Friday, Feb. 19 - Jerusalem

Shalom,

This morning Amotz Asa Al, Wall Street journalist and former editor of the Jerusalem Post, spoke to us reviewing Israel's successes and challenges this past year - from the economy, to political issues and diplomatic efforts. Most interesting and enlightening!

Our morning tour was another "off the beaten" track site - the Underground Prison from the British Mandate Period. Our guide told us interesting stories of those pre-State days including the sacrifices that young members of the Haganah made for the State of Israel and for Jews around the world.

We walked to Mechane Yehuda, Jerusalem's marketplace and Ben Yehuda Street- did a little eating and shopping. It is now late afternoon, shops are slowly closing and in another hour or so it will be Shabbat. However, the cafes are still filled with people enjoying the warm temperatures, good food and spirit of the day.

We want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Shabbat Shalom and enjoy the weekend.

CAARI 2010.