It's All About Community

Yesterday after Yad Vashem, we participated in a community service project in a small neighborhood outside of Jerusalem. The service project involved visiting a community center’s after school program to interact with children ages 3-18. Donations that are made in Chicago to JUF go towards this particular program and center which made our visit even more meaningful. We were free to play sports, card games, computer games, etc with the kids, and we all enjoyed every minute of it. Many of the children spoke only Hebrew, but despite the communication barrier, we the kids opened up to us and let us into their daily lives. It was a light hearted, fun way to follow the visit to Yad Vashem and we all left in great spirits.

Leaving the community center was sad, but we were able to stop by one of our Israeli friend’s childhood home nearby. His family generously let 47 strangers into their home and like a typical Jewish mother, welcomed us with a table full of food. Leaving his home, we all felt honored that he let us experience this unique part of our trip.

Back on the bus, we head off to the Bedouin tent. We ate a delicious, authentic meal (some thought it was the best meal thus far) followed by our last group activity outside. Many of us stayed up late by the bonfire singing and playing cards. At who knows what time, all of us fit into one tent to sleep a not so good nights sleep.

Emily and Kate