Today was by far our most exciting and interesting day of the trip. We began our day at 8 am with a big egg breakfast, anxious to meet our new Israeli friends. We picked the soldiers up on the side of the road and had a nice thirty minute bus ride to interact with them before reaching our first destination of the day. We learned that, although separated by thousands of miles of ocean and land, we share common interests, and are all connected through our pride of Judaism. After sharing stories of our hometowns and favorite American musicians we had reached the Banyas Waterfall, which we would be hiking around. The waterfall was beautiful, underground in a sense, surrounded by boulders and trees, and the hike was a peaceful and fun chance to meet our new friends further. After the short hike and a quick icebreaker activity we hopped back on the bus en route to our next destination.
Our next journey would take us to the Misgav-Am Kibbutz, where our goal was to hear the opinion of a very interesting and knowledgeable 4-war veteran Jew. The Kibbutz was located directly on the border of Israel and Lebanon, and as a result the man’s shpeil focused on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I cannot understate this man’s passion and pride for Judaism and Israel as a whole, and he fully outlined his very politically incorrect opinion on the subject. I cannot speak for the group but I know this interaction opened my eyes to the conflict that exists every day in the Middle East, and left me with an overwhelming pride for my religion and my homeland.
Our guide Kuti tells us that there is an expression in Israel; “we pray for rain, but we hope it doesn’t.” Israel has suffered from a drought for the past nine years, and they pray for rain every day, however as a tour group we hope it doesn’t. Apparently Mayanot 389 is blessed because it has rained every day of the trip so far, and the most today. After departing from the Kibbutz we traveled to the northern most city in Israel, Kiryat Shmona, and inhaled falafels and shawarma.
Lunch was followed by the most fun activity of the trip so far, off road Jeeping. Brett and I hopped in a Jeep, and Rabbi Mendel made the poor decision to join us. Thrill seekers, Brett and I were set on flooring the Jeep around every turn and through ever deep puddle. Mendel, who on this venture resembled more of a Jewish mother than a Rabbi, feared for his life and was pleading for us to slow down, but of course was denied of his request. The highlight of the day for me was when I sped the Jeep through a huge puddle, completely soaking our trio in muddy water, transforming Mendel’s black beard to brown.
We ended our day back at the hotel with a chicken dinner and some more fun group activities, including practice for the first ever Birthright flash mob that we will be performing. Overall, the day was filled with joy and excitement. The new addition to our family has been welcomed with open arms, and they are filled with enthusiasm and excitement to be with us for the next few days, as are we. We look forward to the rest of our trip, which will take us from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, and we cherish each day we have in the Promised Land.
As of now I am a very happy Jew,
- Evan