The MBIers started their day today by hiking Nachal Yagur. It is a beautiful hike that is located in the southern part of the Carmel Mountains, located between Haifa and Yokneam. There are great views of the North during the hike and the hike itself was one of the most challenging thus far on MBI. There will definitely be some good memories and perhaps some sore muscles from the hike.
Having had a rest and eaten a packed lunch, the MBIers headed to the next stop of the day. After spending most of the morning exercising their bodies they got a bit of a rest and activated their minds as the MBIers headed to the Illegal Immigration museum. The museum itself is located in Atlit which is south of Haifa. There they learned about the complex history and relationship between Jews and the British before the creation of the state. Learning about the challenges that people underwent to immigrate to Israel tells an important part of Israeli history and the creation of the Jewish state.
Then the MBIers headed to the Druze village of Isfiya which is located on the Carmel mountains just south of Haifa. There they had a little free-time to walk around in groups and see the shops and the crafts people were selling. Some of the buses got to have some knafe which is an arab pastry sold in bakeries that sell baklava. It is a one of kind dessert that is essentially made up of a crunchy noodle-like outside with a sweet goat-cheese filled that is covered with a sweet syrup. With their unusal bright orange color, one might hesitate to try it, but eating fresh, warm knafe is truly divine. Words can hardly do justice to this great delicacy.
After seeing some of the village they got to sit down and take part in a traditional Druze meal. There they learned more about Druze customs and a bit about the Druze religion. The Druze religion is unique and mysterious as it is not Islam, but only those who in the religion truly know about its laws, rules, and practices. The meal they ate included many local specialities like labneh(a thick goat sour cream) which is delicious wrapped in druze pita with olive oil and zaatar(a Middle Eastern spice) as well as Majdara(Rice, Lentils, and Carmelized onions), humus, tabouli and more. It was a ripe feast that certainly has me jealous of the great meal they had. When everyone had had their fill, the MBIers headed back to Nachsholim for the evening.
Tomorrow will be a contiuation of visiting the North with hiking and visiting Akko. More news to come!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Shabbat and Sunday
Saturday morning the MBIers got a highly desired sleep-in which helped the MBIers recharge and embrace the busy but relaxed atmosphere on Shabbat on MBI. After breakfast they took part in the Mosh tradition of Rejuvenation which involves collectively stretching to relax body and mind but also prepare the participants for the mood of the day.
After Rejuvenation they took part in leaving about Parshat Hashavuah(Weekly Torah Portion) which was a partial performance that included Leon taking on the role of Moses. This was followed by Shabbat Chugim(Special-interest group activity) lead by the madrichim(counselors) of MBI. Some of the groups were, Israel Update, The Academic School system, Mayan Prophesies, AIDS, and the History of Hip Hop and Social Change. The range of topics meant many interesting discussions were had and that there was something for everybody.
Chugim was then followed by Machaneh(Camp) time which gave them a half hour to again spend some time together, but to direct their energies to writing a letter back to their home machaneh(camp) to talk about their experiences thus far. Hopefully this should spark up a sort of penpal type of communication which while undoubtably exciting for both sides to here the news from each other.
In the afternoon they also had a peula to continue the spirit of shabbat learning. This was followed by optional Chug Kef(fun) which gave a chance for the MBIers to take part in some optional organized fun. The groups included Finger-painting, Creative writing, and Learn Australian slang. No shabbat would be complete with rousing Musicale with various musical performances, Havdallah under the stars of the Israeli sky and the comedic performances that took place in Medura. In Leon's humble opinion the spirit of the day really felt like Shabbat at machaneh and that it was one of the best Shabbat's of all his MBI's!
Today was a truly exciting day as it was Yom(Day) Habonim Dror! They got to meet up with the leaders of Habonim Dror in Israel as well as several hundred Habonim Dror members on various summer trips or year-programs from places as far and wide as Brazil, South Africa, England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Hungary and more! After hearing some introductory remarks they had some activities together meeting the other 16 yr olds as well as bartering for any number of unique t-shirts and other goods from the other countries. It was definitely an inspiring day filled with excitement, many languages, and new friends from across the globe.
