Day 16: Wednesday 27th July 2016

The day began by waking up at 8:00 which seems to be incredibly generous from Tamara and Issac as we usually have to wake up at 6:45. After an extra hour in bed we all felt revived and awake for the exciting and exhilarating day ahead. We also noticed that sleeping with a duvet in Eilat was a stupid idea as so far it had been the hottest night on tour. We had about half an hour to get ready and to meet downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast was very impressive for a youth hostel with a good range of foods from cereal to pasta. Then, we all got prepared with our three litres of water for our first activity. We headed on the coach to Migdalor Beach where we had two hours of snorkeling and beach time. Snorkeling was extremely refreshing as it woke us all up properly. It was extremely beautiful and enjoyable atmosphere, as we explored the underworld by viewing the variety of fish and sea animals who live on apparently "the best beach in the whole of Israel". 

Beach time was very relaxing and calming. 

We headed on the bus for a two minute bus journey to the Underwater Observatory where we spent the rest of the afternoon. we saw a range of sea creatures from sharks to rare fish to turtles. The observatory was mesmerizing and unbelievable as there are so many different types of fish which exist in the world. 

After dinner which was great as we had all the food and the whole restaurant to ourselves we took a walk to the Town Centre where Yaara told us a story about the 'Ink Flag'.  It is about how soldiers conquered Eilat by the Negev during 'The Independence War' and that Eilat is in the middle of Israel, Jordon and Eygpt and peace is now established between the three countries. It is known as the 'Ink Flag' because the soldiers improvised a flag for Israel when they conquered Eilat. 

We then had some free time for shopping at the mall and around the market. This was very exciting as this was the first time we had a chance on tour to shop at a proper Israeli mall with proper Israeli shops and especially at night!  Day 16 was awesome and amazing as we all created more incredible and unforgettable memories.

By Sara Grant

Day 15: Tuesday 26th July 2016

In excitement for the day ahead, we woke up at 7:00 in the Bedouin tents at Chan Hashayarot. After a great breakfast, which we would need for our long day at the Ramon crater, we packed up our small overnight bags and headed to the coach where we were all grateful to be met by Wasim in his air conditioned coach.

After a drive of around thirty minutes, passing by the tranquil and expansive desert scenery, we arrived at the crater. We waited while the rappelling instructor prepared our equipment and a shaded tent for us to relax in and watch the view from while we waited to begin our short climb down the cliff face.

Although with a feeling of some trepidation, most of us eventually decided to abseil down the small section of cliff where Yara or Neriya were waiting for us.

Afterwards, we walked back up to the top of the cliff where three jeeps were waiting for us. We split into three groups, each with a madrich or madricha. After originally driving through a small part of the desert on tarmac, we started driving off-road. We were bounced about in the jeeps while at the same time attempting to admire the picturesque landscape. We stopped a couple of times along the way. The first time we saw some ibex close by, just after passing by a wild ass while still sitting in the jeeps. The second, we got out near a small stream with brilliant purple rocks from the bauxite quarry. Along the remainder of the journey we saw black and red and brown sand in the dunes and mountains of the Negev.

With the jeep tour finished, we went on a short journey in the coach to where we would have lunch.

In the afternoon, we split into two groups to do archery and artistry. At the archery we attempted to, and were surprisingly successful at popping balloons hung against a sheet. We also went to a football field to try our hands long distance archery. In the other part, we filled bottles with different coloured layers of sand and designed various patterns in them until they were completely filled. Then we moved on the carving and shaping sandstone to make various items and shapes which we could take back with us.

After a long drive to our next hostel, we were all shattered. After dinner and a long awaited shower, we had our sikkum sessions for the first time since before Shabbat before turning in for the night.

By Coby Graff

Day 14: Monday 25th July 2016

We woke up at 7, pretty much like every day. Some of us went to daven in the lobby before going to breakfast.

We then left the hotel to go to Tel Azeka to explore the hidden caves and secret burial sites and learn about the Bronze Age. We did a small role play about David and Goliath with Keila as David, myslef as Goliath and Lauren as the King Saul.

After this play, we went to visit the caves of Bar-kochba, (a rebellion of the Jews of the Roman province of Judea led by Shim BGar Kochba against the Roman Empire). We went crawling inside. It was a incredible experience to crawl in those tiny and narrow caves!!

