Pictures!

Check out the pictures from our trip by clicking here.

They've Landed Safely!

An hour late - but they are back in the USA. They are currently going through immigration.

Welcome Back!

Shabbat and Last Day!

The group had another wonderful Shabbat in Jerusalem. The scholar-in-residence was David Levy, a recent Drexel Alum - which was pretty exciting.

In the evening the group went to Ben-Yehuda Street and enjoyed the atmosphere to the Jerusalem Downtown.

Today, the group had an early trip to Har Herzl, Israel's largest military cemetery. The group visited the grave of Michael Levin who was known to some of the group. The experience was incredibly moving.
From Har Herzl the group went to Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust museum and memorial.

In the afternoon, it was a trip to Netivot, Philadelphia's partner city. Despite the pouring rain everyone enjoyed a scavenger hunt.
In the evening there was a closing circle, and a desperate search for the Eagles result! (Go Eagles)

Can't believe that the flight back is tomorrow morning!

Good and Sad

So yesterday was a trip to Tzippori, an ancient settlement in the north of Israel. Hundreds of years of history are revealed in the archeological remains in the area.

The day was saddened by the leaving of the Israeli soldiers (mifgash), who have joined the group for past few days. The eight Israelis made close and firm friendships with the students on the bus and everyone was sad to see them go. Their presence allowed a continuous informal dialogue to take place and for an understanding of the similarities and differences that young adults experience in such different cultures. Despite the sadness of their leaving everyone was happy to have had the chance to get to know each other. Lehitraot (see you soon).

In the evening the group returned to Jerusalem and attended the mega-event - a coming together of all the birthrightisrael students who are currently in Israel. Participants were there from Europe and South America as well as all over North America. 3000 young adults came together to share their excitement at being in Israel in an evening of music, dance and fun.

This morning (Friday), the group went to Tel Aviv and visitied Rabin Square, where they learnt about the modern political struggles in Israel. There was also a visit to Independence Hall, the room where David Ben-Gurion declared the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.

A quick trip to Dizengoff Square and the bus is currently on its way back to Jerusalem in time for Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom (A Sabbath of Peace to you)

Awesome Day!

So apparently yesterday was, and I quote, "the best day ever". Of-course there is always today...

So here is a quick summary of what made it so special:

The day started with a fast-paced jeep ride in the Golan.
Then there was an amazing hike in Tel Dan.
Then there was a trip to the Katzrin Winery.
Then there was the chance to experience Kesem HaGolan
Then there was a chance to visit the Naot Shoe factory and spend more money....
Then Hillel of Greater Philadelphia decided that the group had had enough of hotel food and treated them to dinner at Decks
Then there was a surprise chance to go to Festival B'Shekel (link is to last year's festival), a music festival in the North that costs one shekel (about 20 cents) to enter and has all of Israels coolest band performing.

So all pretty awesome!

Today includes a trip to Tzippori.

Happy New Year

Everyone had a good time celebrating New Year's Eve at a Bedouin Tent in the Desert! The next moring everyone got up to climb Masada. After learning the history of this historic site and enjoying the amazing view from the top everyone had a chance to ride a camel.

This morning was a trip to the ancient Kabbalistic city of Zefat (Safed). After visiting medieval synagogues and learning about the beginnings of Kabbalah students had the opportunity to visit the famous candle factory (and spend some money on souvenirs).

Later it was off the beautiful Hula Nature Reserve. Where, after a hike, they watched a 3D interactive movie (apparently the seats move!) about nature in Israel. Tonight is an evening of Israeli Dancing.

The bus was also joined by Rinat, the Israel Fellow for Hillel of Greater Philadelphia.

Tomorrow is a big day visiting a winery and the Tiberias, one of the four cities holy to Judaism.