Day 2.

Hey Everyone!

Bus 222 experienced rain in Israel for the first time today-and the rain made a pretty good showing a few times!  Fortunately, most of our day was exploring indoor spots in Tel Aviv and it wasn’t bad as we walked between museums, exhibits, restaurants and activities.  The group continues to get up and out quickly, and to meals and on the bus.

The first stop was Independence Hall where the group learned about the history of Tel Aviv and such events in Israel’s history as the Partition Plan and the Declaration of Independence.  The group actually got to relive this experience in the place where it all happened.

The Shalom Tower was the next stop and the group viewed the famous Nahum Gutman murals https://mosaicartsource.wordpress.com/2007/02/17/israel-may-1995-tel-aviv-mosaic-mural/; they tell the story of the development of Tel Aviv in four faces.

The group enjoyed the Birthright Innovation Center which essentially tells the story of the “Start Up Nation.”  https://mosaicartsource.wordpress.com/2007/02/17/israel-may-1995-tel-aviv-mosaic-mural/.  Naomi, who works in marketing for the tech field, shared insights about this industry and patiently answered many questions.

We all enjoyed a very tasty, well-presented meat meal at Canaan Restaurant in Tel Aviv.  Our meal in the private dining room started with hot, fresh bread and Israeli salads.  Rice, steak fries, and kabob, chicken and a very nice veggie option followed.  It was delicious and plentiful.  The dessert of sorbet and hot chocolate cookies was a huge crowd favorite!

After a short bus ride through Tel Aviv, we arrived at Rabin Square to learn the story of the life and untimely death of Yitzhak Rabin.  We learned about the Oslo Accords, talks with Yasser Arafat, and various political parties in Israel.  We continue to discuss lessons learned.

The final Tel Aviv activity in Tel Aviv was a meeting with young Israel adults with Aspergers. http://asperger.org.il/Web/?PageType=0&n=1&ItemID=279515  The organization EFFi provides job coaching and placement, a life guidance center, information and a social club.  They have been around for 20 years and served hundreds of Israelis.  Our participants enjoyed getting to know Israelis through small group sharing activities. We learned about opportunities for army service and national service.  The EFFI participants learned about Birthright in general.  Both groups wished there was even more times for joint programming

Our group ate another dinner with many options (2 soups, 5 entrees, dozens of salads and side dishes!) . Though all were tired, all had energy for a small group discussion activity on Jewish identity.  We prepared for tomorrow’s visit to the Old City and let the group have free time.  Some went to bed, others hung out in the lobby and bar.  Yet others enjoyed card games.

We wish everyone Shabbat Shalom in advance.  If time constraints don’t allow for us to share an update before Shabbat, we will do our best to update you after!