One of things you may have learned and experienced this year is that the Middle East is a quiet yet somewhat volatile region. We are safe but yet we must always be careful. These past few days have demonstrated this. A flotilla of boats tried to sail to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Israel is not at all opposed to delivering aid and does also provide aid and support to that region. However, the country has a policy that all shipments must first dock in Ashdod and be inspected and then can continue escorted. Unfortunately, Israel has had the experience where humanitarian aid was in the form of ammunition.
The flotilla had been notified and warned several times during this past week. They chose to break Israel security law and continue sailing. This left Israel Defense Forces with no choice but to board the ships. They were not prepared for what insued, as has been described "a lynch mob" Israeli soldiers defended themselves and in the course of this defense both our soldiers and people on the ship were injured and some of those members of the ship were killed. The response from the world has been a denunciation of Israel's actions. As a result, there has been an increase in rioting and other violent responses on the part of the Arab population in Israel. Today many Arabs in the Old City are on strike.
During this period of unrest it is best to be careful. Stay in groups and stay away from areas where you may confront a difficult situation.
If you have planned a trip to Turkey it is recommended by the Israel Government to stay away from that region at the present time.
Keep safe and make this end of the year memorable.
Debra and Daniella
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
June is a Jam Packed Activity Month in Jerusalem; Take Advantage
You are winding down, filled with mixed emotions-sad to leave but excited about what lies ahead. This is the time also to take advantage of the great happenings in Jerusalem. What a great way to have a last "chill" with friends:
Here are some ideas:
1. On Wed June 2nd walk down to Agron St. and watch the agricultural parade. Kibbutzniks from all over the country come-what fun.
2. The Book Fair-"Shavua Sefer" begins next week in Gan Hapaamon. Get that last bargain before you go home. Meet authors and see what is out there.
3. The Israel Festival-great things happening for free both in the plaza of the Jerusalem Theatre and in Mamilla. Meet your friends for coffee this Friday afternoon and hear some classical music.
Send us your thoughts.
Here are some ideas:
1. On Wed June 2nd walk down to Agron St. and watch the agricultural parade. Kibbutzniks from all over the country come-what fun.
2. The Book Fair-"Shavua Sefer" begins next week in Gan Hapaamon. Get that last bargain before you go home. Meet authors and see what is out there.
3. The Israel Festival-great things happening for free both in the plaza of the Jerusalem Theatre and in Mamilla. Meet your friends for coffee this Friday afternoon and hear some classical music.
Send us your thoughts.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
End of the Year Closure
It is hard to believe that many of you will be going home in just a few weeks. Last night I attended a Barnard Alumni Event with over 30 young women, who deferred their admission to Barnard to spend the year in Israel. Dean Denburg, Dean of Barnard reported that 7% of the incoming Barnard class has spent the year in Israel-astounding! And how welcoming the Dean is of these young women, to the point of traveling to Israel to meet with each of them and help ease their transition.
And that is what closure is about-Looking Back and Moving Forward. This is time for you to reflect upon your year in Israel. It is a time to think about what you gained from your year in Israel. What will you be able to carry with you during the coming year. Some of you will be attending secular colleges and won't have the opportunity to study Torah so many hours each day. This is the time to think about what you can work into your schedule-even if its 5 minutes!
Daniella and I would love to hear about some of your reflections of your year and what you plan to take with you as you move ahead.
Behatzlacha!
Debra
And that is what closure is about-Looking Back and Moving Forward. This is time for you to reflect upon your year in Israel. It is a time to think about what you gained from your year in Israel. What will you be able to carry with you during the coming year. Some of you will be attending secular colleges and won't have the opportunity to study Torah so many hours each day. This is the time to think about what you can work into your schedule-even if its 5 minutes!
Daniella and I would love to hear about some of your reflections of your year and what you plan to take with you as you move ahead.
Behatzlacha!
Debra
Monday, May 3, 2010
YOM YERUSHALAYIM
It is hard to believe that the year is coming to a close and many of you will be returning to your homes and going on to the next phase of your lives. But there is still much to enjoy in this great city of Jerusalem! Next week will mark the 43rd anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem- there are lots of celebrations. Festivities begin on Tuesday night May 11th with learning, singling and dancing at Yeshivat Mercaz Harav in Kiryat Moshe. During the wee hours of the morn, hundreds of young people will dance to the kotel and daven shacharit.
Later in the afternoon of May 12th, thousands of youth from around the country will converge upon Jerusalem. They will march down Agron St. toward the Old City-every gate will be open and people will come from all sides and finally meet at the kotel- a site not to be missed.
Look forward to dancing with you
Debra and Daniella
Later in the afternoon of May 12th, thousands of youth from around the country will converge upon Jerusalem. They will march down Agron St. toward the Old City-every gate will be open and people will come from all sides and finally meet at the kotel- a site not to be missed.
Look forward to dancing with you
Debra and Daniella
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut
The month of Iyar is a most moving time to be in Israel and truly feel a part of this great country. No matter what your politics are-being here and experiencing both Memorial Day and Independence Day are truly unforgettable. This is not Memorial Day or the 4th of July-this is really something indescribable.
Yom Hazikaron begins this evening with a siren at 8 PM. Be aware that stores and restaurants and other forms of entertainment are not open-everything closes by 7 PM The country comes together in silence at 8 PM with a one minute siren. There are gatherings in every neighborhood and the main ceremony is at the kotel. If you plan to go to the kotel you must be there before 7 PM to get through security. You can visit the kotel later in the evening and observe the soldiers guarding the torch lit in memory of those who were killed in battle and in terror attacks.
