Live Trip Updates – July 24, 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: After spending the night in Netanya, this group flew home on El Al today. Sad to see you leave!

TL-30-403: The group enjoyed a morning hike before some beach time in Eilat. On their way to Jerusalem, they stopped at Kibbutz Lotan for an ecological seminar. In the evening, the group prepared for the visit to Yad Vashem tomorrow. They are spending the night in Jerusalem.

TL-30-404: The group left Tiberias in the morning to explore the northern city of Akko (Acre), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, dating back to the time of the Pharaoh Thutmose III (1504-1450 BCE). It is a city of intrigue, where you can walk through labyrinthine alleys and streets and explore the remnants of Crusader, Muslim and Ottoman conquerors. They took in views of the sea port, the Mediterranean, and toured the area’s beautiful old city. They then traveled to Jerusalem and they enjoyed a panoramic view of city on their way in. In the evening, the group prepared for their visit to Yad Vashem tomorrow. They are spending the night in Jerusalem. 

TL-30-405: In the morning, the group was welcomed by five Israeli peers who will be joining the tour. They headed north to Haifa, Israel’s largest northern city. They took in views of the sea port, the Mediterranean, and toured the city’s amazing Bahai gardens and temple, a must-see in Israel. They enjoyed time for lunch and shopping at a mall nearby, and headed south. In the evening they checked a hotel right outside of Jerusalem. They enjoyed a delicious buffet-style dinner, and participated in a discussion about anti-semitism to prepare for the following day.

TL-30-406: The group left Tiberias in the morning to explore Haifa. They first visited the National Aviary Garden and then took in a view of the city from the Stella Maris lookout. They then had some free time on the Haifa Promenade, where participants had the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs to bring home. In the afternoon, the group traveled to Jerusalem. In the evening, they prepared for their visit to Yad Vashem tomorrow. They are spending the night in Jerusalem. Check out a photo from today…

July 24 - Haifa

TL-30-407: The group left Tiberias in the morning for a short hike to the beautiful Banias waterfall, one of the most favorited Birthright Israel nature walks. The group was joined by Israeli peers. This addition will give the participants a great opportunity to learn about Israeli culture through people their own age. Together, they had a free evening in Western Jerusalem. They are spending the night in Jerusalem.

TL-30-408 & TL-30-409: The groups have landed in Israel, and after a long journey, all is well! The flight was smooth and they arrived in Israel excited to begin their trip! So far their staff Brandon reported all participants are mixing well. Upon arrival at the hotel in the northern city of Tiberias, the group enjoyed their first dinner together in Israel, followed by some introductions and ice breakers. They are spending the night in Tiberias. Tomorrow, the group will really start their trip, beginning with the beautiful, mystic city of Tzfat. Check out a photo from today…

TL-30-829: The group visited Har Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, and Yad Vashem, Holocaust museum. In the afternoon, the group had free time to explore Ben Yehuda Street where many purchased souvenirs to take home. In the evening, some of the group members, with the help of staffers Riana and Ethan, also worked to prepare songs and prayers for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs scheduled to take place this weekend during their visit to the Kotel, or Western Wall. Nine participants from the group will become Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. They are spending the night in Jerusalem. Check out some photos from today…

HarHerzl 1 Yad Vashem 1
Zion Square Jerusalem Jerusalem 1

Want to see Wednesday’s updates? Read the updates from July 23 here!