19 February - Jerusalem - Visit to Yad Vashem & Stalactite Caves

Good Morning Jerusalem.  We all enjoyed our first Shabbat in Jerusalem, some of us attended services, others spent time with family and friends and other took advnatage of the lovely weather and walked around the city observing how this diverse community observes a Saturday.

CAARI and Jerusalem

Yesterday was our first day in Jerusalem!  The weather was sunny and warmer.  We began the day with a discussion on current events by the Israel's Channel 2 Middle East commentator, Ehud Yaari.  When asked what is the best source of Israel news, Ehud suggested The Times of Israel (www.timesofisrael.com) by David Horowitz and The Washington Institute which he says is excellent www.washingtoninstitute.org
Terrific speaker!

Neil led a group to Mehane Yehuda and others enjoyed walking the neighborhoods.  Some of us went to Friday night services at local synagogues.  We all enjoyed a Shabbat Dinner and lovely Oneg Shabat led by Gloria Kaufman.

Shabbat Shalom to all!

Feb 16 Ovdat and Dimona! On to Jerusalem

We have left  Mitzpe Ramon and by evening arrived in Jerusalem - the last destination of the CAARI 2017 Program.  Another cold day and as we traveled north the wetter and windier  it got.  By the time we arrived at the Nabataean city of Ovdat - the incense route between Petra and Gaza - it is very cold!  The view and ruins were impressive and so was the wind and cold.  Even Neil shortened the tour!

On to the City of Dimona and a visit and tour with the Mayor Benny Biton,  Members of the Mayor's staff welcomed us and gave us a tour of a room dedicated to the 138 soldiers from Dimona that sacrificed their lives.  All very moving and emotional.  Next, we saw some of the city artifacts that described the conditions the first settlers in this city lived in.   The Assistant Mayor, Ariel Lalush, briefed us. He described what changes have been made in the past 3 years.  Unbelievable!  And then we met Mayor Benny and we understood - his energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and vision were beyond words!  A wonderful lunch with the Mayor and his staff followed by a tour of the neighborhoods with Benny.  Some of us have been here before and we were surprised at the positive changes that have been made to this development town.  Mayor Benny cares about his community!
Thanks to Guy Abu Goz and Shimon Hayun who helped make this visit so sucessful and full of content for the CAARI program! Watch out Bibi Benny is on the way up!

On to Jerusalem!

CAARI 2017

Ovdat

Ovdat

Ovdat

Ellie and a Donkey at Ovdat

Yad LeBanim in Dimona pay respect to those that fell from Dimona

Mayor Benn in Middle, to the left vice Mayor Ariel Lalush and on right Nahum Eisenstadt

Mayor of Dimona Hugs Gloria and Elaine 2 CAARI Participants

Rabbi Turgeman Head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Dimona

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15 Feb - Part 2 Hike Zin Valley

The CAARI 2017 Hikers

 After lunch we headed for the Zin Valley by bus.  There were some who stayed behind, but most of us we anxious to see this picturesque hike.

With backpacks, water and some with walking sticks we began our hike.  Neil explained the flora and fauna as we walked and climbed up and up, over water, rock and step by step, sometimes with the help of iron bars in the rock.

Neil - are you kidding?

The sun and blue skies make a beautiful backdrop for the white chalky rock.  The ibex were looking at us and thinking how happy they were that they had four feet to climb and jump up and down the steep cliffs efforlessly and we were jealous!
But, we made it and will remember this memorable hike!  Ask Burt or Clare!

to the top!

James and Anne



Susan and Richard

Part of the Canadian women's delegation to CAARI Paula, Ellie, Barbara and Bailey

Sky Blue CARI backpacks admire the view

CAARI Back packs climb the final ascent

Zin Valley looking North East Sde Boker in the distance

Ein Ovdat

15 February - JNF R&D Agricultural Center and Ben Gurions' Graveside Visit

Sunny, but cold day!  Well, cold by Israel standards - the storm is still covering the country - day 4!

 We arrive and the local R&D Center to learn about the kinds of research that is being done for the local farmers - to improve, taste, quality, shelf life, etc.  We saw a video and then walked through one of the green houses researching cucumber, eggplants, tasty strawberries, and tomatoes.

From there we drove to Sde Boker for a visit to the graves of David and Paula Ben Gurion.  But, we weren't the only ones there.  One of the combat units was practicing for an officers graduation ceremony that was being held later that day.  Oh...how moving - to see this young "kids" who will be defending our country - so much responsibility at such a young age.  There are no words!

Quick lunch before our hike of the beautiful Zin Valley.

CAARI 2017

Part 2 - Shirat Hamidbar Farm - (a song in the desert)

We drove and drove and drove  passing a few green houses on the right with Egyptian guard towers far in the distance on the left.  Finally, we made the right turn to Shirat Hamidbar, a unique organic farm which grows medicinal herbs and spices in the sand dunes of Halutza by the Be'er Milca Community.  Golan Cohen is new generation of pioneers  that farms this area!  We were treated to tasty teas and an explanation of how Golan started this farm.  We walked from tree to tree, plant to plant where he explained the benefits of the herb and how to use in teas and rubs.  We were all in awe of the products and the Golan's dedication to farm in this area.  Then we shopped!  Will we look younger and feel healthier?
Another wonderful and inspirational CAARI day!