On Sunday we took the short bus ride through downtown Jerusalem to Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial on Mt. Herzl. At the museum, the group met up with a very knowledgeable tour guide. We toured many parts of the musuem, starting with sitting outside and discussing the significance of the location of the museum and the landscaping. Next, we followed the tour inside, noting architectural, historical, and other facts present in the museum. It was an emotional experience for many people, as the group left with teary eyes and solemn hearts. At the end we watched a video about a holocaust survivor living in Greece, before departing the museum.
After Yad Vashem began our long journey south to the Negev Desert. The landscape changed from hilly and rocky to sandy, arid, and large mountains in the distance. Many of the group used this time to catch up on some much needed relaxation. About halfway there, we stopped at the border of Israel and the Gaza Strip. A local man, with some help from Iftah and the soldiers, explained the geographical and historical significance of the area, and from a lookout point on a small hill we were able to see over the various walls and across Gaza. This was our first encounter with the harsh desert heat. At this stop we also met a woman who lives near Gaza, and heard from her about her experience living near Gaza and the consequences that arise from that conflicted area. We helped glue pieces of pottery to a mural she has on a large wall, which spells out Shalom- peace.
Next the group arrived at a greenhouse in the desert, where a local farmer discussed growing organic vegetables. After a brief talk, we were able to go into her greenhouse and pick fresh vegetables off the vines. We had delicious cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green sweet peppers, and even a few hot peppers.
With the sun setting in the distance the group traveled even further to a Bedouin Hospitality camp. We ate dinner sitting in tents on the floor, with fresh tortillas, rice, chicken, and humus. After tea and cookies, we met a Bedouin man who discussed the culture and political place of Bedouins in the state of Israel. He also performed a few songs on two instruments, a percussive coffee grinder, and a plucked string instruments which some group members got to try. After this, the group gathered as the Israeli soldiers taught us an Israeli dance. The group spent the night dancing in the sand, relaxing by the fire, and finally sleeping together in a large tent on cushions and sleeping bags.
Aidan Epstein