Afterwards the MBIers headed to the next place they will be staying which is called Nachsholim. It is a lovely Kibbutz hotel located just south of Haifa, right near the Mediterranean. There they had a delicious dinner and after dinner took part in a special tekes(ceremony). During the ceremony they finally got their movement chultzot(blue shirts with red string) and got their special gifts from Yom Habonim Dror. They got t-shirts commemorating the day as well fancy waterbottles that even have a compass on them. Later on they had peula(activity) with their bus to wrap up the day.
With the week off to a great start, MBI will continue along with great things in store. Tomorrow will include a special evening that will include going to Isfiya which is a Druze village and having a delicious Druze meal. It will definitely be a night and meal to remember!
Lastly as some of you might have noticed, the automatic email system did not on Friday for some reason, but should work in the future. I will keep you posted if this is not the case.
After Rejuvenation they took part in leaving about Parshat Hashavuah(Weekly Torah Portion) which was a partial performance that included Leon taking on the role of Moses. This was followed by Shabbat Chugim(Special-interest group activity) lead by the madrichim(counselors) of MBI. Some of the groups were, Israel Update, The Academic School system, Mayan Prophesies, AIDS, and the History of Hip Hop and Social Change. The range of topics meant many interesting discussions were had and that there was something for everybody.
Chugim was then followed by Machaneh(Camp) time which gave them a half hour to again spend some time together, but to direct their energies to writing a letter back to their home machaneh(camp) to talk about their experiences thus far. Hopefully this should spark up a sort of penpal type of communication which while undoubtably exciting for both sides to here the news from each other.
In the afternoon they also had a peula to continue the spirit of shabbat learning. This was followed by optional Chug Kef(fun) which gave a chance for the MBIers to take part in some optional organized fun. The groups included Finger-painting, Creative writing, and Learn Australian slang. No shabbat would be complete with rousing Musicale with various musical performances, Havdallah under the stars of the Israeli sky and the comedic performances that took place in Medura. In Leon's humble opinion the spirit of the day really felt like Shabbat at machaneh and that it was one of the best Shabbat's of all his MBI's!
Today was a truly exciting day as it was Yom(Day) Habonim Dror! They got to meet up with the leaders of Habonim Dror in Israel as well as several hundred Habonim Dror members on various summer trips or year-programs from places as far and wide as Brazil, South Africa, England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Hungary and more! After hearing some introductory remarks they had some activities together meeting the other 16 yr olds as well as bartering for any number of unique t-shirts and other goods from the other countries. It was definitely an inspiring day filled with excitement, many languages, and new friends from across the globe.
Afterwards the MBIers headed to the next place they will be staying which is called Nachsholim. It is a lovely Kibbutz hotel located just south of Haifa, right near the Mediterranean. There they had a delicious dinner and after dinner took part in a special tekes(ceremony). During the ceremony they finally got their movement chultzot(blue shirts with red string) and got their special gifts from Yom Habonim Dror. They got t-shirts commemorating the day as well fancy waterbottles that even have a compass on them. Later on they had peula(activity) with their bus to wrap up the day.
With the week off to a great start, MBI will continue along with great things in store. Tomorrow will include a special evening that will include going to Isfiya which is a Druze village and having a delicious Druze meal. It will definitely be a night and meal to remember!
Lastly as some of you might have noticed, the automatic email system did not on Friday for some reason, but should work in the future. I will keep you posted if this is not the case.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The First Shabbat
The MBIers started off their day by heading off to the beautiful city of Zichron Yaakov. It is one of Israel's older cities, founded originally in 1882Th. While there they went to the First Aliyah Museum where they received a guided tour. Learning about the challenges the first aliyah members contended with as much of Israel was in need of development to sustain their and future generations lives. Learning about their history is integral to understanding the evolution that eventually took place in the phases of the growing, building and establishing the state of Israel.
