''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!