IsReal world: Boston, Shorashim
Amit’s snoring started it all. Three participants on the verge of passing out at 2 am were greeted by Nathan in front of the rooms at Almog Kibbutz. “Hey we have to wake up in four hours, beautiful night out; want to sleep out under the stars tonight?”
Sleeping on the grass in back of the kibbutz was one of the greatest places to sleep outside… so we thought until 5:08 am, Almog’s sprinkler system brutally awakes the dreary participants which prompted a Chinese fire drill while gathering all of the blankets that were strewn about the back of the Kibbutz. Everyone takes off running in different directions as they embark on a disoriented journey back to their quarters. Barreling through the impressive Israeli irrigation system, we make it to the rooms to be greeted by the freezing ice box within. With an hour of shut eye in wet clothes, we started our day to head to Yad Vashem.
Anything related to the Holocaust is a touchy subject for anyone of Jewish decent. Making our way through Jerusalem and pulling into Yad Veshem, we all knew that a long, emotional day was in store for us. Greeted at the door by a vast amount of IDF soldiers, we started the touching tour of one of the biggest events in Jewish history. A hairy animated Israeli man guided us through the museum while explaining every detail from the rise of the Nazi party to the end of Holocaust which marked the liberation of the Jewish population. Overwhelming sites were seen in the museum; from a pile of shoes worn by various Jews throughout Europe, to videos of Nazi’s burying large sums of Jews in one grave using a bulldozer. Every participant was moved differently by the modern exhibit which showed the struggles of the 6 million Jews who suffered and were victims of a genocide that took place throughout Europe.
After completing the tour at Yad Vashem, we were to view the children’s portion of the museum. Walking into the children’s section the visual affect was overwhelming to say the least. Pictures of young Jewish children were portrayed while names, ages, and places of birth were read to commemorate the millions of children whose lives were taken and ended the possibility of adding close to 12 million Jews to our population. Yahrzeit candles were in place to show an infinite number of candles to remember all of their lives.
Next, our group combined with another Birthright group to hear from Effie Ayal, Holocaust survivor. Effie had an amazing story to tell which differed from what most of thought we were to hear. He survived the Holocaust as an infant. Fortunately he never saw the inside of a concentration camp but experienced every other aspect of the Holocaust; from being saved by a young Christian couple to being reunited with his mother and older brother who experienced the other side of the Holocaust that he did not. His poignant speech gave way to a barrage of questions that clearly showed how being a Holocaust survivor has shaped to who he has become today.
On our way to the Negev desert, ‘pipi’ stops, lunch, and a farewell to Amit for 24 hours took place as we made our way to Kibbutz Gvulot to have a night in the desert.
Our evening activity, a pioneer's experience, began by splitting our group in half; half to cook and half to perform. Amidst our tasks, a quickly setting sun set while we struggled to gather as a group to get a picture with a beautiful desert sunset. A kosher barbeque took place while hilarious, vulgar, and rap filled skits took place to entertain a dreary group of Shorashim travelers.
After a quick trip through the desert and back to
Gvulot, another round of “Where the Wind Blows” was played to include our new Israeli friends. Casey gave a run down of the game, a quick description was given, and there were a few failed attempts, but with practice, the rules were understood. The night was finished off with the group learning that we all secretly hope we get to see Guy, our bodyguard/medic/photographer/friend demonstrate some Krav Maga against someone who wishes us harm. Unfortunately, Israel is really safe, and we don't think he's going to get a chance.
