Update from Israel #Bus128

Thank you Bus 128 for sharing. Sounds like you are having a great trip!

We can’t believe we only have two full days left in Israel. We have climbed Masada, floated in the Dead Sea, slept in a Bedouin tent, ridden camels, hiked in Ein Ovdat (a desert nature reserve), tasted various vegetables at Shvil Hasalat (the vegetable trail), explored the old city of Jerusalem, connected with our history by visiting the Kotel, learned about the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, honored fallen soldiers and influential figure heads at Har Hertzel (Israel’s national cemetery),  toured Rabin Square, saw Independence Hall, and bargained at the open air market Shuk HaCarmel. In addition to all the amazing sites, we were joined by 8 incredible Israelis and become fast friends. It’s crazy to think that we only knew them for the past five days and the not past five years. We all look forward to staying in touch and visiting them in Israel again!

“I had no idea what to expect from the Dead Sea. I wasn’t convinced that I’d actually float. Rubbing the sticky mud over ourselves and floating in the freezing water with new friends was unreal. It’s now an unforgettable memory.” Bailey D.

“I have always thought about Jerusalem and the Western Wall in an abstract way. I was told that Jerusalem was my home, and home of the Jewish people, but I never knew what that really meant. After visiting the Kotel today, I now understand the value of Jerusalem. I touched the wall that generations of Jews have touched over the course of thousands of years. I connected with those Jews today, and with the millions to come in years hence.” Josh L.

“Friday night Shabbat was a collision of spirituality, friendship, and full-out fun.  We were led through a beautiful service and bonded through dance to some Niggunim.  We finished the night with a talent show.  Who knew our group was filled with so many knock-out performers!” -Dan F.

“Being at Har Herzel on this trip really made me realize the impact of leaving rocks on Jewish head stones. I had been there 2 years before and a hat that my group had left at Michael Levine’s grave was still there along with countless other mementos from years past.” – Koby A.

“I had a great time shopping in an open market (Shuk HaCarmel) because I met other Jewish students from Australia and it was nice to know they were having the same eye opening experience as us” – Emily B.