Day 9: The Holocaust Museum

Day 9: 

This morning we went to yod hoshem-- the holocaust museum in Jerusalem. The holocaust museum was a 3 hour guided tour. I have been to the museum in DC and in chicago, but this one was a different experience. I learned so much more about the sequence of events and personal stories that I had a whole bunch of emotions going on inside. Our entire group was very emotional, there were a lot of feelings happening and it was amazing to have the support of each other through the experience. It was difficult for me because as an optimistic person going through the museum I think it hit me that there is no good way to look at what happened. It is incredible that 60 million Jews were wiped out for absolutely no reason. The inhumane actions of the nazi party were disgusting and it was very difficult to see some of the images and hear the stories of how my people were treated. Israel exists because of the holocaust and maybe if there was an Israel before the holocaust, the holocaust wouldn't have happened. This event is the reason Israel will never stop fighting to defend its people.

We then got lunch- falafel of course- but the bus ride to lunch and lunch were very somber. Nobody talked. We were all in a state of emptiness. 

After lunch we went to the Herzl memorial and cemetery. While Asher our tour guide told us a lot of stories there I was not really paying attention because I was still processing a lot that I learned in the museum. We walked around the cemetery where IDF soldiers are buried and it was so crazy and sad to look at the ages of everyone: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. It was those numbers over and over again. Because they serve right after high school, that's why they are so young to die. There were a few memorials for Americans who have decided to join the IDF after coming on their birthright trip which were very sad but inspiring stories.

We then hopped back on the bus to our hotel and had dinner and our closing programming. I didn't talk much about dinner through my blog but as one of the guys in my group put it- all the hotels had the same exact food but at different qualities. I usually had a salad and maybe some chicken or stuffed peppers. There is an amazing sweet potato salad that was one of my fave dishes!

We had our closing programming which consisted of talking about how our trip went, if we want to come back to Israel there are different programs to go on, and discussing our favorite memories. I really loved my group - which was not just a group but a family. We had tshirts made and have lots of hugs before filling our glasses up and drinking together for the last night.

It is crazy to think that 10 days ago I didn't know these people and that today I cried on their shoulders. We have a bond stronger than Judaism, it's an amazing feeling to have made these strong connections with these beautiful people. 

Sending smiles from Jerusalem,

Rebecca

Day 8: Tel aviv birthright day!

Day 8:

Tel aviv 

We got there around noon and we went to Rabin square where ---- was murdered. We learned the story of why his murder was so important. They even had spots on the floor where each person, the prime minister, the murderer, the body guards were at the rime of the murder.

We then said goodbye to our Israelis which was very sad but I know we will keep in touch! We had a group circle 

had lunch. Our bus broke down so we walked to the beach. At the beach they had watermelon, Zumba and beach volleyball. Some of us played beach volleyball and others did Zumba- it was a bit hot out but we were so happy to be at the beach! 

After that we went on a walk with the rest of the birthright groups- there were waving flags and a clesmer group playing as we Walked around the city and had some dance circles. We had our next stop at a bar where we had a talk with this woman who started a business that helps prevent aids. The company, prepex, created a device to circumcise males because circumcision reduces the likelihood of getting aids by 70%. Israel is a huge start up hub, second biggest Hub next to Silicon Valley. It was awesome to hear about an Israeli start-up, see a successful woman in the field, and learn about another social entrepreneur. I loved hearing her speak and it got me so excited for my move to the Bay Area.

Next, falafel stop. We got free falafel which was fantastic because I had to continue my falafel a day diet. 

After eating, our next stop was at a music hall where we participated in a workshop with mayamuna- a performing group that creates music with their body and random objects. Our group had a bucket and drum sticks, another group had sticks, and another had scuba flippers. We saw them perform and then we all used our objects to create an awesome rhythm and beat together. It was a lot of fun & we had a dance party at the end!

