We Made It!!!

Finally, we have made it to Israel! Not only did we get to experience New York's JFK airport for 10 hours, but New Jersey's Newark airport for 5 hours as well. We have learned how patient we can truly be and thanks to our amazing guides, we made it here in one piece! With these delays we had plenty of time to get to know each other and become more excited to arrive. Once we landed we were welcomed by our very friendly Israeli companions and put on a bus to Kibbutz Afik in the Golan Heights. On the drive up, we saw a beautiful desert, the Lake Kineret, the border of Jordan, and many mountains. After the hour and a half bus ride we are looking forward to our hike up the Jilanboon to stretch our legs and be outdoors!

Hiking along the river of the Jilaboon was as breathtaking as the views from the top. We hiked down toward the natural rivers, passing by old Syrian bunkers from before the Six Day War. Once we hiked down past the waterfalls, we took a little dip in a pool at the bottom of one. We then ascended the strenuous stairs to the top of the mountain. From there, we had a bite of ice cream (which was waiting for us at the top), and then went to Mount Bental to see the Syrian border and discuss the roadblocks and issues for peace between Israel and its northern neighbors. We then drove back to the Kibbutz, watching a beautiful sunset over the mountains of the Galilee. After a short dinner, we went back to the rooms to get much needed sleep. Lilah Tov!