Nitzanim Update 0715

Posted in YJ Discovery on 16. Jul, 2010

Sunday morning, Nitzanim spent some time in a place very important to Young Judaea – Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. The group met with Barbara Goldstein, an important Hadassah member.  Barbara gave the group a very inspiring speech commending them for coming to Israel (many of them for their first time). She also urged them to stay connected to Israel when they return home, and to be sure to come back!

After hearing from Barbara, the group got a fabulous tour of the hospital.  Here they were able to see the state of the art facilities while hearing the history of the hospital.

Next, Nitzanim went to the Old City where they visited the site of David’s grave. Here they spoke about what made him such an important leader. Afterwards, the group went to Machane Yehuda, the Jerusalem Shuk (market), to experience a true Israeli shopping experience!

Everyone had a chance to buy food, clothing and gifts! Some of the chanichim were even lucky enough to visit Marzipan Bakery, a staff favorite, where the best chocolate rugelach in all of Israel is made!

That night, back at their hostel, Nitzanim prepared for their next day’s activities, visits to Har Hertzl and Yad Vashem. They watched a movie about Michael Levin, an American who made aliyah and served in the Israeli Army. He was 22 years old when he was killed during the second Lebanon war in August 2006.

Monday morning the group visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum (www.yadvashem.org). They even had the chance to hear a survivor speak before going on a tour of the museum. It was a moving and emotional experience for everyone. Continuing on from Yad Vashem the group visited nearby Har Hertzl, the National Cemetery and Herzl Museum. Here the group learned about Herzl and then were able to visit his grave along with other national leaders and soldiers (including Michael Levin).

Monday night, Nitzanim had free time on the very popular Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem. Here the group had the chance to get dinner as well as do some shopping.

On Tuesday, the group travelled to Tel Aviv. They started off their day with a tour of an artist’s studio. There they heard from four different artists about their work as well as life in Israel. Some of the chanichim purchased postcards of their artwork.

After lunch, Nitzanim had some time to explore Nachlat Binyamin, a local craft fair which occurs every Tuesday and Friday in Tel Aviv. The madrichim encouraged the group to not only buy from the artists but also talk to them and ask questions about their work.

After shopping and exploring, Nitzanim had a tour of an important historical site, Independence Hall. Next, the group went to their hostel for a yummy pizza dinner and time to rejuvenate. Everyone had a relaxing evening and there was even an impromptu music session in the courtyard as several of the chanichim sang along as one of the participants played his guitar.

Wednesday was a very special day, Estrella’s Birthday! The group surprised her and woke her up by singing and bringing balloons and cake to her room. Happy Birthday! Yom Huldedet Sameach!

They then got ready for the day and visited Kikar Rabin (Rabin Square), the site of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination. Nitzanim broke down into small groups and all learned a bit about Rabin and his life. They then came together and shared their facts.

Next, the group had some free time on Shenkin Street, a very hip area of Tel Aviv with plenty of shops and cafes to explore. The staff gave the chanichim an assignment, which was to interview local Israelis. They were told to ask the same survey questions they asked Arad and see the differences in the people they meet in Tel Aviv versus Arad’s smaller desert community.

They ended their day with some beach time before heading back to their hotel.