CAARI Heads South

CAARI group at Nebi Meri

Hard to believe that 5 weeks have passed so quickly.  Rain over the weekend, but today we are ready:  bags outside our rooms, 7:00, breakfast, goodbye to the City Hotel Staff, and off to Eilat, with stops along the way. 


By Pearl: 
"The first stop was at the Nebi Meri Overlook which is within shouting distance of Gaza. I was even able to take some photos of Gaza in the distance.  From there we went to Sederot which is growing exponentially. All new homes have double roofs and safe rooms. JNF USA has built a community center for the children, who can take part in activities and receive counselling because many are traumatized as a result of rocket fire. Stopped by Nir Am Reservior, a Canadian JNF project.  

Howard modeling some of the metal rocket 'art"

We then visited Haluziot communities, all within range of missiles from Gaza. The families living here are mainly evacuees from Gaza, although many new families are moving to the area. As a matter of fact, one resident make ornaments from the medal from rocket parts. 

The new community center, Medical Center and synagogue in Shlomit are impressive structures. It is amazing to see how so many families are willing to move here. They are very patriotic Israelis indeed."  

Wendy in the hothouse 

 Yedia, our guide and staff person from JNF really gave us a great tour.  He showed us the hot houses, where they grow various vegetables, including tomatoes, which we sampled - tasty!  From there we visited the new Medical Center which provides medical services to the communities who otherwise would have to get to Beersheva or Eilat.  Lovely new facilities donated by Leona Helmsley - we have heard about her generous contribution and now see in in action.  After the warm hospitality, including lunch, we continued our drive south.  .  

Driving through the Negev desert is amazing with lovely desert views and interesting landscapes.   Here and there a community, hot houses and again desert.  We arrive in Eilat and happy to see our hotel, the King Solomon,  and the sumptuous dinner.  The hotel is packed!  Tomorrow an early day!