Today was a day of contrasts. It was only appropriate that we began our day at Independence Hall, after all, it is Independence Day. We were taken back in time to the day David Ben Gurion declared Israel a state and relived a very important piece of history. It was interesting to see how many people flocked to this site on Yom Ha'Atzmaut. I couldn't help but wonder in what other country in the world do natives flock to Independence Hall to relive history?

From Independence Hall we went to a place call the Ayalon Institute also known as Givat of the Ayalon Institute places an explanation point after the notion that truth is stranger than fiction. 2.5 million bullets were produced in an underground factory at the institute, right under the noses of the British, without them ever learning about the facility. The factory was hidden underground between a bakery and a laundry. It is quite a heroic story and if you haven't been there - I highly recommend a visit on your next trip to Israel. Here is a link to information about the stroy - but you really can't have the full impact without going for a visit and my quick explanation just does not do any justice to this amazing tale. http://www.gemsinisrael.com/e_article000012009.htm.

Our next visit took us to an unbelievable Youth Alliyah Village called Ben Shemen. We learned of the programs that the school runs, the success the students achieve and the dedication of a tremendous staff. The children who attend this school - some of whom live there in a boarding facility - showcase how Israel takes care if its kids who could potentially fall through the societal cracks and nurtures them to be the best that they can be. Aside from normal academic rigors, the students learn values and how to care for one another and their surroundings. Ben Shemen is so much more than school - children participate in running the agricultural programs like raising animals and farming as well as taking care of their own personal surroundings. And, the school offers all types of extra curricular activities that normally these children would not receive, We met with a group of wonderful kids and the director of the school and learned of the many famous graduates who have come through this facility, like Shimon Peres. At 87 years old, the facility is going strong and improving the lives of children every day.

While we were there we had the opportunity not only to meet kids and staff, but we also collected eggs, saw the cows being milked and fed the calves.

This day brought together what Independence means for Israel and for Jews around the globe. We learned of those who sacrificed long ago and we saw how we still sacrifice today for a safe and secure country. We saw that a modern state has modern day problems, but we also saw how we have created tremendously innovative solutions - whether we need to manufacture bullets in a clandestine manner or make sure our children thrive. People give just as much today as they did 62 years ago with the founding of the State. We were reminded that as a modern country, Israel is still brand new, but has done the extraordinary in so many different ways.

Our day wound down in the evening with a wonderful walk on the new pier in the port area of Tel Aviv. It is hard to believe that this was our first full day.