Day One and Two | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Day One and Two

By Sammi Levin and Kat

After meeting each in other in the airport, we boarded the plane with excitement for our adventure to come. Eleven hours later, we fought the jet lag and got ready for our first activity packed day. We drove (our first of many bus rides) to the Golan Heights. We hiked through the beautiful stream, Majrase, one of the tributaries to the sea of Galilee. We tried - but failed - to avoid heavy splashing from young whippersnappers, and then headed to Mitzpeh Ofir to take in the view while learning about the geography of Israel.

We began our next day with a hike in the Zavitan stream. Midway through we cooled off in a spring, the highlight of the day. Our history lesson continued as we ascended Har Bental, a mountain atop the Golan Heights. Here we listened to Shira talk about the various battles in this area. To finish the day, we went to Mitzpe Gadot for a guided meditation while looking over the Jordan Valley and paying respect at a memorial dedicated to soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for Israel.

After a rewarding two days, we got to know each other better through activities at the Kibbutz. We can't wait to continue this journey together on day three!