Day 5

Friday was a very full day for us. We started with a drive from Jerusalem southward by the Dead Sea to tour Massada. We enjoyed a very thorough tour of the area, an in depth explanation of the history and a view that was beyond gorgeous. After a quick shopping trip for Ahava Dead Sea products we took a very bumpy (as if there is any other kind) jeep ride through the desert to see the area of S'dom - which is also know as Sodom. In this area of the desert we find mountains made from salt and other minerals. We learned about the mining of the minerals in the area, what they are used for and the significant natural resources that both Israel and Jordan share in this area of the Middle East.

After the jeeps and lunch many went for a float in the Dead Sea. We headed back to Jerusalem to welcome in Shabbat.

As we approached Jerusalem, the feeling of Shabbat's arrival was palpable. The was a quickness and a lightness as people finished up their last minute tasks before Shabbat began. We welcomed Shabbat at the Western Wall and left our precious notes in the wall.

We ate a delicious Shabbat meal in a private home and shared an opportunity to learn with Rabbi Matt Berkowitz from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Full and exhausted we returned to our hotel for our well needed Shabbat rest.

Day 4

I must confess. I am a little bit behind in my blogging. Tonight I am catching up and going back in time - nearly 5,000 years ago to the arrival of the Hebrews to the land of Canaan. But before I get there we will go to A Better Place - literally.

Thursday started off with a visit to the site of the development, promotion and implementation of the electric car called A Better Place. It was an extraordinary place where we learned how the electric car works, its contribution to the environment and the plan for building the infrastructure in Israel. After we learned all of that - we went out for a test drive on the track. The drove beautifully, as a matter of fact, they felt stronger than a "regular" car and they were completely quiet.















As interesting a place as it was, we went on to another better place - Jerusalem. Our visit started with lunch on Kibbutz Tzuba where we learned about their glass manufacturing business, visited with in their winery and tasted some of their wine. We met several of the Kibbutz members, including a UMass graduate. This particular kibbutz is on the outskirts of Jerusalem and still relies on agriculture as well as industry. It is also one of the few remaining Kibbutzim that has not privatized. Following Tzuba we visited Yad Vashem - the Holocaust Memorial. There are barely words to describe this site and everyone was very moved by the experience.
It was a cold rainy day in Jerusalem - particularly unseasonable weather - that made this visit even more dreary.

Upon leaving Yashem we made a quick stop at the overlook to Jerusalem. A quick check in at the hotel, dinner and then a tour through the tunnels under the old city. It was the first time many had seen the Western Wall and for new timers and old timers it felt great to be inside the Jewish Quarter of the old city. Through the tunnel tour we learned about the history behind the Western Wall and saw the many ancient layers underground. We were cold, tired and our guide through the tunnels appeared to be an automaton kindergarten teacher, but nonetheless we had a very full busy an interesting day full of much joy and sorrow.

Day 3

Today we started out in the lovely old port city of Jaffa. We walked through the lovely narrow streets in the artist colony and made our way to the port. Jaffa has had an incredible face lift in the last few years and it continues to be more and more charming.

From Jaffa we went to Hiriya, also known as Israel's largest dump. Yes, you read that properly, we went to the dump. It was closed and capped off in 1998 as the dump became a mountain. It is now the largest transfer station in Israel and we learned about how Israel is managing its waste and utilizing recycling and alternate forms of energy from the product of waste management. Let's just say, it was not your normal tourist attraction. We did go to the very top of the mountain to see the view - which was lovely - and we learned about how this prime area of real estate is now being recylced into a national park. It is named after Ariel Sharon as he was the Prime Minister who was able to preserve this land as a natural resource.

While at Hiriya we ate lunch in a cafe there - yes - we even stayed for lunch at the dump (for any of you who were considering a trip to Israel, I hope this doesn't turn you off!). The cafe is run by youth at risk through a program called Turning Point that is sponsored by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee a.k.a. JDC or the Joint. There are 40 such programs like this one that give kids, who have difficult life circumstances, jobs where they can develop entrepreneurial skills in order to seek a brighter future.

