North to the Galilee - January 28th

Seven participants joined CAARI this week . We are very proud of the dedication of all the participants and their commitment to Israel - not one person cancelled the program. We have 35 people joining CAARI this year. While other groups cancelled trips - for various reasons, including the Gaza conflict - CAARI continued in it's 26th year.

Wednesday morning we headed for few days in the Galilee, taking a break from our community service and local tours in the Tel Aviv area - first stopping in Haifa for a visit to the National Maritime Museum. This is one of those museums that is "off the beaten" path. It was a surprise to all of us to see the amazing collection of seafaring artifacts dating from ancient to modern times. We enjoyed the enthusiasm of our guide who explained the maritime history of the region through the various exhibits from the Nile River to the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most important and rare discoveries displayed was the Atlit Ram which was found in the 1980's in the bay of Atlit (Israel). It was retrieved from the sea by the staff and students of the Maritime Civilizations Department at the Centre for Marine Studies at Haifa University. A ram is a weapon that was attached to the prow of a vessel at or below the water-line, and was intended to ram enemy vessels, inflicting damage that would prevent their further use, or even sink them. This ram is one of the largest single bronze castings ever found.

Although the day was overcast, we enjoyed the sprawling view of Haifa from the Bahai Gardens. What From there we headed north to our chalets at Kibbutz Gonen, overlooking the Golan Heights. But - not before a short stop at Israel's leading shoe manufactures - Naot - for some real bargains! In the evening, our Kibbutz hosts invited us to their evening at the movies where enjoyed the film.

Thanks for comments from our friends, the Tesslers, Barbells and others who have emailed us about how much they are enjoying following our adventures! Next year - join us!!!

Love to our family and freinds,

CAARI 2009