After heading north from Tel Aviv our first stop was the Atlit Detention Camp, which has been preserved with the help of JNF. This is a very moving and realistic view of life in the detention camps by Jews who tried to escape from Europe and were imprisoned by the British from 1939-1948.
We then went to the artist village of Eih Hod which had many studios of important artists. We enjoyed a workshop of clay, ceramics, and painting. The next day we hiked the JNF forests near the northern border with a JNF-KKL forester and saw the terrible damage of this past summer's war. We were happy to see new plantings and that life is returning to the forest. In the afternoon we took a tour of the Akko, a crusader fortress. In the evening we heard Professor Baram, one of the world's leading scholars on Iraq and frequent guest on CNN, speak on the Iran-Iraq situation. Another active CAARI day!!!
The week in Nahayria was great. One of the most memorable events was our meeting with Noam Shalit, the father of one of the kidnapped soldiers. We attended a dedication and tree planting ceremony with him. Hopefully it will bring attention to the government and public regarding the release of the soldiers. The war ended and they are still being held. We were devastated when we saw what happened to the Biriyah Forest, as that was one of our visits last year. It was so green and lush -- a wonderful place for families to enjoy a day in the forest. Now, all you can see is piles of dead trees and open spaces that have been cleared. We were thrilled to plant trees and bring this area back to life.
We were also invited to meet the owner of an art gallery that sponsored an art and photography exhibit calling on the government to bring back the abducted soldiers. It is called "Captured Moments" and features works by Udi Goldwasser, one of the captured soldiers who was an amateur photographer. The exhibit will be displayed in the Knesset next week.
We had some wonderful speakers while we were in Naharyia including Professor Baram, one of the world's leading authorities on Iran and Iraq. Hannah Bat Haim, a journalist and long time resident of Nahayria, also spoke to us about the city and what took place this summer. We were welcomed by the mayor of the city too.
Our next stop was the Dead Sea for some rest, recreation, and spa treatments. We toured Masada, hiked the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and learned about the Dead Sea resources at the Dead Sea Works. CAARI gives us a full spectrum of life in Israel!
Rosalie Whitehill, New York:
I have enjoyed so many special things on this trip, but few as much as a trip we were taken on this week -- a trip so inspirational, awesome, and fantastic. Yesterday, our plan was to visit Aleh Negev in the Negev. We rode down there with our sensational guide, Neil, who pointed out all of the sights surrounding our bus as we traveled. We drove south paralleling Gaza which was on our left (toward the sea) and passed S'derot (on the right) where the rockets from Gaza often land. We learned that the Israelis no longer go down to their shelters for short term periods; they each have a safe room in their apartment that they can access in seconds. We also learned about the Besor River and the reservoirs where sewage water from the Tel Aviv area is sent to be recycled and then used to make the desert bloom. The desert was blooming when we saw it -- with lots of wildflowers as well as fruit orchards and foods that are grown in huge hot houses.
Neil told us about Aleh Negev - a residential home for very severely mentally and physically disabled adults. The people in this place, many of whom will never speak a word, are too disabled to even live at home. The facility was started by a very well known and accomplished army general; his son was one of the residents there. The general, Doron Almong, was going to meet with us, but unfortunately his son died the week before. The coordinator at the facility, Susan, read Doron's eulogy to his son. It was so touching that I cried a bit, and even Susan had some difficulty getting through all of it.
When we arrived at Aleh Negev everything looked new and there was lots of building going on. It opened only 3 months ago, and although they now have 70 residents, they will eventually accommodate more than 200. In addition to providing physical therapy, they’ll provide water therapy, art therapy, and horses for some riding therapy. All of the equipment there is state of the art and seeing the residents during their physical therapy and art therapy classes was very moving. They will also treat about 2000 non-residential disabled people. We also visited their hospital facility which will open in a few weeks to care for severely mentally and physically damaged young people. The government pays about 70% of the cost of staying in the residence, but other funds are needed. I lack the vocabulary skills to adequately explain how truly inspirational it was to visit Aleh Negev. This was definitely the highlight of my 2007 trip to Israel.
