February 23 - Forest Day & Ammunition Hill

Shalom!

This is our last forest day for CAARI 2105 and we are off to a very special forest, Sataf,  This hillside forest is  situated  on the western fringes of Jerusalem. It is know for its ancient hillside agriculture, natural springs, all of which provide a beautiful nature reserve for hiking, picnicking and just being in the outdoors,  This scenic JNF forest is a restored historical site which began around 6,000 years ago, in the Chalcolithic period.  The terrace construction started around 4,500 years ago. and the site attained its greatest size and splendor in the Second Temple and Byzantine Periods.  We arrived at the site along with many buses filled with students who were on a field trip to hike the area, which is part of the Israel National Trial.

Ammunition Hill 

 In the tradition of CAARI, the group trimmed trees, cleared away bush, and made a great impact in the area - what a difference!  Our Holy Bagel picnic lunch was enjoyed by all in the middle of a restored terrace with spring wild flowers covering the ground.  After lunch, we took a LONG walk down the paths and steps to the springs and finally to our awaiting bus!
Our visit to Ammunition Hill (Givat Hatachmoshet), is related to Sataf - to the amazement of Neil. Actually, one of the divisions during the Six Day War was stationed at Sataf as they awaited orders for battle. Ammunition Hill is the site of some of the   bloodiest fighting during the Six Day War, as this area is where the Israeli paratroopers vied to oust entrenched Jordanian legionnaires in order to link central Jerusalem with the Israeli enclave on Mount Scopus. Thirty-seven troops lost their lives in the battle. Neil explained the battle, the bunkers and we saw an excellent video on the battle for Jerusalem.  We also visited the Dedication Wall where we saw the memorial to Rabbi Rose.

Our day concluded with an interesting lecture on 'Israel's Economy in Times of Crisis!'

CAARI 2015

Ammunition Hill 

Ammunition Hill 

February 22 - Hadassah Hospital adn Yad Vashem

Shalom from Jerusalem where the snows have melted and all returning to normal.  Although, temperatures a slightly below normal!  But,much better than in the US and Canada.
We began our day at the Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem.  We were welcomed by Barbara Sofer, director of public relations for Hadassah and journalist, who gave us an enlightening tour of this impressive, world reknown medical facility.  We began our tour in the newly constructed, Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower,  Wow - this has to be one of the most modern,  advanced inpatient medical center in the world!  The operating centers, with 30 operating rooms are located underground, designed with both the needs of the patients' and today\s and tomorrow's changing medical needs.  From there, we visiting the Mother & Child Center.  The Hadassah Hospital treats ALL  Israelis!  A victim of a terrorist attack, Dvif Musai, spoke to us about his treatment at Hadassah for the past 15+ years.  At the age of five he stepped on a mine which severely damaged his body, from head to toe.  His attitude, fortitude and medical care, he said,  is attributed to the care and comfort he had and continues to have at Hadassah Hospital.  Following the hospital tour, we visiting the Chagall Windows in the hospital synagogue - beautiful!
After lunch, we visited Yad Vashem, beginning with the visit to the Valley of the Communities, the Hall of Remembrance,  the Children's Museum, and then the main museum.  There really are no words to describe this emotional visit.
In the evening, journalist and Wall Street Journal Contributor, Amotz Asa-El,  spoke to us about the upcoming Israel Elections and answered our questions regarding the current issues.  The consensus was that he was outstanding!
We are coming down to the last days of CAARI 2015 and the camaraderie of the and the CAARI spirit group continues!
Wishing you a good week!
CAARI 2015

Snow Day in Jerusalem - Feb 20

Thursday 19 February the last day of Shvat, we arrived in Jerusalem in late afternoon.  We were welcomed by a winter rain storm which was expected to turn to snow.  But, you know how weather forecasts are - hard to predict! However, when we looked out our windows in the early morning, the snow was blowing and about 4 inches had fallen.  Yes, we know that Boston has much more, but this is a BIG deal here.  The city was closed and no traffic coming in or out of the city.  We were lucky - here for the week, but others who had flights going out this morning were stuck in Jerusalem.

Susan met up with Georgina around 6:30 AM and they went for a picturesque walk with cameras in hand!  Up Keren HaYasod St, down Agron Street, past the American Consulate, through Mamilla Mall, up the steps to Jaffa Gate to the Armenian Quarter in the Old City.  It was truly beautiful as there were no cars and few people, just clean white snow hugging the buildings and clinging the to trees, including palm trees!  By afternoon, the snow has begun to melt and the sun was shining  By Sunday, when CAARI is on the road again, this snow day will only be a memory!  Enjoy the pictures!

Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom,
CAARI 2015

it is important to know where the sheritim is - no matter the weather!

Masada and Israel - Feb 19

This morning we checked out of our hotel, loaded the bus and got the bus on the road!  A short drive to our first stop – Masada – the rugged, majestic fortress built by King Herod, which overlooks the Dead Sea. There are 3 ways to ascend this dramatic mountain fortress – most take the cable car, others, climb the steps of the steep narrow ‘snake’ path, usually done by ‘youth’, and those more adventurous, take the ‘runners path’ around the mountain.  No challenge is too great for CAARI as three of our hearty participants, Georgina, Mark and Joel, climbed the ‘snake’ path!   Kol Ha Kavod! 

 

Once on the top of the mountain, our Josephus (Neil) explained the amazing construction done by King Herod, much which is preserved today and uncovered by one of Israel’s leading archeologists: Yigal Yadin and Prof. Ehud Netzer.  We toured the Western Palace, with stunning mosaic tile floors and viewed the Northern Palace where Herod built elaborate bath facilities.   Neil explained the sophisticated water systems which collected run-off water from a single day's rain.

The other story of Masada is the final stand between the Jewish rebels and the Roman army.  The rebels choose to commit mass suicide rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans.  The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege.

Back down the mountain – all by cable car – lunch and on to Jerusalem.  The weather reports were ominous – with snow predicted for the evening.  Although it was raining, we made a VERY short stop for a view of the Old City and a quick stop at the Western Wall before getting to our hotel.  

Susan and Neil said if we get snowed in – it will be a first for CAARI!  We will see!  Enjoy the pictures!

CAARI 2015