Live Trip Updates – July 21, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-402: The group began their day today with a tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. Then, they traveled to Har Herzl National Memorial, which honors Israeli soldiers who lost their lives. Being at these sites with their Israeli peers was very meaningful for the group, and showed them a very powerful perspective. This evening, the group headed to the desert, for the next leg of their trip. At the hotel, they participated in a check in discussion, to debrief after an emotional day. The group has also been having many discussions about the current conflict in Israel. Dahlia, the group’s American staff, reported that the group is doing great. They all agree that this is a very unique time to be in Israel and that it is giving them a different perspective than most Birthright Israel participants. They are in good spirits and staying positive. The group has also loved having their Israeli peers with them and have grown remarkably close to one another. Check out some photos from today …

TL-30-403: The group made their way south, visiting Caesarea, an ancient town built by Herod the Great as the port city Caesarea Maritima. They then enjoyed the Nahal David Trail of Ein Gedi, where the participants enjoyed a desert oasis nature walk and swam under beautiful waterfalls.

TL-30-404: After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, this Los Angeles community group met their Israeli tour guide, and headed to a beach on the Mediterranean for a Shehecheyanu opening ceremony. They checked into their hotel in the northern city of Tiberias, where they enjoyed their first dinner in Israel. In the evening, their guide led a discussion about safety and the current situation in Israel, alleviating many of the participants’ concerns. They finished the evening relaxing in the hotel lobby and courtyard before settling into a much needed night’s sleep. They are spending the night in Tiberias. Check out a photo from their arrival…

TL-30-405: After arriving in Israel, the group met their Israeli tour guide, Ilan, and headed to a beach on the Mediterranean for a Shehecheyanu opening ceremony. They enjoyed their first dinner in Israel in the northern city of Tiberias. In the evening, Ilan led a discussion about safety and the current situation in Israel, alleviating many of the participants’ concerns. They finished the evening playing ice breaker games and finally settled into a much needed night’s sleep in Tiberias.

TL-30-406: The group arrived in Israel this afternoon and enjoyed a Shehecheyanu welcoming ceremony at a beach on the Mediterranean. After checking into their hotel in the northern city of Tiberias, they enjoyed their first dinner in Israel. In the evening, they had discussions with their guide about the current situation in Israel, alleviating many of the participants’ concerns. At the end of the evening, they had some free time int he hotel lobby and courtyard.

TL-30-892: The group began their day enjoying the beach in Netanya. Then the group was joined by Israeli peers for the mifgash portion of Birthright Israel. Everyone enjoyed ice breakers to get to know the new members of the group. Together, they traveled south for the majestic nature walk to the Ein Gedi waterfalls. Check out some photos from today …

Want to see Sunday’s updates? Read the updates from July 20 here!