Today was a great first day! We began in the Golan Heights, which was a wonderful start to our discussions of Israel's security challenges.
Today was a great first day! We began in the Golan Heights, which was a wonderful start to our discussions of Israel's security challenges.
Today, we kicked off our tour of Israel wth a hike in the beautiful Golan Heights. After lunch we went to the top of Mount Bental. It was a little chilly and windy because we were actually inside of a cloud, but I was happy because there was a coffee shop there! Later in the afternoon we travelled near the Sea of Galilee where we got a chance to swim and relax in the hot springs. Overall, it was a great day and I am very excited to continue our adventure here in Israel!
We arrived at Har Bental soon after, and immediately were amazed at the amazing view from the top of the mountain. However, in the true spirit of Birthright, we did not only look at our surroundings but immediately started our hike towards what we learned was one of the most important cities in ancient Israel.
The night was a blast! We celebrated through the night with dancing and good conversation. Only after being in Israel for a few days, us Americans and Israelis had become great friends. To think that this is only the first third day of the trip!
We drove to Tzfat, a historic Northern city that is known for being the center of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. The city itself feels magical, in a way, ancient and timeless all at once. Bright blue accents lined fences, doorways, walls, everywhere you look; we learned that blue is a special color for the Kabbalah. After getting lunch - the shawarma here is absolutely incredible - we went to learn a bit about Kabbalah from a local artist named Abram. (Actually, his real name is Robert and he is from Michigan!) Hearing his perspective on this lesser-known side of Judaism was definitely an eye-opening experience, regardless of how one feels about spirituality and mysticism. He was extremely passionate.
On the morning of the 24th, we left our home away from home at the kibbutz. Eager for the day, we loaded into the bus and as we weaved through the hills, we said our goodbyes to the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. In classic Birthright style, our day was scheduled squeezing in as much as possible. Our first stop was at Haifa, the sister city of Boston, and home for many of our Israeli friends. We went to a high school where we collaborated with the students.
On Thursday, we arrived in Israel after a long flight and a tiring day of traveling. We were welcomed by our Israeli friends and our Israeli tour guide Michal, as they sang songs to greet us. Everyone was exhausted and jet lagged as we made our way out of the airport onto our bus for the first time. After a long bus ride, we arrived at Kibbutz Gadot in the Golan Heights in northern Israel where it was unexpectedly chilly, but nice. The kibbutz welcomed us with a warm and delicious meal with chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and of course our favorite - HUMMUS!!
Many of us commented on how the scenery reminded of us hiking memories from home, but the excitement to be here in Israel was real. As we sat scattered among the rocks surrounding a small stream-fed pool, our Israeli tour guide, Moos, told us about the world leading progress Israel is making in terms of sustainable water management.
It serves as a buffer between the chaos of modern-day Syria, and the infinitely less chaotic modern day Israel.
The next stop involved something we can all relate to: Food. This wasn't our standard lunch. Instead we enjoyed delicious Israeli dishes such as falafel and schwarma. For many of us, the was the first time having these classic meals, and there were nothing but smiles when we finished up!