Happy 64th birthday Israel! Today was such an amazing day. We woke
up bright and early to get on the bus and get on our way to an army base on a
Kibbutz near the Lebanon border. We met a SWAT team member and the former
supervisor of the army station who taught us all about Tzahal (IDF), and how to
interpret current news about the IDF. We even met up with a few soldiers—two Russians,
a Beduin and a Druze—who told us about themselves, their experiences in the
army, and their plans for the future.
Then we went to another Kibbutz where we learned how they played a
big part in the War of Independence. We
got to climb down into a “slick” where they once hid weapons for the Haganah.
The people who were in charge of keeping the “slick” had a slogan, “Lo medabrim
al zeh,” or “We don’t talk about this.” Everyone who knew about the secret
hiding places was sworn to secrecy as they risked their lives to defend Israel.
Afterwards, we headed to Kfar Blum for our rafting trip down the
Jordan River. First we had a delicious barbeque and got ready to go. Rafting
down the Jordan was one of the most amazing experiences we’ve had so far. Everyone
took turns rowing, swimming, and pushing each other into the river. The rapids
weren’t too intense, so we could mess around and just have fun. We all had the
time of our lives, and grew closer as a class.
Next, we drove all the way to T’veryah for dinner and a boat ride
on the Kinneret. Waiting for us on the boat was a surprise dance party, drum
circles, and beautiful views of the sunset. When we got off the boat we quickly
made our way to a nearby restaurant for Schnitzel, Kebab, turkey, and … wait
for it … chicken hearts and livers (eeew!). Molly even broke being a vegetarian
for four years, on a piece of Israeli Schnitzel—that’s how good it was.
From army base to boat rides to barbeques, Yom Ha’atzmaut in
Israel was an incredible experience that we will never forget. We are all so
excited to continue on to Jerusalem tomorrow!
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