About to leave for the Prague airport...
See you all in Cincinnati!
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Sunday, July 22, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Welcome to Berlin!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A Day of Learning (Posted by Eddie and Yarden (the WAH champion of Israel!))
Shalom from Netanya ! This morning we visited a kibbutz called Ein shemer, it was very interesting to see the museum about the history of the kibbutz. We also visited the cows and got to pet them!!! Later, we ate lunch at givat haviva which is a special place for gathering both Israelis and Arabs. Then we visited an Arab village where we were toured around and shown the green line which separates palestine and Israel . Here we spoke to a Palestinian man who works in israel under a work visa- he told us about his daily life, traveling from place to place which made us all feel the passion that he possesses to his work and famiy. He described the differences in pay between Palestine and Israel (Israel pays about twice as much). He described that his devotion and efforts allow his family to live a somewhat stable life in controversial time. That concluded our fascinating day and we can't wait for tomorrow.
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Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Eden and Elise volunteered to recreate the Oslo Peace Accords
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Shalom from Jerusalem and Netanya! (Posted by Jasmine and Jordan)
Shalom from Jerusalem and Netanya!
On our last day in Jerusalem, we woke up to a breakfast at the Ben Rabin Youth Guesthouse. Shortly after, our chaperones introduced us to the American Michael Levin, a hero who showed exceptional passion for the Israeli Defense Forces, and so much so that he made Aliyah to Israel in order to fight for the IDF. His documentary was greatly touching, and reminded all of us of the sacrifices made to preserve this country's statehood. After the movie, we boarded the bus, heading for The Mount Hertzl Memorial. There, many notable Prime Ministers of Israel, peace leaders, war heroes, generals, and soldiers (including Michael Levin) are buried here. Viewing Michael Levin's grave site connected all of us to the film in a deeply profound manner. In fact, many of the Israelis and Americans shed tears for a man whom we have never met; the sheer national pride and optimism Michael had reminded us to not fear our enemies, take risks for the things we love, and to smile while doing all of that. On this day of remembrance, we then participated in a guided audio tour of The Yad Vashem (a Holocaust museum). It was difficult to listen to some of the things the tour guide told us because of how the Jews became like "subhuman" creatures, as the guide called it. One important mission of the Museum was to strive towards in the opposite direction of the actions of the Nazis, individualizing each and every victim of this tragedy by keeping and updating an archive of their names, instead of generalizing the Jews as a population that did not deserve life. By showing us some of the names of the victims on a screen, a personal connection was made, and as a result, we gained a greater understanding of what six million deaths means. That number is more than just a figure; it is really a collection of people's tragic deaths, for example, Dorotka Goldstein. If one wants to envision what a million is, he first has to understand the concept of one. After our morning and lunch in Jerusalem, we drove to Netanya, where we will stay for the week. We met our host families, had an evening activity, got ice cream, then relaxed until 11:00.
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On our last day in Jerusalem, we woke up to a breakfast at the Ben Rabin Youth Guesthouse. Shortly after, our chaperones introduced us to the American Michael Levin, a hero who showed exceptional passion for the Israeli Defense Forces, and so much so that he made Aliyah to Israel in order to fight for the IDF. His documentary was greatly touching, and reminded all of us of the sacrifices made to preserve this country's statehood. After the movie, we boarded the bus, heading for The Mount Hertzl Memorial. There, many notable Prime Ministers of Israel, peace leaders, war heroes, generals, and soldiers (including Michael Levin) are buried here. Viewing Michael Levin's grave site connected all of us to the film in a deeply profound manner. In fact, many of the Israelis and Americans shed tears for a man whom we have never met; the sheer national pride and optimism Michael had reminded us to not fear our enemies, take risks for the things we love, and to smile while doing all of that. On this day of remembrance, we then participated in a guided audio tour of The Yad Vashem (a Holocaust museum). It was difficult to listen to some of the things the tour guide told us because of how the Jews became like "subhuman" creatures, as the guide called it. One important mission of the Museum was to strive towards in the opposite direction of the actions of the Nazis, individualizing each and every victim of this tragedy by keeping and updating an archive of their names, instead of generalizing the Jews as a population that did not deserve life. By showing us some of the names of the victims on a screen, a personal connection was made, and as a result, we gained a greater understanding of what six million deaths means. That number is more than just a figure; it is really a collection of people's tragic deaths, for example, Dorotka Goldstein. If one wants to envision what a million is, he first has to understand the concept of one. After our morning and lunch in Jerusalem, we drove to Netanya, where we will stay for the week. We met our host families, had an evening activity, got ice cream, then relaxed until 11:00.
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Thursday, July 5, 2012
Hello from the Beduins! (posted by Kal, Eddie and Carly)
Hello from the Beduins!
