Li'hitroiot CAARI 2018

We can't believe that this was our last CAARI 2018 touring day.  it was the perfect day - sun and blue skies.  We traveled to outside the Old City walls to an area known as The Temple Mount Sifting Project.  This archaeological project begun in 2005 to recover archaeological artifacts from 400 truckloads of topsoil removed from the Temple Mount by the Waqf during the construction of the underground el-Marwani Mosque from 1996 to 1999. The project continues today as 'digs' are being done throughout Israel today. 

We loved this activity.  It was so much fun and interesting.  We found some significant items, but no jewelry or coin!  Next time! 

Wow, 7 weeks have flown by.  Neil, Zaharia and Susan have truly appreciated your support, your enthusiasm and your dedication to Israel.  Together, this year CAARI has toured the country from Metulla to Eilat, from the banks of the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea and from the Kinneret to the Red Sea, visiting over 60 sites.  We have worked side by side with Israelis,  met with them in settlements, communities, Kibbutzim and their kitchens in private homes.  We have walked up and down hills and 'some' steps, through tunnels and open fields, in sunshine and rain.  Our speakers have enlightened us on so a spectrum of life in Israel and issues we face.  The camaraderie of the group was amazing,  we laughed and shed a tear together singing Hatikva.  So many CAARI memories!

Safe Travels and warmest regards to a terrific CAARI group! 

City of David and Ammunition Hill

The day begins with a lovely sunrise, sunshine and warmer temperatures.  

Our speaker today was Anat Hoffman who discussed the issues around the Organization 'Women of the Wall'.  Not much progress has been made since we last heard her speak over 8 years ago.  It was an enlightening discussion.  

From there we headed to the City of David for a tour of this ancient archaeology site. With Neil as our guide, we learned about the history of Jerusalem from the time of King David.  We walked down steps, like walking down layers of history.  We journeyed through underground tunnels where the city was conquered and residents fled, where tunnels carried the water supply to local residents and where tunnels led residents to Solomon's Temple.  Time for lunch and off to the Ammunition Hill Memorial.  

The story of Ammunition Hill is the story of the Six-Day War.  We met with one of the fighters who described the battle to us.  Prior to June 1967 this site was under the control of Jordan.  The Memorial contains a informative film of the battle and how Israel recaptured the Old City.  Our guide was terrific and the new exhibit well done.  
A fulfilling day for CAARI! 

CAARI Speaker's Forum and visit to Yad Lakashish

CAARI was honored for the second year in a row with the most authoritative journalist on Arab affairs internally (The Palestinian Street + The Palestinian leadership) and externally (Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan), Ehud Yaari of Israel Channel 2 and The Washington Institute. Just incite into Israel and Middle East politics! 

  

From there CAARI visited a wonderful center for the elderly - poor choice of words as they are full of energy and willing to work.  Yad LaKashish is a non-profit organization empowering and supporting nearly 300 elderly Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing them with creative work opportunities in our artistic workshops.
 Great gift shop and a worthy visit.  

Free time until late afternoon for visit to the beautiful Israel Museum and a lovely dinner at Modern Restaurant.  
Another great day!