Then we went to our night event- we went to a little village of shops and cafes. We looked around at the shops, grabbed some food and then went to the concert. It was outside and ha tik va shesh was playing. We all had some drinks and were dancing our hearts out, hugging, and enjoying the beautiful tel aviv weather. When the concert ended we hopped back on the bus and went back to the hotel. The bus felt like a party bus because we were all so energized from the event we continued dancing and singing the whole was back to Jerusalem. 

At our hotel the party continued as we were getting sad it was our second to last night! We enjoyed each other's company until we couldn't keep our eyes open anymore.

Sending smiles from Jerusalem,

Rebecca

Day 7: Masada, the Dead Sea, En Geti

Day 7:

This morning we woke up in our tents at 4am. We rolled over and groaned but were excited to see The sunrise at the top of Masada. We had some tea & crackers and then drove to where the hike starts. It was a quick but steep hike up to the top. After a few minutes the sun began to rise up from behind the Jordan mountains. Sadly it was a bit cloudy so it went up into the clouds, but it was still so beautiful. 

We then had a tour at the top of Masada and learned the story. When the Romans were taking over Israel and killing all the Jews. A portion of Jews created a village at the top of Masada because it was the only area the Romans hadn't found. However, when the Romans found out and the Jews knew they were coming, many of the Jews committed suicide so that they wouldn't be turned into slaves or killed by the Romans. The views from the top were spectacular and after walking around we began our decent down.

The hike and story reminded me a bit of the history of Machu Picchu.

We got to the bottom and had breakfast because it was only around 8am. We then hopped back on to the bus and headed to the Dead Sea.

We went to a resort that had direct access to the Dead Sea which was awesome because we basically had the beach to ourselves. I had heard all about the Dead Sea and how you float instantly, and it was so crazy to actually experience it! The water is warm and at the shore is a bunch of salt with a little sand. When you walk in you start to feel lighter and you can lift your legs and then you start to float!  You can lay on your stomach or back or sit with your legs crossed, it was so neat to experience! A bunch of us linked together and formed a raft-like structure which allowed us to relax and float around!

We then had lunch, I of course had falafel again, and then we headed out!

The Dead Sea made our bodies very soft and slippery because of the oils in the water. We showered off but then we visited a waterfall oasis-- with fresh water! The place was called en geti- and it was magical because amongst a desert there was this waterfall that created a stream flowing from the top of a mountain all the way down creating mini waterfalls and pools along the way. We did a bit of hiking and a bit of lounging in the pools. 

Leaving the oasis, I ran into a girl, Rebecca, who knew from high school & college! Such a small world!!!!!

We then hopped back on the bus to Jerusalem where we would stay for the rest of our trip! In the evening we hung out but we're pretty exhausted after getting up at 4am that morning!

This had been by far the most "hi-gear" day of our trip! Along with yesterday as well :)

Sending smiles from Jerusalem,

Rebecca

Day 6: Hike, Snorkel, Camels, Tents

Day 6:

We woke up early and after breakfast we went on a hike up mt. Zfahot which is in the desert. Since we hiked early it wasn't terribly hot but it definitely heated up as the hike progressed. It was a bit difficult walking in the desert because the sand made it hard to get traction. 

From the summit we were able to see israel's neighbors: Egypt, Jordan, and in the distance we saw Saudi Arabia. The views of the Red Sea were incredible and it was a really great hike overall. 

Then we went snorkeling in the Red Sea. Our guide told us to wear our "shoes water" meaning water shoes, and it was the funniest thing that our group cracked up at. I wasn't expecting to see many different fish but my low expectations were exponentially exceeded. We saw all different species of fish from little colorful ones to big blue and yellow ones. I really wish I could identify them better for you! I also saw a bunch of sea urchins and my favorite siting was a clam that was breathing and had an electric blue inside. At one point, my friend said, look jellyfish!! I was looking down below and couldn't see them but when I looked towards the surface they were right in front of my eyes! I freaked out because I've heard jellyfish stings are the worst! I felt one brush against my leg and I almost shit my pants. I soon after left the water, enjoyed a coffee slushie and relaxed near the shore. I then realized I had a puffy scratch mark on my side and after consulting a few people and our medic to determine if it was a sting, we concluded it was not and nobody had to pee on me. I think I probably just scraped myself on the coral!

