Israel Week 2
Camper Letter
Shabbat shalom CYJ, we hope that you've all had an amazing week.
This week on Biluim Israel we left our kibbutzim and went south to Jerusalem. We visited Yad Vashem where we had a very meaningful experience learning about the horrors of the holocaust. We went to the old city where we explored its streets and learned about its history. In the old city we visited the Kotel and the Kotel tunnels. Afterward, an organization called Women of the Wall came to speak to our group about women's rights at the kotel.
We were able to walk up Mount Herzel, the military cemetery where we heard about soldiers who died in battle. In the cemetery, we also visited the graves of past Israeli prime ministers.
This week we also got the opportunity to learn about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from both an Israeli and a Palestinian side. A very fun part of our week was going to Shuk Machaneh Yehudah, where we ate a lot of yummy food!
At the end of our week before departing for family weekend we volunteered to pick beets at an amazing charity called Leket. Leket supplies fresh produce and meals to those in need. We ended our week by parting ways for family weekend.
Going into this next week we are excited to continue our trip and head down south to Eilat. This shabbat remember to scream at the top of your lungs at Shira and dance your heart out at rikud. This week don't waste a moment and cherish your time together as a chevrah because the summer flies by so fast.
Shabbat Shalom, Sadie Seaton (Camp Solellim) and Sofia Balon (Camp Kinneret)
Director Letter
Shabbat Shalom everyone! It is hard to believe we have hit our halfway mark of Biluim Israel, Family Weekend.
This week, our participants were challenged as we dove into some of the more challenging aspects of Israeli society. This includes the remembrance of the Holocaust, and how it affects Israeli Society, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict both in Israel proper and the West-Bank, and lastly Food Insecurity. All buses were able to get their hands dirty and volunteer their time in the fields to pick vegetables that will be delivered to families and individuals across the country.
This was not an easy week. All our participants were made to confront some pre-existing ideas about Israel, and learn the hardships of modern Israelis face. However, in order to appreciate our connection to this state, we have to learn about it from all angles, the good and the not-so-good. I am proud to be a part of this chevre that approaches every experience with ease, and looks to it as a learning opportunity.
When we join back together our buses will get a taste of the Metropolitan city of Tel Aviv! Exploring the sites, sounds, and tastes of this ever-growing city; after that, we will be heading down south to see what we can explore in the Negev and Eilat!
Shabbat Shalom, and Chazak Ve’Ematz,
Ellie Gamliel
Biluim Israel Director