As soon as we arrived we could smell the camels. We hopped on them and took a 45 minute ride around the Negev. It was a roller coaster trying to get on them, and every time they stood up they made their camel roars! The experience was unforgettable as we rode the camels with our Israeli friends. After getting off the camels, we were given an explanation of the Beduin culture from a real Beduin. This involved some sweet tea, strong coffee, and the complex rules that go with them.We learned a lot, and afterwards were treated to an authentic Beduin dinner. Later, we slept in the Beduin tents on floor matts. We were awakened at 4 am this morning in order to climb up the mesadah before the sunrise. (Let's just say we looked pretty rough...) we got to the top just before the sun, and then we learned about the history of this beautiful palace.
From Kal, Edward, and Carly
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As soon as we arrived we could smell the camels. We hopped on them and took a 45 minute ride around the Negev. It was a roller coaster trying to get on them, and every time they stood up they made their camel roars! The experience was unforgettable as we rode the camels with our Israeli friends. After getting off the camels, we were given an explanation of the Beduin culture from a real Beduin. This involved some sweet tea, strong coffee, and the complex rules that go with them.We learned a lot, and afterwards were treated to an authentic Beduin dinner. Later, we slept in the Beduin tents on floor matts. We were awakened at 4 am this morning in order to climb up the mesadah before the sunrise. (Let's just say we looked pretty rough...) we got to the top just before the sun, and then we learned about the history of this beautiful palace.
From Kal, Edward, and Carly
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Asa and Sam reflect on their time in the Dead Sea
Greetings all from the calcium depository known as the dead sea. This inland lake truly lives up to it's name, crystal clear like the mediterranean , blue as the sky, and hot as a sauna. As you hop and skip to the "sea" (the beach is upward of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.) you hit the water and as you go deeper a weightless feeling prompts you to just lay back and relax. To make a note, cover any and all open cuts. The salt can make the wounds sting. All cons aside, the feeling of floating on the sea, is truly an amazing experience. If you travel to the Dead Sea, don't miss out on taking the opportunity too go out into the water. You won't regret it.
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Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Our first day meeting up with the Israelis in Haifa!!!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Did you know there are zero traffic lights in the Golan Heights?!
More on the hike later to come!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Here's a bit from the boy band we were introduced to at the scripture museum
This is not the song we heard, but you'll get the idea! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmWRnz5FpGQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmWRnz5FpGQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my iPad
Our next post (Posted by Dana, Sammie and Anna)
Shabbat Shalom from Tiberas!! Yesterday we drove from Jerusalem to Mount Arbel. The hike was not too vigorous, but the view was Sof Haderech (spectacular). While on the hike, we learned the importance of conserving Israel's fresh water sources. Next, we drove to an interactive museum in Tsfat. Tsfat is a city of Jewish mysticism and spiritualism. We received red Kaballah strings there in order to ward off evil. In the museum, we learned about the torah, the mezuzah, and the teffilin. Additionally, we learned how to write Hebrew letters, just like people do in Torahs and teffilin. Next in the museum, we were in a really cool miniature movie theater where the chairs rotated automatically, and part of the movie was in 3D. For lunch, we ate falafel in a restaurant on the corner. When we finished eating, we bargained for some souvenirs in an outdoor market in an alley in Tsfat. Next, we drove to the hostel, did a quick Shabbat blessing by the waters of the Kinneret, ate, and did activities after dinner!
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Sent from my iPad
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Day #1 (posted by Jasmine, Elise, Rachel and Kseniya)
Hello from the Rabin Guest House in Jerusalem! Today was loads of fun! It started out pretty simple; we ate a yummy breakfast with all sorts of different foods and some sort of pink juice that while we don't know the name of it, we all thought it was delicious! After breakfast we went down to the City of David, where we went into Hezekiah's Tunnels. It was really cool; the water felt really cool and nice, seeing as we were all really hot. At one point, we all turned off our flashlights and held hands. It got so dark, it was like nighttime. After the tunnels, we walked to the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. It was a long and tiring walk, but so worth it! The views on the way were awesome, and we saw a few bar mitzvahs making an Aliyah. They were singing and dancing in the streets. After that, we sat at the main square of the old city and ate lunch. We had falafel sandwiches wrapped up in pita bread, there was also French fries inside! It was very tasty!! After lunch, we broke up into three groups, each equipped with a packet of questions concerning various points of interest within the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. We learned a lot of fun facts from that! Then we did more sightseeing of the old city, including the Western Wall. Although we all can take many different memories from that experience, we can agree on it being very spiritual and interesting. Also, it was great to see the diversity throughout the crowds and the connections we all had. We then walked back to the bus to the youth hostel, where we all rested and showered. After dinner, we went to the Mamila mall. It was different than many of those in America because it was outdoors. Very fun! Finished with our day, we rode back to the hostel, had a group meeting and passed out after packing!
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Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hello from Kentucky! We are still in America... So far we have gotten through security and we have also done some "ice breakers". We are all currently very excited waiting to board the flight. Also sporting our matching name tags we cannot be missed! We will keep you posted :)
Hello from Kentucky! We are still in America... So far we have gotten through security and we have also done some "ice breakers". We are all currently very excited waiting to board the flight. Also sporting our matching name tags we cannot be missed! We will keep you posted :)
#israelbound2012
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#israelbound2012
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Monday, June 25, 2012
Friends across the ocean
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
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