Sorry for the delay we don't have wifi at our hotel!!
I finally learned how to spell Tiberias and our trip began heading south.
Today was an early wake up call, 6:15 AM, with loading the bus at 7:30 AM and on the road by 7:45 AM...Well that was the plan at least.
As normal, our whole group was on time waiting to get the okay to go. By 8AM people starting asking in our texting group what the hold up was. Matan told us that he had let the bus driver go home last night and apparently there was a car blocking the bus from leaving. The bus did not end up arriving till after 8:30 AM, putting us about an hour behind schedule. Well, this started an all out meme war of us teaming up against Matan and the bus driver for making us get up and then not be on time.
Some of my Favorites:
Once the bus was loaded and packed, in record breaking time, we headed towards Jerusalem. This drive was my favorite so far and one of the most interesting. As we drove south, we could see Jordan on a mountain a few miles away. Then, all of a sudden there was a fence which signalized the border of Israel and Jordan. The two countries have a peace agreement but still have a security fence. It was very interesting to see the technology of the fence and gravel road that allows the IDF to know how much weight was applied to a fence or if it was cut, so they would know if someone crossed over, and to see what direction they person went.
The Israel-Jordan border
We continued on our drive and all of a sudden Matan said if you look to your left you will see a security checkpoint with armed soldiers. This was for the exit of the West Bank but since we were entering we didn't need to cross a checkpoint. At this point you could feel the mood of the bus change as we realized exactly where we were and all the tension we know exists over this land.
As we entered the West bank, and slightly before, the scenery changed to desert covered mountains that were extremely rocky and just straight desert. There were also neighborhoods that looked a lot more run down than the Israeli cities we had passed and many mosques.
I learned about how there are A,B,C territories. "A" territories, like the city Jericho we drove by, cannot be entered by Israelis. This is because they are under the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government has no control there so it is unsafe for Israeli citizens. B and C territories are governed in some matter, especially judicially, by the Israeli government and therefore Israeli citizens can enter.
After a short stop at a rest stop for Matan's favorite ice cream, chocolate ice cream covered in chocolate and with a chocolate bar in the middle, we came upon the checkpoint to leave the West Bank. We easily passed through, being a tour bus, but saw one armored guard and one civilian guard behind a bullet proof block. Then a few minutes later we turned to our left and all gasped as Jerusalem came into view, including the dome of the rock. It was truly stunning.
Then we pulled into the city to pick up the 8 IDF soldiers that will be with us for the next 5 days. We walked with them to a little balcony and said the Shechiyanu, celebrating for many of us our first time in Jerusalem. Then when we finished the prayer and drank some grape juice and a local drummer blew the shofar and then began to drum Jewish songs that we all knew and sang, clapped, and danced to. It was quite the site and locals as well as tourists stoped to take pictures and watch.
Then we walked as a group through the gate into the the Old City of Jerusalem where we crossed through the Armenian district, where we saw a Christmas tree, and ate lunch in the Jewish district. I had delicious Shwarma, which is a popular Israeli street food.
Then after eating we walked to the Kotel, or Western Wall. It was a very interesting experience. First we walked through security and then took a group picture and talked about the wall. Then we separated by gender to go to the wall, since most of the wall is separated in this way. I would have preferred not to be separated since my tradition does not include this separation but until this past year that wasn't even an option. I then walked up to the wall and observed everyone praying in a different way, it was very interesting. Then I went up and put notes in the wall, stopping to talk to G-d at the wall. While there, I had no overwhelming feeling or connection but once I backed away from the wall, without turning my back and watched everyone else's reactions I felt a connection to everyone there and felt the powerful atmosphere that is the Kotel.
Kotel
Putting a note in the Kotel
When then left and walked to the bus to head to the hotel for Shabbat. We got ready and then met with over 250 other hillel birthright participants, about 5 trips total- some just arriving in Israel and others about to leave. We then lit Shabbat candles and Menorahs and then had a choice of services to attend. I went to the Reform service. iI was nice to hear everyone know the prayers and tunes and to be so close to the Kotel that we didn't simply face East but rather looked out the window to figure out where the wall was and faced that way. Then we had workshops to choose from, I went to the one about what a "rebel" is and relating it to Hanukkah. Then our bus got back together for an Oneg and some ice breaker before being released for some free time in the hotel. When I finally went upstairs I looked out the window and was greeted by a gorgeous view of Jerusalem, which was a perfect way to end the day.
Throughout the whole day I got to talk with the soldiers and start getting to know them which was a really special experience and I look forward to doing more of this.
Good night!
Laura
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