January 4,2011

After an early breakfast, we traveled to the Gilabun Waterfall in the Golan Heights. It was an intense hike with many obstacles including walking along sheer cliffs, slipping on rocks while crossing streams, and climbing a near-endless stone staircase. The view was breathtaking- definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. After, we took a short ride to a local mall where many students enjoyed delicious falafel for lunch. Chaos ensued as multiple other tour groups joined us in the food court and the venders began to run out of change, but it was a fun and the food was wonderful. After lunch we rode to Bental mountain where we explored military barracks, discussed Israeli military and political policy, and learned about the tumultuous history of the state of Israel. Unfortunately the clouds had descended on us by this point, and the entire place was enshrouded with a think layer of fog. We could not enjoy any kind of view from the top of the mountain, and it was a little disappointing to see English, Hebrew, and Arabic graffiti covering the walls of such a historical landmark. It was really interesting, though, to get so close to a bunker much like those we had seen driving up to the Golan Heights a few days before. Later we visited the Kinneret cemetery and visited quite a few graves that belonged to famous Israelis. Finally we learned about the historical and religious importance of the date fruit in Israel, and sampled many delicious Israeli foods made from them. We returned to Kibbutz Atik and engaged in some intense but engaging dialogue concerning the many facets of our Jewish Identity. The deep conversations that members held both in smaller breakout groups and the large collective group helped open everyone up to each other and discuss the answers to questions that influence us all.