The First 24 Hours
It has been 24 hours since we touched down in Tel Aviv. As we began exiting the airport with our bags in tow, we were immediately greeted by our seven Israeli group members who were singing and cheering. Although they were probably receiving strange looks from the local Israelis, we felt incredibly welcomed. After a brief “shalom” orientation still inside the airport, we headed outside where we were able to exchange money, pick up our rented cell phones, and have a bite to eat.
We boarded the bus for the first time and headed up north. We hit a little bit of traffic at one point – Thursday afternoon rush hour is equivalent to our Friday afternoon. We stopped the bus in the Upper Galilee at a scenic overlook. We all enjoyed some grape juice (to symbolize our sweet journey ahead) and said “l’chaim!”
We arrived at the kibbutz shortly after. A nice dinner was waiting for us: fresh vegetables, hummus, chicken, and potatoes. After dinner, we were assigned rooms. Overall, everyone seemed pleased (even thrilled) with our lodging at the kibbutz. Everyone was set up with two other people. Each threesome has their own cabin with three beds, a small kitchen, and a nice bathroom. If this is what the lodging is going to be like the rest of the trip, we are going to be some lucky travelers!
Next, we participated in some get-to-know-you games. Because many of us were former overnight campers and counselors, this seemed normal, even second nature, to us. In fact, after the organized group activities ended, the entire group decided to go sit outside our cabins at the kibbutz and continue to play some of these games. We may be “grads and professionals,” but it sure doesn’t always seem like it! Some of us were able to have more conversations with some of the Israelis, learning details of their lives in the army and hearing their opinions on Israeli politics.
We set our alarms for the morning and were told to arrive at the dining hall at 7:30 equipped with our water bottles, hats, and backpacks. Breakfast was a combination of things that we were familiar with, and also things like salad and cheese, and instant powdered coffee. Afterwards, we all got back on the bus and headed up into the Golan Heights.
As we went farther in we started learning about some of the region’s history, how it is a hugely strategically important area for maintaining Israel’s security. Eventually we got off the bus and played a fun group game to refresh our memories on some Israeli history and other fun facts. Then, we started on our hike through the hills.
It was a beautiful hike despite the intense sun. The area is filled with hills and trees and interesting plants and flowers. We stopped at one point to discuss the famous Israeli spy, Eli Cohen. In Israel’s early days, he worked undercover in Syria obtaining information for the Israeli government, and played a huge role in Israel’s early victories over Syria and made it possible for Israel to acquire the Golan Heights. We continued on towards Dvora, an amazing waterfall with breathtaking views of the valley and the Sea of Galilee. We weren’t able to actually go in the water due to a recent fire in the area that would have made it irresponsible for us to bring 50 tourists into a recovering ecosystem, but we all took some great pictures.
After hiking out over the hills, we all got on the bus and went to lunch at a mall not far away. We were very impressed by a flamboyant falafel salesman who happily sold us what he claimed as “the best falafel in the world.” We definitely give It our seal of approval!
We continued on to a hill overlooking the Syrian border. Our guide Nitzan told us about some of the history of how the border was established as it is today and about the creation of the Israeli state. We took some more great pictures of the scenes off the mountaintop, Syria on one side, Israel on the other and Lebanon off in the distance. We walked around the bunkers on the hill for a little bit before we got back on the bus to get back to the kibbutz and get ready for Shabbat.
Everyone has been able to mingle with new people on the trip. Massive games of “Jewish Geography” have been played. Also, it has been incredibly interesting meeting the Israelis on our trip. We are so similar, sharing the same religion, but have such a different culture. We have been enjoying asking (many, many) questions, and the Israelis have been answering every single one.
(This blog post has been a joint effort of Sarah and Jared R. – Seat Buddies Day 2.)
