''Tribute to Israel' poem by Brina Abrahams with pictures of tour

Tribute to Israel – Trip 3

By Brina Abrahams

We left our home for Israel

An adventure we did seek.

We joined a group called CAARI

Our curiosity they did peak.

There camaraderie and sense of purpose

Was truly what we found.

Together we traversed the land

And walked on holy ground.

While working in Israel’s forests

We helped clear the cherished land.

It  left us with a feeling that..

was absolutely grand. 

We developed an understanding

Of what it took to thrive.

And how much grit and determination it took

For our people to survive.

In schools we saw the children

with bright and smiling faces.

To Israel their families came

From strange exotic places. 

Tel Aviv is such a beautiful city

Bathed in sunshine we walked its’ shores.

It has a uniqueness like not other

This city we really do adore!

Each Shabbat morning

We joined a different group in prayer.

When granted and aliah, Ron felt…

We truly belonged here!

As we traveled from place to place

Each had it own story to tell.

And Neil our trusty guide

Knew the history oh so well.

Susan kept us organized

And counted us off, each and everyday.

Made sure that we found sheritim

And that no one went astray.

Jerusalem, the Holy City

With mosques, churches, and synagogues galore.

The Wall, Museums and Gardens

Did we explore. 

Visits to Gush Etzion and Yad VaShem

Always make me cry.

I don’t think I’ll really understand

Why so many had to die.

And so during this month of February

Throughout Israel did we roam.

We’re grateful to CAARI for the experience

But we’re ready to return to our home!

And so to Israel, my adopted homeland

To visit once again, I yearn.

Until then I’ll wait and pray and dream about

The day when I will return.

Memorials - from ashes to redemption - February 26

Today is our  last day of CAARI 2014 and to our surprise we began the day with chilly temperatures and  rain – yes rain…something we have not seen during the CAARI program this year.  It was the first time we had to use our umbrellas – but for only a short time as the sun did come out.  Our first stop was the beautiful memorial and forest, known as Yad Kennedy. This Memorial is dedicated to John F. Kennedy.  As the past year was the 50^th anniversary of assassination, it seemed an appropriate time to visit this unusual site.  We were met by Andy Michaelson, from JNF Israel (KKL World Head Quarters) who eloquently explained the memorial, the meaning and more important, how it is used by Israeli school children’s learning experience.  In fact, while we were there, two buses of children visited.  Inside the Memorial, each of us read a quote by President Kennedy, many so appropriate for today.  The forest area has many paths for hiking and bike riding and frequented by many.

Our next stop was a visit to Mount Herzl, Israel’s National Cemetery, to remember those who had the vision and dedicated themselves to building of the State of Israel.  We concluded the day with a visit to Yad Vashem.  Many of the group had not been to the renovated Museum.  This Museum is the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holocaust as it safeguards the memory of the past and imparts its meaning for future generations.  As we solemnly walked through the exhibits we thought about those that have passed and those that have built this country those that continue make it a strong and viable nation.  That is the real testament to Yad Vashem – the strength and worth of Israel and its people!  

Botanical Gardens - Israel Museum - February 24

This morning we head off to do our 'own' thing!  CAARI 2014 ends tomorrow 26 February, 2014 and some of us had last minute shopping, visited with friends and then there are some who already started packing.

 In the afternoon we began our tour at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens with a delightful tour with one of the original designers of the Garden, Professor Michal Avishai.  Springtime was evident in the garden, the bright yellow daffodils were in bloom along with colorful anemones, pink cherry trees and the blue/purple mountain luppin were just coming into bloom.  We walked up and down the paths that lead us into the various continents’ species  from all over the earth as Prof. Michal described the type of vegetation and how it grows in Israel in the middle of Jerusalem! 

Next stop, the Israel Museum!  Neil took the group to the model of the Second Temple – outstanding!  Some visited their favorite exhibit, such as the one on 19^th Century Jewish Painters.  We concluded the day with our Farewell Dinner and the Modern Restaurant!  Excellent food and lovely place to have dinner! 

Jerusalem Day - Monday, February 24

Monday we spent in the center of modern Jerusalem.  Our first stop was "Yad Lakashish" an Shivtei Yisrael Street.  This is a non-profit organization designed to empower over 300 Jerusalem elderly providing them with sense of purpose and self-worth through creative opportunities and a sense of community.  For more than 5 decades this organization has provided creative and creative work for the elderly.  They take pride in what they are doing whether it be making greeting cards, jewelry, needlework or metal art. Their work is sold to the public at the gift shop.  CAARI had the opportunity to tour the workshops and meet the people and THEN shop!  See their website for more information:
www.lifeline.org.il

Zvi, our guide for the day, then took us across the street to the 'Museum of the 'Underground Prisoners' which was built as a Russian Woman Pilgrim Hostel in mid 19th Century.  During the Mandate Period, the British transformed the building into the Central prison.  Hundreds of Jewish underground fighters were imprisoned here.  It was a very moving visit as we learned about their lives and how they fought for the establishment of the State of Israel.

Off to lunch - walking through the streets of Jerusalem, City Hall to Mamila Mall!  Following lunch we walked to Jaffa Gate to the David Citadel Museum for a spectacular view of the City (several flights up!)and tour of the museum, which describes in various exhibits, the history of Jerusalem!
We concluded the day with a talk by Gadi who discussed Jerusalem after 1967 - giving us incite into today's issues and challenges.  That was our Jerusalem Day!