We did eventually leave the dump and we headed to the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer where we met with Dr. Itzak Siev-Ner. He gave us a tour through the rehabilitation facility in the hospital and showed us the holistic approach to healing in the hospital. It was a very impressive facility. We had the opportunity sit and speak with Dr. Siev-Ner and we were able to discuss the Israel medical system with its challenges and successes. Dr. Siev-Ner was also a lead physician for the Israel medical team in Haiti and he shared with us his experiences there as did one of the physical therapists. Dr. Siev-Ner is returning to Haiti with a team next week to help set up long term care and rehabilitation services in Haiti - funded by the JDC - through its humanitarian efforts. He spoke of what it was like on the ground and his growing concerns for the future of this country because of the devastation. It was a fascinating visit with an inspirational man.

You will see in one of the photos a picture of a poster. This for me was an "only in Israel moment." Since we were in a rehabilitation facility there are many people there who are learning how to cope with the loss of a limb through the rehabilitation process. This poster showed devices that one could use to help with day to day tasks when you do not have two hands or arms. If you look closely you will see that there is a picture of an arm with tefillin. This poster is showing the instrument that one can use to put on tefillin - with just one hand - only in Israel.

From the hospital we headed to the Carmel Market for a walk through to see the wares, smell the scents of fresh fruit and sample some of the yummy things being sold. Tomorrow we travel to Jerusalem and everyone is very much looking forward to our time there.

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.

Our group arrived today - safe and sound. After meeting at the airport we went to Tel Aviv to visit the Trumpeldor Cemetery. Yes, you would think this is an odd way to start a visit to Israel. As a matter of fact, a very perplexed Israeli approached me and said "it is really strange and weird that you have a tour group at the cemetery." When I explained to him that we were there for two reasons:

1) It is memorial day
2) There is tons of history in the cemetery that relates to the founding of the State of Israel. Since we are about to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut - doesn't it make sense to learn about some of the important famous founders?

His response to me was, you think our history can be found in a cemetery? So, here is what I was reminded of - don't argue with Israels. And, it is indeed a small piece of history in the cemetery. We are still making history right now and it think that is what he was trying to say. It was an interesting visit as we saw the graves of those early Zionist leaders who believed in a modern State of Israel. We read poetry from Achad Ha'am and Bialik. We gained historical context from where we have come and what sacrifices were made for a modern State's independence and by whom . That was the most important point of being in the Trumpeldor Cemetery.

As Yom Hazikaron ended, our celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut began. We had a delicious welcome dinner followed by a walk to Rabin Square. We enjoyed the throngs of people, the singing, dancing, music and fireworks. It never ceases to amaze me how Israelis celebrate Independence day, cherishing each year and not taking one more for granted. Tomorrow will be a long day sharing in the joy of a modern Israel.

I arrived in Israel this afternoon. There is no feeling in the world quite like the one you have when your plane touches down in Israel. As corny as it sounds, it truly feels like coming home. When I came through baggage claim I met my driver. In my distinctly American way of trying to make polite conversation, I asked him if he had been waiting long, and his gruff response was, "yes, over an hour." Welcome home! It brought a big smile to my face.

It is a somber day to arrive as Yom Hazikaron just began a few moments ago. A siren blew and the country came to a complete stop for a minute to remember those who have fallen in defense of our homeland. Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut are both secular holidays that transcend religious observance and go straight to the heart of our country - remembering the loss of life in defending Israel's right to exist and the establishment of a Jewish State only 62 short years ago. I always feel honored to be here for these two very precious holidays.

I went for a walk soon after arriving at the hotel and once again I am amazed at the hustle and bustle in Tel Aviv as there are buildings being built and the area is teeming with visitors. In the midst of all the hubbub, I passed a brightly painted sign reminding passers by that Gilad Shalit is still in captivity. This is the distinct juxtaposition of life in Israel - growth, development and technology - but never without losing site of who we are or the politics that surrounds us. This really is the theme of this trip and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. He are some photos from my arrival in Tel Aviv.

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