After the museum they had chance to walk around the city and see the beautiful views from the city and its short but rich history. They also had the opportunity to get a taste of local food as they were given a small budget to eat lunch. They walked around and had options such shawarma and falafel as well as having delicious Israel ice cream for dessert. There is truly nothing like going up to falafel or schwarma stand and getting it fresh. The smell and tastes are one of a kind.
Afterwards they went to Ramat Hanadiv, also located in Zichron, which is a lovely botanical garden. There they got to walk around and also visit the grave of Baron Rothschild and learn about his role in Israel's history. He played a significant role in the creation of Zichron Yaakov, as well as financially backing many other developments in Israel. It was a peaceful and informative afternoon as such.
In the late afternoon they headed back to Nordiya to prepare for the Shabbat. After getting a chance to rest, shower, and change into some Shabbat clothes, the MBIers took part in their first Friday night in Israel. In bringing the Habonim Dror spirit of Shabbat, the evening began with mishpachot(families) which is a tradition at many camps, and on MBI it meant a time for the Machanot(camps) to have a chance to all sit together and catch up about their week and have familiar faces to sit with. Afterwards Leon told a rousing Rosh's Story which enthralled the MBIers with his Australian accent and witty delivery.
Having taken part in Kabbalat Shabbat and eating a delicious shabbat dinner the next part of the evening's activities took place. Bus 3 entertained the MBIers with humorous oneg(play/skit) that they wrote, directed, and starred. Every week a different bus will get its turn, and Bus 3 tried to set a high bar of comedy for the other bus's to strive for. Lastly, what could be better then being under the stars in Israel and getting to take part in Israeli dancing! A spirited evening of dance took place and was a great way to end Friday night.
Tomorrow they will take part in a relaxed Shabbat day that will include a desired sleep-in. Chugim(special-interest activities) will be lead by the madrichim(counselors) as well as processing of the week. Of course no Habonim Dror shabbat would be complete with musicale, havdallah, and medura.
On Shabbat(tomorrow) I will not be posting an update as I prefer to observe the spirit of Shabbat. I will be back on Sunday with a big update about Saturday and Sunday.
Lastly if you have not already sent in your Visitor's Permission form it has to be in by this coming Wednesday the 23rd of July. To access it I have created a link here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhpg3npt_14gskr98j6. I will be sending out a list on Monday with everyone who's I have forms from, but if you know you haven't sent it in please send it in ASAP.
Shabbat Shalom to you all!
After the museum they had chance to walk around the city and see the beautiful views from the city and its short but rich history. They also had the opportunity to get a taste of local food as they were given a small budget to eat lunch. They walked around and had options such shawarma and falafel as well as having delicious Israel ice cream for dessert. There is truly nothing like going up to falafel or schwarma stand and getting it fresh. The smell and tastes are one of a kind.
Afterwards they went to Ramat Hanadiv, also located in Zichron, which is a lovely botanical garden. There they got to walk around and also visit the grave of Baron Rothschild and learn about his role in Israel's history. He played a significant role in the creation of Zichron Yaakov, as well as financially backing many other developments in Israel. It was a peaceful and informative afternoon as such.
In the late afternoon they headed back to Nordiya to prepare for the Shabbat. After getting a chance to rest, shower, and change into some Shabbat clothes, the MBIers took part in their first Friday night in Israel. In bringing the Habonim Dror spirit of Shabbat, the evening began with mishpachot(families) which is a tradition at many camps, and on MBI it meant a time for the Machanot(camps) to have a chance to all sit together and catch up about their week and have familiar faces to sit with. Afterwards Leon told a rousing Rosh's Story which enthralled the MBIers with his Australian accent and witty delivery.
