Something great about birthright is that sometimes you are surprised about what inspires you. Visiting the (underground what was it called), the secret weapons manufacturing during the time the British controlled the pre-Israeli state, really reached me in a way I never would have predicted. We heard fascinating stories about how the weapon manufacturing was kept a secret. They knew that there was a tremendous amount of noise to cover up, so they started a laundry business that would run all day. However, clothes would be picked up and dropped off so no one would come close to the site. It was such a successful business that even the British soldiers sent in their uniforms.

Meanwhile, underneath the raucous noise of the machine, there would be men and women diligently working. They were not in far away fields, as the “giraffes,” kibbutzim who, like giraffes, didn’t know what was happening below their feet, thought they were. So, the manufacturers installed a tanning room to appear like they work outside all day.

When a train explosion caused the death of British officers, the workers rushed to their aid so that they would not feel the need to explore the kibbutz and possibly find the underground factory. When a solider came by the kibbutz to personally thank them for their aid, they gave him a glass of warm beer. If he wanted a cold one, he would have to make sure he called in advance (so they would never be caught off guard again). The guide, Yaov, joked that since he was British, he would then call 5 days in advance, then 3 days, then the day before to confirm, and so on.

There were many more fascinating stories like these (like how the bullets they made were one millimeter too large, so the worker that had to shave off that extra bit was nicknamed the mohel), but what was most meaningful to me was that the bravery of the men and women manifested themselves in a way that was uniquely Jewish. The stories all had Jewish humor, spirit, creativity, and work ethic in order to accomplish a very righteous and serious goal. Also what was very important to me was the fact that in this effort the men and women were equal—women were appreciated for the time and risk they put into protecting their people. In return, I can appreciate and sincerely feel connected to the the dedication of Jews in a different time and place, with an inspiring mission and a uniquely Jewish way of protecting its people.

The last days of the trip were an emotional roller coaster as we started the day  with an overview of the old city of Jerusalem and were formally welcomed to The heart of the Jewish people. We visited the old city and spent time praying, meditating and singing at the Western Wall.

We then spent a few hours in the Shuk, Macheneh Yehuda, tasting and smelling the amazing foods of the open air market and “grazing” our way through with our Israeli counterparts as our waiters and guides. Then in the afternoon we took a turn for the sadder as we visited Mt. Herzel, The national cemetery for leaders of the nation and fallen soldiers. We listened as our Soldier friends told stories of fallen friends and family members. We heard how each and every person had to fight for this land in one way or another and that they felt that as hard as it was, they had no choice because this was their (and our) home land.

The following day we visited Yad Vashem, the memorial and museum of the holocaust. An experience that can only be truly understood through a visit on your own, but be it enough to say that emotions ranged from disgust, to tears, to fear and then to hope as we walked out on to the balcony at the end of the museum overlooking the hills of Jerusalem’s forests.

We then proceeded to the garden of roses to reflect on all that we had seen and officially say good bye to our soldiers.   A day of emotions and tears both of happiness and sadness, but a true reflection of this amazing country, a wonderful people, and a fantastic trip.

Friday night was a good chance for everyone to relax and enjoy Shabbat together.  Saturday was the first time on our trip for us to sleep in at the hotel. Since it was Shabbat there was time to spare for sitting by the pool and some peaceful meditiation.  Some of us relaxed while others engaged in a discussion with the Rabbi about sexual relationships.  After the last meal of Shabbat we gathered together and sang. 

Sunday we feasted on yet another delicious breakfast at the hotel.  We eventually picked up 8 wonderful soldiers for Mifgash.  We quickly learned that our pre-planned ice-breaker was not necessary:  they were just like us and eager to socialize.  Then, the soldiers joined us in the Dead Sea.  The impossibility of floating brought back nostalgic memories for most, as others rubbed small amounts of healing mud on themselves.  Finally, we made our way to the hospitable Bedouins, who’s tents we slept in reminded us to be grateful for ever minor commodity, yet gave us a certain simple connection with the desert and God. 

Monday we ascended the immaculate Mount Masada with an excellent explanation from our tour/life guide Phil.  We joined a very generous farmer who shared his finest carrots, radishes, strawberries, and tomatoes, topped off with a pesto tasting and peace dove ceremony for Gilad Shaleet, a captured Israeli soldier.

Later that evening the soldiers presented a hilarious demonstration of Israeli stereotypes and we reciprocated with our own.  It is absolutely amazing and fascinating how quickly and close we are getting.  Besides doing Israeli things like teaching us, ordering food, and making suggestions, we are making ties which we have no doubt will last longer than the remainder of this trip. 

Tuesday was also a very exciting day as we commenced our tour at the Alayon Institute for an enlightening tour of the clandestine factory used during the British mandate. Next we met a Binghamton alumni at the “Save a Child’s Heart”.  There we learned about this amazing heart- touching program itself and met a few children that we apart of the organization. And finally, we ended our Tuesday in Rana’ana to attend the Mega Event. It was amazing and everyone had a lot of fun! Here, we met other Birthright Taglit groups from all over the world such as Argentina, Brazil, India, Canada and of course, different parts of the United State. Later at the Mega Event, we attended a very exciting and thrilling concert.

Our second day in Israel began bright and early.  After eating breakfast as a group in the hotel, we boarded the bus en route for the Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  There we took a peaceful walk through a scenic trail.  One group broke off for a jog and was able to see the entrance and gates of an ancient city before rejoining the group.  Our next stop was the Golan Heights.  The road was long and winding, but allowed for plenty of pictures of the rolling landscape.  We stopped at the site of an Israeli bunker where we could see the shared border with Syria.  Phil taught us about the 6 day war and  the current cease-fire between the two nations.  The valley below us was the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) and the site of a UN training base.  We also had time to meet Philippine Soldiers, buy fresh fruit from a stand and view sculptures built from war tanks. 

Then we went kayaking on the Jordan River!! We split into small groups that each had their own raft.  As we traveled down the river we interacted with many of the locals swimming in the river and in other kayaks.  After drying off we  headed back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. AHH SAMSON THE BATTERY IS LOW AND IT IS ALMOST SHABBAT

SHABBAT SHALOM

Wednesday we boarded the fli8ght, preparing for an 11 hour flight.  Most of us were able to fall asleep after dinner was served in-flight.  The rest of us enjoyed the crying of cute babies, various TV shows, and woke up to The King’s Speech.  It was already Thursday afternoon in Israel when we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. 

Coming out of the airport we were introduced to our fabulous tour guide Phil, a knowledgeable father and witty comedian.  We also met our guard and medic Maria.  Although she packs a gun, she is a genuine sweet heart.  Our Israeli bus driver, Eran took us to our first destination in Caesarea.  Although there was some pekok (traffic), the bus dropped us off at an ancient aqueduct by the beach that was both beautiful and intuitive.  For many of us it was our first time seeing and stepping into the Mediterranean Sea.  Our next stop was the Golan Hotel where we sat down for our first meal in Israel and slept in rooms overlooking the Sea of Galilee.