Exploring Israel's South

We began our week with three days on campus continuing our study of modern Israel, focusing on the Oslo Accords and the Second Intifada.

On Wednesday, we set out on our big expedition to Southern Israel, on the same day that the largest storm in recent history made landfall.

On our way south, we drove through pouring rain, but when we reached the Negev we were greeted with sunny skies. We even saw wadis in the desert already flowing with water, a rare and special sight.

Our first stop was the Rimon Farm. This organic vegetable farm, vineyard, and coffee shop/bakery is one of several farms in the Northern Negev founded by Nir, an inspiring individual who aims to bring healing to Israeli society through farming and community.

The farm is staffed by at-risk youth and high school dropouts who learn farming and business skills. At the other farms, soldiers and civilians with PTSD do therapeutic farm work.

We continued south to the amazing desert views at Sde Boker, and the grave of David Ben Gurion. We spoke about his remarkable life and incredible achievements. Yet, with all of his titles and honors, all that is written in his gravestone is his name, date of birth and death, and the date of his aliyah. 

As the sun set, we drove down to Eilat.

On Thursday we plan to ride camels, hike, and hang out on the waterfront. And on Friday, we will be hiking to the amazing mountain peak of Har Tzfachot, with a view of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. Following that, we will go snorkeling at the Eilat coral reef.

We are spending Shabbat at the Eilat Youth Hostel, resting, preparing for Chanukah, and strolling in Eilat.

Next week is Chanukah, with lots of special events, and it is also the last full week of our semester! 

Shabbat Shalom