Days 7-8: In The Desert
Day 7
We started the day off with a trip to Independence Hall. We watched a video about the history of Tel-Aviv and Israel’s independence. The main focus was on Diezengoff whose house the museum was located in. He came to the area and really developed Tel-Aviv into what it is today. He made sure his house turned into a museum so that people would continue coming to the city. We learned that the announcement of Israel becoming a state occurred in the museum because it was an area with very little conflict and a place that was simple and safe. We were allowed to go and sit in the room where David Ben-Gurion made the announcement. The museum preserved the speech that was made as well as the way the room was set up. Next we went to Yitzhak Rabin square. There we asked pedestrians questions about Rabin and his assassination’s effect on their lives. It was interesting to hear Israelis opinions on the matter and how they felt about such a influential man. We discussed our findings and his role as Prime Minister and peace maker. Our group walked over to the exact location where Rabin was assassinated during the peace rally. Next, we had lunch and hopped on the bus to go to Old Jaffa. This city was beautiful and a very tempting beach. Walking around the city, we learned about the history involving Napoleon. After, we went to a Ethiopian Absorption center. This was in the city of Kiryat Gat which is Chicago’s sister city in the Program 2000. We learned about how the center helps these families adjust to life in Israel. Then, we got to play with the Ethiopian children. There was the option of playing outside or doing arts and crafts. The kids were adorable and it was a great experience. Our last stop was in at the Bedouin tents where we stayed the night. The whole group stayed in one big tent where they provided mattresses and sleeping bags. The dinner was served in a different tent. We sat on mattresses and ate a delicious meal. A Bedouin man taught us about their customs and how they deal with hospitality. The Israelis then surprised us with army training. We were treated as if we were soldiers in the IDF and learned some krav maga. Then they taught us some games they enjoy playing. After the program was over, there was an optional walk. The walk may have been one of the best moments of the trip. We walked into the dessert and found a dark, quiet place minus the occasional airplane and car alarm. Each person found their own spot to lay down and look at the stars. Since we were far away from any major city, it was easy to see far more stars then we had ever seen. It was a perfect end to a great day.
Day 8
The day began with a unique experience we had all been anticipating. The camel ride. Some people were frightened by the camels while others decided to name theirs. The camels started off on the ground and were lined up. Pairs had to approach the camel and quickly and simultaneously get on the camel. The camel then would stand up. This was slightly frightening but luckily everyone survived. We then got to ride for about half hour and see some amazing desert views. Everyone packed up their stuff, cleaned up the tent, and hopped on the bus. The group was headed for Machtesh Ramon. This is a unique natural landmark that is only found in the Middle East. It was a really beautiful site to see. Next for the day was David and Paula Ben-Gurion’s grave site. The memorial was beautiful and was an oasis in the desert. This was because he wanted to make the Negev more green. We learned some facts about David Ben-Gurion such as he did headstands everyday. He was a very influential and important figure in Israel’s history. Next, we went to another mall and had lunch. Then we drove for an hour to a nature preserve. The group hiked and saw several waterfalls and beautiful mountains. We also saw some wildlife such as goats. The highlight was wading in the water and standing under a waterfall. It was a great way to cool off on a hot day. We finished the hike and came to a youth hostel. The hostel is very nice and we had a good dinner. We finished the night early with a program on Jewish identity. We discussed controversial topics and learned a lot about each other.
