Dear NCSY SUMMER TJJ BUS 11 Parents, 

On Wednesday and Thursday, we traveled down south to learn and hear from people living through challenges and persevering forward. 

It started in a kibbutz called Nir Am where Shlomit Sivyoni, the mother of an IDF soldier who was killed 20 years ago in a helicopter crash, brought our group to a memorial for her son.  At the memorial, the teens had an opportunity to hear from her about her son, Assaf’s, life and her family in front of a lookout to Gaza.  It was very powerful to hear from Shlomit and see how she has responded and continued building her life to help others even after such a horrible tragedy. 

With the backdrop of the view into Gaza, we went to Sderot to appreciate and understand the living conditions in a city that has received more than 10,000 rockets over the last 15 years. We visited a playground which has bomb shelters placed withing the structures in order to protect the children in case of a Code Red. The teens were moved by seeing how real this was and were mesmerized by the fact the in the face of all the difficult the city is growing well beyond it’s boundaries. 

Our last stop before heading the Bedouin tents was at the grave of David Ben Gurion. Ben Gurion was a man of actions which brought a great finale to a day that spoke about responding with actions even in the face of adversaries.

The Bedouin tents always provides a new appreciation for nature and one’s surroundings as they went star gazing and camel riding. Rappelling in Mitzpe Ramon and finally a tour around the unbelievable agricultural fields in the desert brought the Southern experience for the time being a great feel just before everyone enjoys a break for Shabbat with their friends and families. 

We are looking forward to joining back together first thing Sunday morning.  

Have an incredible Shabbat!

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