We spent so much time at the Aleh Negev facility that we were too late for our scheduled talk at one of the reservoirs of the Besore River. Nevertheless, we went and viewed it up close; Neil provided explanations for us. We had lunch at Kibbutz Mitzpe G'vulot, an agricultural kibbutz that is now privatized and hosts visitors.
After lunch we met with a young man from the Hugai Sayarut group. Youngsters join the group and can go on a tiyul (trip) once a month where they learn more about Eretz Yisrael. Our guide was a very enthusiastic young man who is working with Hugai Sayarut for a year after the army. He particularly likes to show people the spot that matches an incident in the Bible, and he brought along little costumes (mostly headpieces) for us to act out the story. This one was about David recapturing the women who were taken by Malachites. I played the part of one of David's followers, and I may soon see a picture of me in my headdress on the internet! After our little dramatization, we walked for another hour and a half through the park, enjoying all the wildflowers in bloom. We sang lots of old songs on the way back on the bus -- the end to a wonderful day including outstanding weather again!!!
Thelma Shore, Toronto:
At 7:45 on a bright and sunny Monday morning we set out from our hotel in Tel Aviv for a day in the Negev. Our first stop was at Aleh Negev. This is a beautiful new facility in Ofakim, one of the development towns in the Negev. This is the latest of four facilities established by a group of committed parents of severely disabled children. Major General Doron Almog was one of the driving forces behind this. Unfortunately, his 24 year old son, who lived at Aleh Negev, passed away a few days before our visit. These bright and airy residences serve young adults from the age of 15. There is also a new hospital which will be opening shortly. The hospital will take in babies and children with special needs. Future plans call for a swimming pool, horse stables, and a pet therapy area. We saw craft rooms and a physiotherapy area. This project is supported by JNF - USA.
Our next stop was at the Besore region reservoirs. The beautiful orchards and planting is made possible by the water from these reservoirs. Another JNF project! We had a delicious lunch at Kibbutz Gvulot, as well as a talk about the establishment of the kibbutz by Hashomer Hatzair. Following the lunch we hiked through an area covered with beautiful spring flowers - white, yellow, mauve, and red. The desert was in full bloom! A young man with Hugay Sayarut was our guide - telling us about the plants and flowers. This is a youth movement similar to scouting - taking your people on hikes, camping out, and teaching them to love nature. Another JNF project. We returned to Tel Aviv tired, but invigorated after a sunny, warm, and inspirational day in the desert.
This week CAARI had community service four mornings where they tutored English in eight Tel Aviv elementary schools. They also helped out in two rehab centers and worked in Koah L'tet. In addition, they spent one morning with children planting trees for Tu B’Shvat in the JNF forest outside of Kibbutz Hachshon. Other highlights included packing boxes for the needy at a local food bank, touring the Ayalon Institute, and participating in an educational Sephardic Workshop at the Diaspora Museum.
It has been three active, educational, interesting, and exciting weeks since I joined the CAARI group. We have done so much! Each day I wake up to a wonderful new experience. Our guide (Nahum Eisenstadt) and leader (Susan Horwitz) have both been well informed, organized, and prepared a terrific program. My experience doing community service work has been satisfying and rewarding. I have been teaching English to 10 and 11 year old boys and girls. They are eager to learn, respectful, and very grateful. I can't say enough in praise of the CAARI program.
- Pauline Delson, Woodstock, New York
Today will be 3 weeks since I arrived in Tel Aviv to join the CAARI group. The time went so fast. We have seen day after day the most incredible things that the Israeli people have done to survive and to gain their independence. We have the most respect for all the young people who have to carry a gun on their shoulders so that we can feel safe. I'm in complete admiration for what has been done here. There is so much I could add, but tomorrow is community service - up at 6! I assist rehab patients at Ickilov Hospital Rehabilitation Center. It is a most fulfilling time. And I appreciate the patience of Susan and Neil - for all of us.
Over the past few days CAARI took a trip to Megiddo, celebrated Tu B’Shvat, visited JNF forests, and even went shopping at the mall!
