Continuing to explore the North

This morning the MBIers set off for a great hike this morning up Mt. Arbel. Mt. Arbel is located near the Kinneret(Sea of Galilee) in the lower Galil(Galilee) with terrific views of the surrounding areas. They hiked up the mountain and walked near some cliffs that had breathtaking views overlooking the Kinneret. They also took part in a great part of MBI which is the experiential learning environment to look off the Kinneret and consider the water issues facing Israel. They discussed the issues of sustainability as well as the rises and declines the Kinneret has seen over the last decade and what it means for Israel.

Later they went to the Chalutz(Pioneering) Settlement museum, located at Kibbutz Yifat which is near Migdal Haemek. There they got a hands on look at the early settlements and Kibbutzim in Israel. Many relics were present and a sort of round-robin presentation that included learning about the works on roads, living in tents and general living arrangements, doctors and more. One part even had someone playing old Israeli folk songs on an accordion and many of the MBIers were quite familiar and some impromptu Israeli dancing broke out. Clearly a lot of fun and learning about the sacrifices and hardship of the early building of the state took place.

They returned to Ohalo to enjoy being on the banks of the Kinneret and have a nice dinner there. They had a peula(activity) with their buses and prepared for a special guest speaker, Muki Tzur. Muki(Former Mazkir of the Kibbutz Movement) gave a great talk that captured the attention and enjoyment of most of the MBIers. Muki, not being a spring chicken, is an active older man who tell great stories and captivate an audience with his wit, charm, and immense knowledge. It was a privledge and great experience for the MBIers.

Tomorrow the MBIers will more of the Golan Heights and the North. They will get to take part in water hike, hike Mt. Ben Tal as well head to some vantage points where they will be able to Lebanon and Syria off in the distance. It will be a busy day and give the MBIers some perspective on the complexity and proximity of Israel's neighbor. Less than two weeks to go...time flies when your having fun I suppose!