Having taken part in Kabbalat Shabbat and eating a delicious shabbat dinner the next part of the evening's activities took place. Bus 3 entertained the MBIers with humorous oneg(play/skit) that they wrote, directed, and starred. Every week a different bus will get its turn, and Bus 3 tried to set a high bar of comedy for the other bus's to strive for. Lastly, what could be better then being under the stars in Israel and getting to take part in Israeli dancing! A spirited evening of dance took place and was a great way to end Friday night.
Tomorrow they will take part in a relaxed Shabbat day that will include a desired sleep-in. Chugim(special-interest activities) will be lead by the madrichim(counselors) as well as processing of the week. Of course no Habonim Dror shabbat would be complete with musicale, havdallah, and medura.
On Shabbat(tomorrow) I will not be posting an update as I prefer to observe the spirit of Shabbat. I will be back on Sunday with a big update about Saturday and Sunday.
Lastly if you have not already sent in your Visitor's Permission form it has to be in by this coming Wednesday the 23rd of July. To access it I have created a link here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhpg3npt_14gskr98j6. I will be sending out a list on Monday with everyone who's I have forms from, but if you know you haven't sent it in please send it in ASAP.
Shabbat Shalom to you all!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Next Stop Tel-Aviv
Having had a lovely time getting adjusted to Israel and the program at Nes Harim, the MBIers departed early this morning for a new adventure and a day in Tel-Aviv. All the buses took part in various aspects of the day I will describe below, though they did it in their own order.
First the MBIers headed to Old Yafo(Jaffa) and Neve Tzedek to see the early foundations of Jaffa and Tel-Aviv. Jaffa is an ancient port city that has had historically a large Arab population and is just south of Tel-Aviv. Walking around the old city there, the MBIers learned about the history of the city and Tel-Aviv as they headed over to Neve Tzedek. Neve Tzedek was the first Jewish neighborhood built outside Jaffa, over twenty years before Tel-Aviv was founded. Learning the history of Israel's modern and biggest city helps put perspective on the growth of Israel into the state it is today.
While in Yafo(Jaffa) the MBIers had a chance to stop at the Shuk HaPishpishim(Flea market) to try to find some deals and souveneirs to take back home. They soon learned that to get a good deal in the shuk(market) you have to haggle and negotiate. Hopefully by the end of the trip they will be pros at shopping at the shuk(market).
After walking and seeing some Tel-Aviv/Jaffa's history, the MBIers headed to Kikar Rabin(Rabin Square) where they found themselves more in the heart of the city and in another place of great importance of recent history. There they had a tekes(ceremony) to learn about and commemorate the memory of Rabin and his importance to Israel and the peace process. It was a moving ceremony that concluded with singing Shir La Shalom(The Song for Peace, which was the song folded up in his pocket at his last speech at this square now in his name.) and Hatikvah.
Later the group went to Independence Hall where they got to see and learn first-hand about the creation of Israel. It was in this hall that David Ben-Gurion presented the Declaration of Independence of the state of Israel 60 years ago and marked the official beginning of the modern state of Israel. It was another part of an incredible day where significant aspects of Israel's history was explored and seen first-hand. Part of seeing the hall is to actually go in the room where the Declaration was signed and to attempt to take in the incredible moment that it must have been over 60 years ago.
They headed to the next place the MBIers will rest their heads at night, Nordiya, which is between Tel-Aviv and Netanya. There they had dinner and a more relaxed evening involving group processing of the day as well as check-ins to see how the MBIers were doing. With so much to take in on one day, the MBIers were glad to have some time to slow down and talk more about their experiences.
Tomorrow will be another busy day with the MBIers headed to Zichron Yaakov and preparing for their first Shabbat in Israel. Part of their time in the next couple days will also be time to update them about the Prisoner Exchange with Lebanon that took place and what it means for Israel in addition to their regular updates about the news in Israel. What a day!