Meggido Tour
by Rosalie Whitehill
Friday was another beautiful Israel day....and we started early for our trip to Megiddo. We had two great people accompany us: our coordinator, an incredibly knowledgeable archeologist who had been recruited in 1992 to work on the dig at Meggido, as well as our usual guide, a wonderful man who filled in the archeologist’s lecture with facts about the surrounding hills and territory and their relationship to Biblical text. It was such a clear day that we could see the towns of Afula and Nazareth. I learned more than I ever thought possible -- about the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the history of Meggido, as well as archeological techniques.
We spent a few hours being guided through the digging areas at Meggido and saw remnants of civilizations from the 9th century to the 7th century BCE. It was really fascinating when you are lucky enough to have people who know so much about the particular digs. The water tunnels were closed, but our guide had arranged for them to open the exit end of the tunnels so people could get a sense of what they were like. I had been to Meggido about 30 or 40 years ago and most of the archeological stuff was new to me. I remembered mainly the water tunnels. What an experience the morning was!! On the way back to Tel Aviv, we stopped at a mall in Hadera (just north of Herzliya) where everyone ate at a terrific Israeli food court. The day was really special and I feel so fortunate to be here with this group.
Highlights
by Wendi Lyles
Last week, we headed north passing the Sharon Plains and saw Mt. Karmel. Along the way we passed wildflowers that only grow in Israel. The day began with fog and mist, but ended with nothing but blue sky and sun. We arrived in Zichron Ya'acov, a village filled with love in the air and cobble stones. I adored the place; did not want to leave. This town is where the 1st Aliyah took place in 1881 by a group of Romanian Jews; they came to create a Jewish state by way of working hard. These Jews came to prove everyone wrong. It’s a miracle that anything came to be because back then everyone called the area a wasteland. Aronhnson House is from that era and it is preserved today on top of a hill -- a must see! We also visited the Aliyah Museum and a Farmers Market in the park.
We also worked… not in the schools, but the Ben Shemen JNF Forest, which is the first forest in Israel. In the afternoon we visited Neot Kedomim and had lunch in a forest there. We made pita bread over an open fire by the help of a Bedouin husband and wife who work at the forest. We made zatar with wild hyssop which are the herbs grown in the forest. You pound them together so they turn into a fine flakey dust which we mixed with fresh olive oil from the olive trees. At the forest the cats and deer roam free. We experienced the oil press. Did you know 17 uses are mentioned in the bible for olive oil? The fruit and vegetables are to die for in Israel: giant carrots, sweet oranges, cucumbers, pomegranates and figs are everywhere.
Thursday, after a wonderful time teaching in my school, Amiel Ramban, we went to the Jaffe Institute to pack food boxes to be delivered to needy families. We were quite proud of what we accomplished, packing 50 boxes filled with all kinds of food with essentials like oil, flour, and pretzels. Guess a snack is good for everyone!
Friday was spent with Archeologist Norma Franklin who is Director of the Meggido Expedition. Meggido is located on a hill with magnificent views of Mt. Karmel, Jordan, Mediterranean Sea, Jezerel Valley, and Afula, Nazereth. We received a private tour of the water tunnels, caves, and Gates of Solomon. Each day I am more amazed!
Meggido
by Pauline Delson
Friday morning everyone was on time for the bus - we now have 45 people, as 18 people joined us yesterday. It was a sunny, clear and crisp day. Norma Franklin, an archeologist, was our guide - a woman with a love and knowledge on her subject. We walked on roads that were built thousands of years before the Common Era. We viewed "digs" from the 7th - 10th century, down to the Bronze Age. The Jezerel Valley was green and spread before us. We were surrounded by mountains with names that we recognized from the Bible. It was truly a memorable experience.
Tu B’Shvat
by Esther Katz
The rain, clouds, and mud did not dampen our spirits on Tu B’shavat, nor did it dampen the spirit of the country. For days before and days after the holiday thousands of children were going to the JNF forests to plants trees. We joined high school students from Tel Aviv, Petak Tikva and Rehovet planting in the VERY muddy soil!! That didn't stop us from having fun. In the evening CAARI enjoyed our traditional Tu B’shvat Seder reminding us of our heritage and the importance of our environment. The JNF-KKL workers did a terrific job preparing the areas for planting - all you could see was a mass of JNF flags and small samplings!
