these beautiful shores that Jesus delivered sermons and performed miracles. The Sea of Galilee is the major source of fresh water for the entire country.
Accommodation
Karei Deshe Guest House - Kinneret area
Wednesday 28th July
Today the group had a very active day in the Northern Galilee region. Their day began with a water hike in the Jilabun valley. They then went to the Bental mount observation point where they enjoyed stunning views of the Golan. After a spot of lunch the group prepared themselves for the following days of the Rhapsody experience!
Dear Parents,
After waving goodbye to the Mifgashim the group made their way to the top of Mount Meron where they were able to experience beautiful views across the north of Israel. They then made their way to the magical and mystical city of Tzfat (Safed) before making their way to their last stop of the day at Rosh Pinah. The group are generally going very well and whenever I speak to the madrichim they are very positive and proud of how great their group is.
After a night of home comforts and lots of home cooked food, tour group and the Israeli Mifgashim took a trip to the Jordan River where they had a great time kayaking down the river. The group then returned to have an evening activity with the Mifgashim before spending their final night in comfort in their host families homes. The group have really enjoyed the mifgash and spending time with their Israeli peers. Its has been a very positive experience for them and a great way to learn about and live the Israeli lifestyle.
The group has just spent a calming Shabbat in Pequin, running acitivities for each other and from the madrichim. As well as getting some well deserved rest before their final week of Israel Tour. The highlight of today was the beginning of “Mifgashim” – encounters with the Israelis. The group left Pequin this morning to travel to Ma’ale Yosef. With their Israeli group they took part in the Bezet hike in the Upper Galilee. They then traveled to Rosh Hanikra before heading back to their host families for some home cooked food.
Dear Parents,
Today the group are heading north to look at multiculturalism in Israel in the city of Haifa. They had a tour of the famous and beautiful Bahai Gardens. The group then headed to Daliat El Carmel where they had a delicious Druze feast after having a tour of the city. The group then checked into their accommodation to prepare for Shabbat.
Haifa
The Bahai Shrine Gardens
Daliat El Carmel
Daliat El Karmel is a Druze village located high up on the Carmel Mountains. It is a colourful village which offers wonderful hospitality. The Druze are an ethnic group that split off from Islam in Egypt about 1000 years ago. The group visited a traditional Druze home where they experienced Druze culture and tradition.
Accommodation
Thursday 22nd July
Today the group experienced a very emotionally tiring day, they began the day with a very long visit to Yad Vashem. They then had the opportunity to hear an emotional survivors testimony. After that they visited Mount Hertzel.
Their evening is somewhat more light hearted and a chance to meet up with all of the other Israel tours at the Israel Experience Mega Event.
Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is the Jewish people’s memorial to the murdered Six Million and symbolizes the ongoing confrontation with the rupture engendered by the Holocaust. Containing the world’s largest repository of information on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is a leader in Holocaust education, commemoration, research and documentation.
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, was established in 1953 by an act of the Israeli Knesset. Since its inception, Yad Vashem has been entrusted with documenting the history of the Jewish people during the Holocaust period, preserving the memory and story of each of the six million victims, and imparting the legacy of the Holocaust for generations to come through its archives, library, school, museums and recognition of the Righteous among the Nations.
Mount Herzl
The national memorial named after Theodore Herzl, visionary of the Jewish state and founder of the world Zionist Organization. It contains his tomb as well as that of pre state and Israeli leaders.
Tomorrow the group will visit Yad Vashem so they will spend some time tonight preparing for their visit.
Holon Childrens Museum
The group felt what it's like to perform normal every-day activities as a blind or deaf person (walk around inside and outside, on a boat, order in a restuarant) at the "Dialogue in the Darkness" and ‘Invitation to Silence’ sensory exhibits.
The “Dialogue in the Darkness" is sensory experience for those who've already seen it all. They got to know the world and other people without the benefit of sense of sight.
The “invitation to Silence” is an inter-active exhibition about communication guided by deaf guides. This exhibition that brings forth the non- oral communication skills that exist in every one of us, and which are best expressed in the absence of voice and sound. In this non-standard experience one does not speak nor hear, and yet discovers a new alternative world of communication, through hand movements and body language.
The interactive experience takes place in a five-hall show, corresponding to the five Olympic rings. The multi-sensory, multimedia experience enables the chanichim to experience interactively various sports and challenges faced by Olympic athletes. For example, they can test their concentration ability, or participate in a marathon race simulation. Visitors learn about the history of the Olympic Games and current champions through a movie showing a young female athlete and her coach, as she prepares to compete in the Olympic Games.
Tuesday 20th July
Dear Parents,
Tisha Ba’av which translates as the 9th of Av, ends a three week period of semi-mourning beginning on the Fast of Tamuz. Tisha Ba’av is the peak of mourning where people refrain from eating, drinking, shaving and entertainment.
The 9th of Av commemorates many disastrous events which have happened to the Jewish people. These include; the destruction of the 1st and 2nd temples, the Bar Kochba revolt, in 1492 the Spanish Expulsion Decree was issued and WW1.
The Rabin square is a very large public city square in central Tel Aviv. The square is largely known for holding political rallies, parades and other public events.
The square was formerly known as the Israel Kings Square and was changed in 1995 following the assassination of the Prime Minister of Israel and Minister of Defence Yitzhak Rabin on November 4th 1995, 12 Heshvan 5757. Rabin was murdered by an Israeli citizen following a rally in the square.
Until the fourth anniversary of the assassination, the only thing which reflected the event was walls covered with graffiti. Originally, it was decided to leave the graffiti as part of the memorial arena. Most of this has now been cleaned or covered, and a formal exhibit created. Many claim this doesn’t reflect the emotion felt by the people at the time of this event.
Dear Parents,
The Independence Hall Museum
Around the declaration hall there is a permanent exhibition showing the historical background of the establishment of the State. The painting of the Zionist Congress and the photograph show the closing of the circle of the vision and realization of the establishment of the Jewish state.
Jaffa
Masada is found at the very top of an isolated rock on the edge of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea valley, between Sodom and Ein Gedi. It stands 440 metres above the Dead Sea (50 m above sea level), and is isolated from its surroundings by deep gorges on all sides. This position forms a natural fortification, and the place is natural to build a fortress. The access in ancient times (as Josephus describes) was by a steep "Snake Path" from the east, "the White Rock" from the west, and two approaches from north and south, all of them rather difficult to climb.