First the MBIers headed to Old Yafo(Jaffa) and Neve Tzedek to see the early foundations of Jaffa and Tel-Aviv. Jaffa is an ancient port city that has had historically a large Arab population and is just south of Tel-Aviv. Walking around the old city there, the MBIers learned about the history of the city and Tel-Aviv as they headed over to Neve Tzedek. Neve Tzedek was the first Jewish neighborhood built outside Jaffa, over twenty years before Tel-Aviv was founded. Learning the history of Israel's modern and biggest city helps put perspective on the growth of Israel into the state it is today.
While in Yafo(Jaffa) the MBIers had a chance to stop at the Shuk HaPishpishim(Flea market) to try to find some deals and souveneirs to take back home. They soon learned that to get a good deal in the shuk(market) you have to haggle and negotiate. Hopefully by the end of the trip they will be pros at shopping at the shuk(market).
After walking and seeing some Tel-Aviv/Jaffa's history, the MBIers headed to Kikar Rabin(Rabin Square) where they found themselves more in the heart of the city and in another place of great importance of recent history. There they had a tekes(ceremony) to learn about and commemorate the memory of Rabin and his importance to Israel and the peace process. It was a moving ceremony that concluded with singing Shir La Shalom(The Song for Peace, which was the song folded up in his pocket at his last speech at this square now in his name.) and Hatikvah.
Later the group went to Independence Hall where they got to see and learn first-hand about the creation of Israel. It was in this hall that David Ben-Gurion presented the Declaration of Independence of the state of Israel 60 years ago and marked the official beginning of the modern state of Israel. It was another part of an incredible day where significant aspects of Israel's history was explored and seen first-hand. Part of seeing the hall is to actually go in the room where the Declaration was signed and to attempt to take in the incredible moment that it must have been over 60 years ago.
They headed to the next place the MBIers will rest their heads at night, Nordiya, which is between Tel-Aviv and Netanya. There they had dinner and a more relaxed evening involving group processing of the day as well as check-ins to see how the MBIers were doing. With so much to take in on one day, the MBIers were glad to have some time to slow down and talk more about their experiences.
Tomorrow will be another busy day with the MBIers headed to Zichron Yaakov and preparing for their first Shabbat in Israel. Part of their time in the next couple days will also be time to update them about the Prisoner Exchange with Lebanon that took place and what it means for Israel in addition to their regular updates about the news in Israel. What a day!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The adventure continues
With the second full day of MBI underway, the MBIers took part in a diverse day of activities lead with the help of the JNF/KKL. As part of a rotation of activities the MBIers took turns in their groups taking part in the following activities. One of the stops was to take part in an archaelogical dig. Israel, being full of rich history and artificats, got to see first-hand how archaelogical digs work and even got a chance to be involved hands on with the search. No major discoveries were made but time will only tell how they helped.
While one group was taking part in the dig, another group was on a hike that involved going through ruins that date back to the Bar Kokhba rebellion. The ruins date back to around 135 CE and as such hiking through them is amazing not only to see ruins that old, but also to hear about the revolt and what it meant in Jewish history. The hike also involved going through some caves that also were used during the rebellion.
Lastly the groups also went to Tel Azaka. This is the famous place that is said to be where the battle took place between David and Goliath. The MBIers got hike around the area and were entertained by skits that the tour guides and madrichim(counselors) put on for them.
These activities took up the greater part of the day and they finally returned to Nes Harim in the late afternoon. After eating dinner they had a peula(activity) ran by their madrichim, enjoyed some time to catch up with their new and old friends and were off to bed to prepare for another great day ahead.
Tomorrow the group will be leaving the familiar surroundings of Nes Harim, but will be glad to know they will return their a few more times during the trip. The programming tomorrow is a day filled with exploring Tel-Aviv and Yafo(Jaffa). From going to the shuk, Kikar Rabin(Rabin Square), and Independence Hall, it will be a full glimpse into Israel's biggest city by looking at the old and the new. At night they will be staying at Nordiya, which is a nice hostel near Netanya which will welcome the MBIers to a pleasant new part of Israel.