Anice Stark of Toronto, Canada is a participant on the CAARI (Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel) program that began in Israel earlier this month. She says that everyone is having a great time learning about the history of the country, hearing from leading journalists, and most of all -- feeling like they are making a difference being in Israel. So far participants have helped children in schools, helped patients in hospitals, and assisted in the community organization, Koach L'Tet. Below, she recalls some trip highlights from last week:
January 24 - We visited the Minkov Museum, located in Rehovet, which was the site of the first orchard planted in Eretz Yisrael in 1904. The Museum has been restored by the Society for the Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (SPIHS) and JNF is one of the supporters of this organization. Afterwards, we went on a tour of the exquisite grounds of the Chaim Weizman Institute. Very impressive! Our day ended at the Reshion Winery where we enjoyed a lovely dinner and sampled the wines of Israel!
January 25 - Business as usual -- we did community service work in the morning. It was a sunny, warm day which makes it comfortable for us North Americans. We had a free afternoon to look around, shop, or rest. In the evening a great speaker, Avi Issacharoff -- Haaretz Newspaper correspondent and Gaza expert -- spoke to the group and brought us up to date on the situation there.
January 26 - We traveled to Zichron Yaacov to visit the Arhonson House. The house has been restored with ancient furniture and has been made into a very interesting museum with the intriguing story of the NILI Spies that assisted the British in World War I. The town itself is as pretty as a picture -- high up in the Carmel Mountains. The main street is a pedestrian walkway with lots of shops and charming cafes. Our second stop was the First Aliya Museum, with a great history involving the early pioneers and their experiences.
The CAARI (Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel) program began in Israel earlier this month. Over the past few days participants have worked on community service projects, cleaned up the forests, and also toured Independence Hall, the Rabin Center, and Neot Kedumim. Here is a recap from some of the participants:
We are now settled in and Tel Aviv is home! We have also begun our community work. Some of us are tutoring English in elementary schools, others are assisting in two hospitals, and three people are helping in the community agency: Koach L' Tet. Many of the CAARI participants have been in the schools before and they have been warmly received. Each day at lunch we talk about our wonderful experiences -- what we did, what the children said to us, and how we’ve been helping. We also kvell at the warm reception we are receiving everywhere we go! Yesterday we worked (and I mean worked!) in the JNF Forest in Ben Shemen. It was a beautiful day - in the 70's and sunny. The foresters couldn't believe that a group of seniors could cut and trim so many trees. Of course, some of us were schelpers -- bringing the cut branches to a central area. I am sure that the Israelis will enjoy the cleared paths in the forest. - Sheila Fedder, Toronto, Canada
Wow - I felt like a rock star! This is my 4th time tutoring in the Bal Shem Tov School and the kids remember me and are so excited that CAARI is back. They greeted us (Thelma Shore and Esther Katz are also tutoring with me) with balloons, flowers, and small gifts. The teachers are also happy that we have returned. They tell us that the children ask about us throughout the year. They believe that we make a difference in improving the students’ language skills. Also, the other evening, Amotz Asa El (a former Jerusalem Post editor) gave us an overview of Israel today. The speakers that met with us really give us a clear picture of what is going on now. - Bernie Hulkower, Long Island New York.
It was a glorious day in the JNF forest. All of us worked very hard trimming the trees, schlepping branches, and clearing paths. It is amazing to see the difference we made. After our forest work, we toured a wonderful place -- Neot Kedumin, a biblical landscape reserve. We hiked through the biblical gardens, picked hysop to make our own zatar, and learned about biblical agriculture. - Phyllis Viduarri, Burbank, California
The CAARI (Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel) arrived in Israel Thursday evening, January 18 . They came from New York, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver and Long Island - to participate in the 7 week program beginning with four weeks in Tel Aviv.
Today was a day to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings, get a feel of the city of Tel Aviv and enjoy the spirit of Friday in Tel Aviv in preparation for Shabbat. Sunday they will begin their volunteer community work in elementary schools, hospitals and community agencies. Joan and Bernie Hulkower have been participating in the program for the past 4 years. Joan (from Long Island) says..."it is like being home again.
We are so excited to see our friends from CAARI, some we have known for years. It is terrific to see newcomers and look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with them. " Wendi Lyle, from Denver, "this is my first trip to Israel and I am so blessed to be here."
RSS Feed
