Seminar Trip to Tel Aviv - Sunday October 13th

This post is also an old one, as I am just getting around to updating my blog. 

Every month, the program takes us on Seminar trips. We also go with our fellows from Netanya and Beit She'an. This particular one was just a day in Tel Aviv. We were learning and remembering Yitzak Rabin, former prime minister of Israel who was assassinated in 1995. We first went to the Rabin museum, and had an audio-guided tour. I didn't really know much about him and the good he did for this country. It was really moving to see so many famous photos, hear about his life's story, and watch actual footage of his life as prime minister. 

On the balcony at the museum with my roommies!

We then went into downtown Tel Aviv, had 2 hours to ourselves to grab lunch and roam the city a little. I found a vegan hamburger place that was really good! Then, I walked around by myself to roam the city, hear the sounds, and I ended up stumbling upon a really good gelato place. I've not been impressed with the ice cream here, but this place was amazing! 

Then we had to all meet up together at Rabin's square, the actual location where he was assassinated. We all sang a song together, read poems, and were given the play-by-pay on how the murder happened. It was hard to hear but it is a necessary part of history for Israelis, and the Jewish people, to hear when they come to Tel Aviv. 

Beit She'an friends singing songs to us

Graffiti written on the wall near the assassination spot and was memorialized rather than scrubbed away

We then went on a bus to the Peres Center for Peace. This place does a lot of work to bring peace among Palestinian and Israeli citizens, specifically aiming at sports games between children. This center is right on the beach, so we had beautiful views of the ocean, and the setting sun. I am very interested to research more about the Peres Center for Peace and see how I can bring this information back to my home town. 

The Peres Center for Peace

Inside, with a beautiful view of the ocean

Doing a group reflection activity 

Kari and I!

Mollie and I enjoying the view

Our wonderful Madricha, Michal

Roommates:)

My co-teacher John!

After that we were taken to Dr. Shakshuka's, a famous restaurant that is to die for! I remember going there on Birthright, and the food was just as amazing as I remember! Afterward, we got on our respective buses and headed back to our home towns. 

The beautiful restaurant

Even though the day was exhausting, it was a much needed day. It taught me so much about the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and understanding, and is a day that will stay with me forever.