A quick reminder. If you have not sent in your Visitor's Request form please do so as soon as possible.
While one group was taking part in the dig, another group was on a hike that involved going through ruins that date back to the Bar Kokhba rebellion. The ruins date back to around 135 CE and as such hiking through them is amazing not only to see ruins that old, but also to hear about the revolt and what it meant in Jewish history. The hike also involved going through some caves that also were used during the rebellion.
Lastly the groups also went to Tel Azaka. This is the famous place that is said to be where the battle took place between David and Goliath. The MBIers got hike around the area and were entertained by skits that the tour guides and madrichim(counselors) put on for them.
These activities took up the greater part of the day and they finally returned to Nes Harim in the late afternoon. After eating dinner they had a peula(activity) ran by their madrichim, enjoyed some time to catch up with their new and old friends and were off to bed to prepare for another great day ahead.
Tomorrow the group will be leaving the familiar surroundings of Nes Harim, but will be glad to know they will return their a few more times during the trip. The programming tomorrow is a day filled with exploring Tel-Aviv and Yafo(Jaffa). From going to the shuk, Kikar Rabin(Rabin Square), and Independence Hall, it will be a full glimpse into Israel's biggest city by looking at the old and the new. At night they will be staying at Nordiya, which is a nice hostel near Netanya which will welcome the MBIers to a pleasant new part of Israel.
A quick reminder. If you have not sent in your Visitor's Request form please do so as soon as possible.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
First Full Day of MBI!
The MBIers awoke today to face their first full day of MBI. They set off in the morning for the Sataf hike which is in the same region of Israel that they staying, which is outside of Jerusalem. The hike itself goes through an old Arab Village that was evacuated during the Independence war. As such it is both an beautiful place to hike through but has a clear historical relevance to the creation of the state. The hike also includes reaching a small spring which of course adds to the hike's beauty. The hike itself was not too strenuous and was a fun and informative hike for the MBIers lead, as usual, with the guidance of our very knowledgable Israeli tour guides.
In the afternoon the MBIers returned to Nes Harim where the day continued with peulot(activities) divided up by bus group. While the group was split into their 4 buses last night, they also have smaller bus groups that they were split into. Each bus has two groups and two madrichim(counselors) for their group. In doing so, it enables the MBIers to have activities in smaller groups as well as have madrichim(counselors) that they will get to know better and have someone they feel more comfortable to ask questions or talk to about anything.
In these smaller groups they had an educational activity starting to look more at the meaning of being on MBI both in the context of MBI being our 8th machaneh(summer camp) and being in Israel. A lot of good discussions and information was shared and the bonding of the smaller groups seems to be off to a good start. The madrichim also performed a Hatzagah(skit) before dinner that combined comedy and education and will be a recurring and hopefully appealing part of the day for the MBIers. A few good laughs were definitely had with more to come.
After dinner at Nes Harim, a great big fun Welcome to Israel activity took place. All the MBIers took part in the various aspects of the evening that was geared towards getting them to know some of the important cultural references they will come to learn as well as just plain fun. Activities included competitions such as making Israel out of various food items, a hebrew word relay-race and a "shoko b sakeet" drinking contest. Shoko is Israeli chocolate milk and sakeet(bag) is the how it comes for purchase. Many past participants clamor for the delicious chocolate milk so undoubtably the MBIers will be on the lookout for it as the summer continues.
Overall a fun mix of activities and then off to bed for the MBIers to prepare for day 2 of MBI. Tomorrow will see them taking part in a JNF day that has many components including an archaelogical dig and hiking through a cave. The excitement, fun, and learning will continue tomorrow!