Our next stop was to ride the camels through the desert, while we didn't exactly take a trek with them, it was more of a big loop, it was still a lot of fun! I rode one with my friend Rachel and had a blast on our bumpy ride!

That night we would be sleeping in the desert in the Bedouin tents. The Bedouin people have a unique culture. They are nomads and wanders. We all slept in one big tent on tiny sleeping pads-- slumber party style! We then had a talk with one of the Bedouin people and had some excellent tea as well. We learned how they make their tea and that the loud noise that comes from grinding the leaves is a calling for everyone to come to the tent to enjoy the tea. Also, the amount that the tea is filled in the cup signifies different things. If the cup is all the way filled up it means you are no longer welcome in the tents. I forgot what the other levels of tea mean but anyways- it's a very symbolic & delicious drink.

I walked around the camp grounds to get my bearings and soon after we had dinner. It was an excellent dinner of cous cous with veggies and a naan-like bread. We also had some amazing hummus & I tried soy balls (like veggie meat balls) for the first time- pretty good!

For dessert we had some fruit and Turkish delight- which is a chewy candy that is a bit chalky. 

I then did some more exploring, hammock hanging, and wandering looking at the beautiful dessert and mountains surrounding me.

We had a group activity that night that the Israelis planned for us that involved some fun games! We had to guess what songs people were listening to based on interpretive dancing, we passed around a gift that was wrapped with a lot of layers and tasks for each layer, and we acted out skits from Disney movies. It was seriously a slumber party. 

We then started up a camp fire, Matan played guitar and we sang songs and made s'mores. I took some time to reflect on the trip and do a bit of meditating under the full moon and stars and appreciate the beautiful surrounding nature. 

I then sat by the campfire admiring the music and peacefulness before heading to the tent to sleep!

Sending smiles from the desert,

Rebecca

Day 5: Beach day for Shabbat in Eilat!

Day 5:

We had a relaxing day in Eilat! It was Shabbat so pretty much everything in town was closed. 

We woke up and did group yoga and then enjoyed some sun at the pool. After lunch, we all went to the beach and took a swim in the Red Sea. It was fun to swim around in the salty water which felt so good in the hot sun! 

We then went back to the hotel and showered up. We did a short havdallah prayer to end Shabbat- we lit the havdallah candle, sniffed some mint plant, and had some wine while we sang a prayer. I haven't celebrated Shabbat in about 5 years so it was nice to be able to start celebrating again in Israel! We then went into the town of Eilat for dinner (falafel) and drinks!

I got to talk to the Israelis a bit at night and I learned so much about te IDF & life as a young adult in Israel. It was so eye opening & I am so grateful to have exposure to this culture.

Sending smiles from Eilat,

Rebecca

Day 4: Jerusalem Explorations

Day 4:

Today we explored the old historic city of Jerusalem! 

After breakfast we were introduced to the Israelis that would be joining our group for the next couple of days! Israelis that are currently or were recently dismissed from the IDF have the opportunity to take time off to join a birthright group. 

We have 5 male and 2 female Israelis in our group so to get to know them we divided into 7 groups and then each group had an Israeli and put on a skit to tell the whole group about their story.

We then took a bus ride into the city and went on a walking tour around Jerusalem. We saw king David's tomb, we saw where the last supper took place, and we walked through the streets, it was great to finally have the chance to see the streets of a city via walking versus bussing everywhere.

We also talked to a rabbi who is from the states now living in Israel about the possibilities of coming back to Israel and a bit about the history of Jerusalem.

