Israel Tour Update day 2

Dear Israel Tour Parent,

Tour 1

After a very good night sleep at Leonardo Inn Hotel in Jerusalem, which included getting to know the Israeli madrichim and chanichim, the tours had an introduction about the next few weeks by the madrichim.  This was followed by the Rakaz’s (coordinator in Israel) “scary” rules and regulations talk.

Later in the morning the tours had an orientation by Madrichim. The first hike of the Tour was in the Jerusalem hills as the group went to the Halilim Stream in the Jerusalem Hills. This particular hike is known for its beautiful and adventurous caves.

The group then headed off to have a picnic lunch at Lifta, which was an ancient village mentioned in the Bible. Lifta was a strategic border between the Israelite tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the northernmost differentiation point of the territory of the Tribe of Judah.

In the evening the group will do some more gibosh (group-bonding) and team building exercises, before resting for a brand new day.

Tour 2

After a very good night’s sleep at the Yehuda G.H. in Jerusalem, which included getting to know our Israeli madrichim and chanichim, there was an orientation by the madrichim followed by the Rakaz’s (coordinator in Israel) rules and regulations talk.

The group then headed for a poetic and picturesque tour of the Yamin Moshe Quarter were they followed in the footsteps of one of Israel’s greatest poets, Yehuda Amichai. Established in 1891, Yamin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha'ananim, is a humble quarter of stone houses and narrow alleyways perched on a hill a stone's throw away from the western most of the Old City's walls.

Yehuda Amichai – 1924 - 2000

Later today the madrichim have prepared an adventurous street game as well as a photography game to be played in Rechavia, a famous part of Jerusalem, which was home to David Ben Gurion, the first Israeli prime minister in 1948.

Yamin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha’ananim

Tour 3

After a very good night’s sleep at the Bait Vagan G.H. in Jerusalem, which included getting to know our Israeli madrichim and chanichim, there was an orientation by the madrichim followed by the Rakaz’s (coordinator in Israel) rules and regulations talk.

The group then headed for a poetic and picturesque tour of the Yamin Moshe Quarter Established in 1891, Yamin Moshe, and its sister neighbourhood Mishkenot Sha'ananim, was one of the first settlements outside of the old city. It is a humble quarter of stone houses and narrow alleyways perched on a hill a stone's throw away from the westernmost of the Old City's walls. It is named after its famous British Jewish benefactor Sir Moses Montifore.

Here they also followed in the footsteps of one of Israel’s greatest poets, Yehuda Amichai. Born in Germany, his family made Aliyah (moved to Israel) in 1935. He served in the Jewish Brigade of the British Army during World War Two and also fought in the Haganah (the Jewish underground) and the War of Independence, 1948, before turning his hand to writing and poetry. He writes of the philosophy of the human condition, and of private daily struggles, to great critical acclaim.

Yehuda Amichai – 1924 - 2000

Later today the madrichim have prepared an adventurous street game as well as a photography game to be played in Rechavia, a famous part of Jerusalem, which was home to David Ben Gurion, the first Israeli prime minister in 1948.

Quotes

Tour 1: 'The sight of the old city makes me feel spiritually uplifted. I will cherish these experiences with my new friends'- Joel Salmon

Tour 2: 'Tour has been superb and its only the second day'- Jem Melcher

Tour 3: 'We had a really amazing lunch after our talk on Herzl. It was proper Israeli falefall, which proves that if you will it, it is no dream'- Caz Avery

If you want to see the UJIA Summer Snap photos from your child's tour just go to: http://www.ujia.org/israel-experience/snap/photo-gallery/2010/

Make sure to take note of the procedures in the Notes box, if you want to get in contact.

Best wishes from the Israel Tour Team

Alyson Joseph
Senior Administrator

Ben Jardine
Shaliach & Israel Tour Co-ordinator

Katie Pollock

Mekasheret (Office Contact) in Israel