In the afternoon the MBIers returned to Nes Harim where the day continued with peulot(activities) divided up by bus group. While the group was split into their 4 buses last night, they also have smaller bus groups that they were split into. Each bus has two groups and two madrichim(counselors) for their group. In doing so, it enables the MBIers to have activities in smaller groups as well as have madrichim(counselors) that they will get to know better and have someone they feel more comfortable to ask questions or talk to about anything.
In these smaller groups they had an educational activity starting to look more at the meaning of being on MBI both in the context of MBI being our 8th machaneh(summer camp) and being in Israel. A lot of good discussions and information was shared and the bonding of the smaller groups seems to be off to a good start. The madrichim also performed a Hatzagah(skit) before dinner that combined comedy and education and will be a recurring and hopefully appealing part of the day for the MBIers. A few good laughs were definitely had with more to come.
After dinner at Nes Harim, a great big fun Welcome to Israel activity took place. All the MBIers took part in the various aspects of the evening that was geared towards getting them to know some of the important cultural references they will come to learn as well as just plain fun. Activities included competitions such as making Israel out of various food items, a hebrew word relay-race and a "shoko b sakeet" drinking contest. Shoko is Israeli chocolate milk and sakeet(bag) is the how it comes for purchase. Many past participants clamor for the delicious chocolate milk so undoubtably the MBIers will be on the lookout for it as the summer continues.
Overall a fun mix of activities and then off to bed for the MBIers to prepare for day 2 of MBI. Tomorrow will see them taking part in a JNF day that has many components including an archaelogical dig and hiking through a cave. The excitement, fun, and learning will continue tomorrow!
Monday, July 14, 2008
MBI has arrived!
As some of you have already heard from you MBIer, the MBIers arrived safely to Israel to start the magical summer ahead of them. After a travel day that amazingly almost went off without a hitch, the Americans landed first in the mid-afternoon where they were greeted by the excited tzevet(staff). They took luggage their luggage to the buses awaiting them to take them to their first stop, the campsite of Nes Harim, which is located outside Jerusalem, near Bet Shemesh. The site is a lovely JNF/KKL campsite that has nice, air-conditioned cabins for the MBIers to stay in. Being in a beautiful forest, which includes the Habonim forest, it is a perfect setting to start off the summer in the camp setting they are used to being.
After having a chance to put their stuff down, they headed to the dining hall to have dinner while in the meantime the Canadians were landing in Tel-Aviv at Ben-Gurion airport. When the MBIers finished eating they headed to the to the Haas Promenade where they proceeded to meet the Canadian flight who had also arrived safely and boarded a bus with all their stuff and headed straight for the Promenade. The promenade is both a picturesque spot to view Jerusalem lit up at night and a site filled with history and meaning for Israel. Hidden under the Prominade is an aqueduct built by Herod the Great. It was also no-man's land between the creation of the State of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem among the other interesting parts of its character.(For more information click here)
At the Promenade, with the united group of 136 MBIers and over 20 tzevet members, they proceeded to look out at the beauty of Jerusalem and the Old City. They also had and opening tekes(ceremony) to welcome them to Israel and MBI Yud Zayin. The tzevet sang the song Ein Li Eretz Acheret(There is no other land for me), heard some selected readings, and Leon gave a rousing speech to welcome them and to start putting the magnitude of the trip and their location in perspective.
The view from the Promenade.Afterwards they came back to Nes Harim where they got to settle into their rooms where they will be for the next few days. The MBIers were split into their buses to start getting to know their smaller group and the madrichim(counselors) leading them. As I write they are all in bed, hopefully get some well deserved sleep.
Tomorrow should be a busy day with a hike in the morning, peulot(fun/educational activities) in the afternoon, and a night of fun together.
At the side of blog in the links you will notice I have added another link. It is a map website that allows you to search for any place in Israel so you can see better where the MBIers are at any point of the trip. Also unfortunately our website is down for maintenance. Once it is back up and running I will let you know.
More exciting news tomorrow!
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