We’ve all been reunited from the free weekend apart and we feel like one big family again. We started off by going to a viewpoint called Armon Hanatziv where we could see all of Jerusalem and it was beautiful. We got to take amazing pictures. We then went to the Big Fashion Mall where we ate lunch and had some free time to shop around. This was followed by the Biblical Museum of Natural History where we got to play around with all types of animals like turtles, snakes, hamsters, and chicks. It was really fun! After that, we had some free time at the Mamila Mall. Then we walked to the Israeli headquarters of Stand With Us and the woman talking to us was very engaging and made us realize how many people have no idea what our homeland is really about. Today was an amazing day and I can’t wait for the next!
Today we woke up bright and early and packed our bags heading out for a fun filled day. Our first stop was at Nir Am where we heard from the mother of a soldier who gave his life for the state of Israel. Then we went to Sderot and saw how the citizens there live. We then went on a tour around Sderot and found one of the two only parks in the world with bomb shelters in them. They were disguised as huge snakes and there were two right in the middle of the park. After we went to Ben Gurions grave where we saw ducks and ibexes and learned about Ben Gurions life. And finally we came to our tents went star gazing and had a bonfire under the stars.
Today we went to the City of David. When we first walked through the gates to the once flourishing Jewish area, we saw a magnificent harp that symbolizes King David’s passion for the instrument. We went through tunnels with water raised to our knees. I found it intriguing how we could stroll through the city and tunnels with ease, the same place that Jews for generations wept to place their feet in. We later entered the Old City for the second time as the group with pride. The members of the bus 11 family shared family traditions and heard multiple fascinating stories that the stones of the old city had to tell. Our tour guide Rivi showed us parts of the Kotel that we never seen before with our own eyes. This gave us a better understanding on the Jewish culture thousands of years ago. July 25 was truly inspiring due to the uncovering of both history and our Jewish spirit. We finished off the day by going to Ben Yehuda. I shared many laughs with my new friends that I met on the trip. I’m looking forward to the rest of the trip and to make more bonds with my new NCSY family.
We started off the day at Givat Washington where the boys played ultimate frisbee and chilled, and the girls heard from Rabbi Kosowsky, the director of Machon Ma’ayan. We then traveled deeper into Tel Aviv and participated in Dialogue in the Dark where we were able to experience walking around various places in complete darkness to see how a blind person would traverse. After that we visited Independence Hall where we learned more about the history of how Israel came to be and about the days leading to independence in 1948. Following that we had free time to explore the marketplace up until we had to head back to the hostel in Jerusalem. We ended off the night with a lip-sync battle.
Today we left the north of Israel to go to Jerusalem. On the way we stopped at the Mediterranean Sea to do some snorkelling and to learn how we use snails to die the tzizis tchelet. We then stopped at Bar Ilan University and participated in an Israel advocacy session. A few hours of bus travel later, we finally got to Jerusalem. When we got here, the first thing I thought was how incredible everything looked, the second thing being how it smells really weird. We walked around a bit and then finally went to the Kotel. It was the most amazing and spiritual place I have ever been in my life. I couldn’t believe it, it was so emotional for me and I was so surprised that a wall, not even a big wall, meant so much to me and to all the Jewish people. After that we went to the new hostels and everyone got settled down, still digesting the day’s experiences.
Today we hiked on the Jilabun trail. The hike ended in a water reserve filled with cold water where we went swimming. We then visited the De Karina chocolate factory where we got a demonstration of the chocolate making process, tasted some of their renowned snacks, and made our own delicious desserts. The last thing we did was going to the Bental lookout where we had a beautiful view of the Syrian border. I am looking forward to spending an outstanding Shabbat with the bus 11 family.
Today started off great with a sleep in. It only got better when I realized that the entire day was dedicated to my favorite thing in the world-water. After a short bus ride, we arrived at the Kinneret. We were split into three teams and given long sticks, crates and barrels with the intention of building a raft and racing. From there, the group went on a water hike. At first I was cold but I definitely warmed up during the TJJ water fight and later, the Canada vs. UK water fight. Soaked and tired, we sat down for a quiet lunch (or at least it was until we were all given water guns). After falafel, we went on to AquaKef, a giant in-water playground. I got to conquer many obstacles, toss people off the structure, get tossed off and fall what felt like fifty feet. To end a perfect day, we went to a kosher steakhouse. The food, and the entire day, were great!
Today was great! We started off riding donkeys at Kfar Kedem, we ate some great food including pita, rice, kebab and hummus and techina. We visited Tzipori, an ancient city with ruins from the Roman period. We then had an awesome ending to the day at Tiberias. We went to the beach, chilled by the sea, and played games in the water. We then played basketball at the hostel after dinner. We had a spectacular day, and looking forward to tomorrow!
“When you are having fun, time flies!” This sums up my 6th complete day of TJJ. Today was CRAZY! Despite starting it at 6:30am we were all hyped for the hike ahead of us. At the end of the hike we approached an inlet where most of us jumped in to cool off. After the quick hike and dip we went to an olive oil factory where we learned the process of creating olive oil. During the tour Rabbi Hajioff gave us free ice cream and in all honesty this was the best part 😉 After spending 45 or so minutes in the factory we got some crazy good burgers. After lunch we boarded the bus and headed to a place where we learned how to dye shirts. We headed back to our place and many of us took naps until dinner. After dinner we went to an ancient synagogue in Katzrin. Rabbi Hajioff told us a beautiful story about giving and getting and the importance of one’s Hebrew names and how it carries on one’s lineage. We closed the day with a campfire, singing songs, eating tasty marshmallows and great stories. WOW is all I can say as I go to sleep with a huge smile and ready for the best day ever tomorrow!
Our alarms half woke us early in the morning to the sight of the green Galilee, although we stayed asleep for most of the bus ride, past the hills and cows of northern Israel. Finally fresh, we went hiking on the Banyas trail, looking and posing at the streams and the waterfall. Next stop was Kibbutz Misgav Am, where one of the members gave a rather unexpurgated account of his experiences living on the border between Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Finally, we abandoned our bus in favour of rafts and cruised down the Jordan river, chatting with tourists and locals when we weren’t pushing other bus members out of their boats. We’ll cap off the day with a barbecue, then get to bed early to prepare for an even earlier wake up.