After lunch we visited the Ein Ovdat Canyon where we saw the river that carved the valley and the deers and other animals living there. 

Finally we finished the journey by visiting the grave of David Ben Gurion the first prime minister of Israel and the one who declared the state. 

We reached our camp and the experience began with camel riding: it was fun but some people were really scared. After dinner we had a Bedouin experience with the locals and we had a bonfire before going to sleep in our tents. By Elie Elmalem

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 13: Sunday 24th July 2016

Today, with the fast of Tamuz to complete, it was only appropriate to theme the day around the history of Jerusalem. 

The day began with a quick trip to the Haas Promenade, where we looked over the beautiful view of both old and new Jerusalem. 





Afterwards, we spent some time in the Mount Herzl military cemetery, where we were able to place stones on the graves of Golda Meir, Hannah Senesh and many other Zionist heroes of importance to the state of Israel. This was an incredibly emotional experience, especially as we heard Yaara (our tour guide) talking about people that she or her family knew from the army who died in battle. Hearing a personal connection to the cemetery made it a truly unforgettable experience. 







Once we returned to the hotel, we heard a fascinating talk by Rabbi Gideon Sylvester which linked the Holocaust to the state of Israel by telling us stories of people who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust (to continue the themes that we discussed in and after Yad Vashem). Finally, after breaking the fast, we went all the way back in Jewish history, to the time of the Temple by visiting the Kotel tunnels and walking the length of the Western wall. Although the day seemed very information heavy, it was very enjoyable to hear how every Jewish historical event fits into the puzzle that is the state of Israel.

By Ava Cohen
 

 

Days 11 & 12: Friday 22nd and Shabbat 23rd July 2016

We began our day with a wake up at the usual 7.00 AM get up.  We proceeded to breakfast for 7.30AM and then went to our Tefillah session. We then went to the (Menachem) Begin Museum in which we learnt about  Menachem Begin and his role to help create the independent state of Israel as well as learning about his ventures after the established state of Israel. Although he was one of the main members in establishing Israel, it took time for him to become prime minister, getting the position in the 6th years vote. We then heard about all the amazing things that he achieved after becoming Prime minister. For example, bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel. We found the museum informative and interesting and were very moved by this amazing personality. 

We then went to experience erev Shabbat Israel style with a trip to the Shuk -  market  -  Machaneh Yehuda where we split into 3 groups to go to have our lunch. We were given bite cards which allowed us to go to a variety of restaurants to get a taste of the cultural food that Jerusalem has to offer. We also had free time to explore the market and involve ourselves in true Jerusalem culture.

 After our adventures at the market, we walked about 10 minutes to where we would begin our bike tour. After being kitted out, we ventured out on our bike tour of Jerusalem.

Following this, we began preparing for the Shabbat. At 6.15 we met and started our journey to the old city to have our holy Friday night by the Kotel. We lit 2 candles each to bring in Shabbat and then proceeded to the Kotel. This was an amazing experience to see so many people gathered together at this holy place. We davened together and  sang the Shabbat songs. Some of us went towards the front of the Kotel trying to touch the wall. We had a lovely traditional Friday night dinner before returning to the Kotel when it was much quieter and more private for us. We then walked back to the hotel. It was a truly insightful night and will be cherished forever.

 

Shabbat

We were pleased to hear that we could have a lie in till 11.15. We made Kiddish together and ate lots of treats which were consumed quickly. Next we gathered to do the Shabbat service as well as being blessed by the Cohen in the group.  We then had lunch and soon afterwards the whole room broke into song and there was an incredible atmosphere as all the different groups came together as one. With our free time, some rested and some did other activities. Later in the afternoon, we all met in the lobby being told only that we were going to a mystery location. We starting walking, passing a shul as well as passing our madricha (Israeli Tour guide) Ya'ara's house in order to pick up pillows and a blanket hinting what our mystery activity was going to be. If you haven't guessed already, we had arrived in the park. The beautiful scenery that surrounded us was a true pleasure to see and we all agreed that it was a great experience. After the park we walked back to our hotel where we went straight to dinner. 

We finished Shabbat with Havdalah, singing songs to bring it to an end, creating a  beautiful atmosphere. We went to our evening educational activity which consisted of us saying what Judaism means to us. It was a thought provoking session and was very inspiring. It was a great way to end the day.

By Zoe Gray and Amy Oberlander