On the 25 of May, we spent the day exploring the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. We perused the market streets in search of Hamsas, mezuzot, and Chanukiot. We came out with some really excellent finds! While it got hotter, we strolled through the Old City, and saw some really inspirational sites. We saw the South Wall of the Temple Mount where the ancient Temple stood over 3000 years ago. After that, we were given the chance to visit the Kotel, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. It was a really spiritual experience for many people. Many of us wrote prayers that we placed within the cracks of the wall. After that, we headed to a traditional Israeli market, to enjoy the food of the land. Some of us ate Schwarma, falafel, or pastries. Then, we visited a site that overlooked the West Bank, and there we discussed the implications of the area and its people. After a long day, we headed back to the hotel for a night in. Our Israeli soldiers prepared a game of "Israeli Jeopardy" for us. We competed as three branches of the IDF: Airforce, Navy, and Infantry. The infantry unit came out victorious!!
Today, May 26, we started our day at Yad Vashem, the national Israeli Holocaust Museum. It was a deeply moving and profound exhibit that inspired a lot of emotion for everyone in the group. After a quick lunch, we headed to Har (Mount) Herzel, the national Israeli military cemetary. We visited the graves of famous Israelis such as: Theodore Herzel, Yitzach Rabin, Golda Meir, and others. After we visited a few graves of soldiers who gave their lives for the advencement of the Jewish State such as Michael Levin and Yonatan Netanyahu. Before setting out for Tel Aviv, we said our tearful goodbyes to our eight Israeli soldiers. In Tel Aviv, we had a nice variety of dinner options on Jaffa street. Anything from Shwarma to pizza was available; and the ice cream was only 8 shekels! We ended the evening by seeing a play performed by blind and deaf actors, detailing their struggles and dreams. Overall, it was a humbling and reflective day.
Kimberly Syvarth, Rutgers 2013
Sabrina Rackow, George Mason Dec 2011
Jonathan Levin, Rutgers 2013
Sofia Kremer, Rutgers 2012
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