Update from Israel #Bus427

A successful and joyous week has passed on bus 427! From last Shabbat to this Shabbat, Bus 427 has traveled north to south, east to west, enjoying many stops in between. We survived in a cold and rainy morning on Mt. Bental overlooking Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria and a nice drive south to Jerusalem where we first stopped on the Haas Promenade to overlook the beautiful and spiritual city of Jerusalem. Monday morning we welcomed 8 Israeli’s to our group and they quickly became part of the 427 family. We explored the Old City of Jerusalem and had a wonderful lunch and break at Machane Yehudah, the Jerusalem open-air market. Tuesday Bus 427 spent the day honoring those who came before us and defended the state of Israel with a meaningful visit to the National Cemetery of Israel on Mt. Hertzl and Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial & Museum of the Holocaust.

By Wednesday morning we were already in the Negev desert where we conquered Masada and had a “floater-tunity” (floating opportunity). We spent Wednesday night in a Bedouin style tent and had a delicious Bedouin meal. Thursday morning we trekked the dessert by camel and then enjoyed a beautiful hike through a dried river in the desert. We later we joined members of the Bedouin community to learn about their lifestyle and challenges in the State of Israel.

Thus bringing us to Friday, where Bus 427 split into groups and were hosted by the families of our Israeli group members in their own homes, a wonderful opportunity that many birthright groups do not get the privilege of having. That brings us up to this moment were we are preparing to welcome the Shabbat together and enjoy a restful Shabbat before continuing our trip in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Shabbat Shalom to all!