CAARI arrives In Tel Aviv - Week One

Shalom CAARI Friends and Family,
CAARI participants arrived in Israel and we have been busy the entire week.  We came from Alaska,  California, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Philadelphia, Maryland, and Toronto.  We can't say that the weather was entirely cooperative, but that didn't stop the CAARI group! 

Through raindrops, wind, chilly temperatures,  and wonderful periods of sunshine,  CAARI prevailed.  In the mornings, we went by taxis to our community assignments, working in 5 elementary schools, Ichilov Rehab Center, the Botanical Gardens and this year we are working in the Municipality Dog Shelter.  Truly a rewarding experience. 

We were thrilled to be welcomed by some other guests in our hotel! 




The pictures below are from our visit to our first day of afternoon touring at the newly opened Steinhart Natural History Museum located on the Tel Aviv University Campus.  The Museum has beautifully displayed and presented. 

The aim of the museum is to display and explain the huge range of natural history unique to Israel. It has permanent collections, interactive displays and visiting collections to help provide an overall and detailed look at development specific to Israel. This includes the impact of modern cities and environmental change, past, present and future.
Along with adding the CAARI program to your bucket list, add this Museum.  It is great for all ages and the guides are so knowledgeable. 
Our best,
CAARI 2020

The CAARI Team, Neil, Zaharia and Susan Welcome CAARI 2020 Participants.  Follow our travel blog and see CAARI in action!  The Program begins Thursday, January 16 2020!

Visits to Hidden Gems in Jerusalem

narrative to follow

Masada and Dead Sea

It started out as a lovely day - sun shinning and warmer temperatures than Jerusalem.  Skies darkened and yes, it rained at Masada! 

King Herod Palace and North African Heritage Museum

Today, February 17,  CAARI visited one of King Herod's greatest building projects - Herodian.  Pictured below some of the 200 steps described in Josephus chiseled into the bedrock ascending the artificial mountain built in 3-5 years First Century BCE by King Herod The Great. His greatest building achievement!

North African Heritage Museum 

On way to Jerusalem - 9 11 Memorial, AIP and Wine Tasting

On to Jerusalem.  We have had a great time in Tel Aviv, our home for the past 4 weeks.  We had a great view of the sea and enjoyed walking or running along the sea.  The laundry man, Max, became our good friend.  Yesterday was our last day at our community service projects.  We were warmly thanked by all  for volunteering and for coming to Israel!  Overwhelming!  




Our first stop was the JNF (Jewish National Fund) 9/11 Memorial.  This is a Memorial dedicated to the men and women who perished in the September 11 terror attack.   Liat, from the JNF office in Israel greeted us and explained this meaningful Memorial.   The Memorial is located in the Natua Forest, on top of a hill overlooking Ha’arazim Valley and Nahal Soreq.  In the heart of this plaza, artist Eliezer Weishoff, has designed a large 9-meter tall bronze sculpture.  The sculpture is in the shape of an American flag and its upper part looks like a flame reaching for the sky. 

In a glass window at the base of the statue is a metal shard from the foundation of one of the fallen Twin Towers.  We walked around the Memorial plaques, located on the wall around the plaza, commemorating the the 2,794 people who perished in the disaster, including five Israelis. 

Next stop, American Independence Park, followed by Agur Winery.