There will be another siren on Monday morning at 11 AM. The main ceremony will take place at Mt. Herzl, with other ceremonies around the country. If you are planning to go to Mt. Herzl plan to be there early, bring water and a hat avoid bringing a large bag so that you won't have a problem as security is tight.
The transition between Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut begins at 8 PM-reall a "mishiabud legeulah" feeling-as we experienced during Pesach. There is a main ceremony/extravangza at Mt. Herzl (tickets only) and many other celebrations throughout the city. (see below for a partial listing of happenings)
Yom Haatzmaut is nicknamed "Yom Hamangalim" as everyone is out picnicking and barbecuing in all of the parks. Of course the morning is spent watching or listening to the Chidon Tanach-and this year Prime Minister Netanyahu's son is one of the contestants.
You can certainly meander around Jerusalem and be a part of the Living Museum-this year taking place in Mamilla. Here Herzl speak in front of the house he stayed in!
For more information check out our website
Chag Sameach to all!
Debra and Daniella
Yom Hazikaron begins this evening with a siren at 8 PM. Be aware that stores and restaurants and other forms of entertainment are not open-everything closes by 7 PM The country comes together in silence at 8 PM with a one minute siren. There are gatherings in every neighborhood and the main ceremony is at the kotel. If you plan to go to the kotel you must be there before 7 PM to get through security. You can visit the kotel later in the evening and observe the soldiers guarding the torch lit in memory of those who were killed in battle and in terror attacks.
There will be another siren on Monday morning at 11 AM. The main ceremony will take place at Mt. Herzl, with other ceremonies around the country. If you are planning to go to Mt. Herzl plan to be there early, bring water and a hat avoid bringing a large bag so that you won't have a problem as security is tight.
The transition between Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut begins at 8 PM-reall a "mishiabud legeulah" feeling-as we experienced during Pesach. There is a main ceremony/extravangza at Mt. Herzl (tickets only) and many other celebrations throughout the city. (see below for a partial listing of happenings)
Yom Haatzmaut is nicknamed "Yom Hamangalim" as everyone is out picnicking and barbecuing in all of the parks. Of course the morning is spent watching or listening to the Chidon Tanach-and this year Prime Minister Netanyahu's son is one of the contestants.
You can certainly meander around Jerusalem and be a part of the Living Museum-this year taking place in Mamilla. Here Herzl speak in front of the house he stayed in!
For more information check out our website
Chag Sameach to all!
Debra and Daniella
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Post Pesach Plans!
The chag is over-but classes do not resume until either Sunday or Monday. Friends who have been away are slowly returning and getting settled. If you stayed and enjoyed the chag, sites sound and amazing pesach food-you still have a few days to enjoy the country and take advantage of things now that the crowds are gone.
Some of our recommendations:
1. Go to Tel Aviv. There is an incredible glass exhibit at the Litvak Gallery (www.litvakgallery.co.il) Next door is the Tel Aviv Museum which now has an exhibit of sculptures by Degas. You can enjoy the beach and check out the many kosher restaurants now in Tel Aviv. (go to eluna.com)
2. In Jerusalem enjoy MIDNIGHT BIKING THROUGH JERUSALEM
> Come cycle through the streets and alleyways of the old and new Jerusalem in the quiet hours of the night. You will be led on this extraordinary 2-3 hour tour by an experienced and licensed tour guide.
www.jerusalembiking .com
The weather is glorious all over Israel-Midbar Yehuda is green and blooming. Go out and enjoy this amazing country!
Some of our recommendations:
1. Go to Tel Aviv. There is an incredible glass exhibit at the Litvak Gallery (www.litvakgallery.co.il) Next door is the Tel Aviv Museum which now has an exhibit of sculptures by Degas. You can enjoy the beach and check out the many kosher restaurants now in Tel Aviv. (go to eluna.com)
2. In Jerusalem enjoy MIDNIGHT BIKING THROUGH JERUSALEM
> Come cycle through the streets and alleyways of the old and new Jerusalem in the quiet hours of the night. You will be led on this extraordinary 2-3 hour tour by an experienced and licensed tour guide.
www.jerusalembiking .com
The weather is glorious all over Israel-Midbar Yehuda is green and blooming. Go out and enjoy this amazing country!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wow! So Much Happening over Chol Hamoed
If you thought that you might be bored over Chol Hamoed Pesach think again.
Beit Avi Chai in Jerusalem will be host to the Amateur English Theatre Festival. Lots of great performances, including The Chosen. Go to: http://bac.org.il/bac/stage1/ for details and the schedule.
The Moshav Band is performing over Chol Hamoed and you have your choice of venues: Givatayim on Wednesday night, Jerusalem, Thursday night and Kibbutz Tzora. Click onto this link for details and reservations: http://jerusalemblueprint.com/events/results.aspx?tid=5
Watch the blog for more great ideas!
Happy cleaning.
Debra and Daniella
Beit Avi Chai in Jerusalem will be host to the Amateur English Theatre Festival. Lots of great performances, including The Chosen. Go to: http://bac.org.il/bac/stage1/ for details and the schedule.
The Moshav Band is performing over Chol Hamoed and you have your choice of venues: Givatayim on Wednesday night, Jerusalem, Thursday night and Kibbutz Tzora. Click onto this link for details and reservations: http://jerusalemblueprint.com/events/results.aspx?tid=5
Watch the blog for more great ideas!
Happy cleaning.
Debra and Daniella
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)