Galilee/Golan

I just got back from my tiyul in the Galilee and Golan on Tuesday night. It was a wonderful, but exhausting trip!

We started on trip on Sunday morning and travelled to Rosh Pina, one of the first settlements within Northern Israel that encompassed the concept of the "New Jew," which served as our theme during the trip. The "New Jew" represented a shift from tradition to modernity in many respects. No longer was a Jew defined as a yeshiva student who studied Torah all day, but an agriculturalist and farmer who wanted to be strong, assertive, and could overcome anything.

After Rosh Pina, we travelled to the Jordan River where went rafting and had the water fight of the century with fellow classmates and Israelis. Fortunately it wasn't the class 5 rapids I was used to, because the water fight was fun!

We ended our day at Karei Deshe, our Youth Hostel that overlooked the Kinneret, where 1/3 of our drinking water in Israel comes from. The view was gorgeous and the hostel was actually a decent sleeping accommodation!

On Day Two, we went to Tel Dan, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel that is overseen by HUC. This site show remnants of worship and sacrifice, and also there was an inscription found that indicated a connection to the "House" or Kingdom of David.

Afterwards, we travelled to a beautiful overlook of the Galilee/Golan, Lebanon and Syria. There, we began to truly talk about the political and security situation of the North. It was quite surreal to be that close to these border countries that have caused so much damage, but I must say that I felt safer up North than I do in Jerusalem. Up north, it was quiet and peaceful and there was no sign of damage from the events of last year. In Jerusalem, while overall a safe place to be right now, you still have this feeling of tension and concern of safety.

Then, we spent a lot of time discussing the pros and cons of individuals staying in the Golan and not giving up the land for peace. The more and more I talk about these issues, the more confused I get and the more unsure I am about what I feel. Monday night, we had a barbeque at our hostel and sung Israeli songs by the Kinneret.

On Tuesday, we travelled to Tel Hai, a national monument that commemorates the deaths of eight Jews, six men and two women. The fighters who were killed symbolized the determination of the Jewish people and inspired others to help fight against the conflict with the Arabs. In addition, we went to Metulla, where I literally was right next to the border line of Israel and Lebanon. We learned that any area that is green with trees in Israel, and beyond the green is Lebanon.

We ended our trip with a stop at the Naot Factory where I bought some sandals and shoes, and also at the Kinneret Cemetary, where we had mincha services and saw some of the grave sites of major players in the emergence of the New Jew movement.

Overall, it was a great trip and very educational. I promise to post pictures soon!

PJ