We are coming close to the end of this epic journey of exploration through Jewish history and the land of Israel—but we’re not slowing down! 

This week in class, we tackled some of the most serious and complex topics: the War of Independence, the emergence and enduring challenges of the Palestinian refugee crisis, the Oslo Accords, the disengagement from Gaza, and the rise of Hamas. These are heavy and often controversial subjects, and our students handled them with maturity, focus, and impressive thoughtfulness. 

On Wednesday, we traveled north to the Carmel Mountains. We visited the Druze village of Daliyat al-Carmel and learned about the unique history and culture of the Druze community—their initial opposition to Zionism, and their later and current deep loyalty to the State of Israel. 

We then continued to the University of Haifa, where the breathtaking view is only matched by its diverse student body, which is more than 50% Israeli-Arab. There, we met a graduate student researching Haifa’s multicultural fabric. Together, we engaged in a meaningful discussion about the identity and perspectives of Arab citizens of Israel and explored how Haifa has become a symbol of coexistence between Jews and Arabs. 

After all that deep learning, we headed to the natural springs of the Sachne to cool our bodies and minds, and then made our way to Kibbutz Gadot, at the foot of the Golan Heights, where we spent the night. 

We want to reassure you that our students are safe and well on campus. The teens are staying close to shelters, relaxing in their dorms, and have everything they need, including catered food and ample supplies. While classes are paused for now, the students are in good spirits. 

We will continue to keep parents updated as needed through WhatsApp. Wishing everyone a peaceful and restful Shabbat!