We then got a snack and then went to the western wall. Visiting the western wall was an incredible experience. I had been talking to one of the israeli soldiers, Adi, and she helped me through the experience at the wall. She had paper and pens in her bag and explained that you right requests or ask for blessings on the paper and then stick it into the wall. The papers are taken out every so often, but no one reads them, they are put in a bag and buried. Once we wrote our notes,  we walked over to the wall but first washed our hands at the faucet near the entrance to the wall. In jewish tradition, three is a significant number, so we wash each hand three times. Next, we entered the female only side of the wall. We got to the wall and waited for a space to open up. Once there was room, Adi told me to go up and put my note in and pray if I wanted to. I found a spot to squish my note in and had a few moments at the wall. It was such a unique experience because all my life when I was younger I learned that we always face and pray toward Jerusalem where the western wall is, and now I was standing in front of it. 

I observed as others religiously prayed at the wall or in chairs lined up facing the wall. It was a very emotionally charged environment. When we were all done we backed away from the wall-- walking backwards because we should not turn our back towards the wall. We sat outside the wall for the remainder of our time there and enjoyed the environment at the wall.

We then hopped on our bus for a 4 hour drive to Eilat. We stopped for food along the way-- i of course had falafel. The drive was beautiful, we were riding along the Dead Sea and had gorgeous views of the Jordan mountains right along the sea.

We arrived to Eilat and lit the Shabbat candles. It had been a while since my last time doing that, but I still remembered the blessing! We then had a break before heading down to eat, and the dinner tonight was so great and so many options.

We then did a Shabbat activity with a lot of reflecting and partner work. We discussed gratitude and learned a little bit more about the people in our group. Post Shabbat, we brought some beers to the patio and enjoyed each other's company. As you can see, the nights usually end like this :)

Sending smiles from Eilat,

Rebecca 

Birthright Day 3: Israeli politics & rappeling

Day 3: 

We woke up & had breakfast at our hotel before hoping on the bus. Our first stop today was at the Kinneret farm to learn about Israeli agriculture and a little bit about life on a kibbutz. A kibbutz is a communal living area where everything is shared & contributed to the community. This is a very common living arrangement in Israel.

We then went to a short lecture about the geo- politics of Israel that was given by a British jewish journalist that lives in Israel. The talk was fascinating and interactive so I was very engaged throughout. He talked about what is happening in Gaza and in the West Bank. He told us about interviews he has done with Palestinians in the West Bank and how he has had to pretend not to be jewish in order to have those conversations. He told us about how much they believe the Jews should be out of Israel. It was so incredibly eye opening to hear the stories of his interviews and learn more about this issues this country is facing. We talked about the two state solution that has been in talks and we discussed Hamas (the Palestinian terrorist group occupying Gaza) and how the fact that they are located within civilian territory makes it difficult for Israel to attack.

He said that the Palestinians in the West Bank don't like Hamas so it's a really complicated situation that the country is facing. He told us that his boss wanted him to go to the Paul McCartney concert in tel aviv to report on it, but later found out he didn't have to write anything.. This is because they only wanted him there if an event occurred. 

We then went to lunch where I again had falafel!

Next we had a rapelling activity! We each rappers down the side of a mountain, it wasn't that far of a rappel but it was really fun! The best part was that at the bottom there were some awesome places to Boulder so a few of us enjoyed climbing around on the rocks and exploring.

We then drove to Jerusalem and had dinner at our new hotel. After dinner we went out on the town in Jerusalem. I didn't expect for Jerusalem to have such vibrant nightlife. As the holy city it wasn't something that I correlated with lots of bars and clubs. However, that's what the scene was. We all went out as a group and had a blast. The small streets with patios were nice to relax on and the music from about 5 years ago was so fun to dance to. All the bars were literally playing music from YouTube. It was great. The city reminded me a bit of Sevilla. The small winding streets with bars and cafes everywhere made me nostalgic.

We got back to the hotel spent a little time on the roof patio & went to sleep!

Sending smiles from Jerusalem,

Rebecca