Friday, 24 February - Jerusalem Museum

Hard to believe - the last touring day for CAARI 2017.  And, what an exceptional day it was.  The weather was perfect - our best day. We were were soaking in the warm temperatures and savoring the sunshine!

The site, the Jerusalem Museum, was within walking distance of our hotel and David, our guide at the museum, made the tour come to life!
The Museum is located in the medieval citadel known as the Tower of David, near the Jaffa Gate, the historic entrance to the Old City. This museum is a fascinating archaeological site with  a magnificent 360-degree view of the Old City of Jerusalem as well as the city’s modern areas. As in the CAARI tradition, we walked up and down steps and staircases as we toured.  

An exciting visit for CAARI, within the Museum walls, was site known as the “Kishle.  The structure was erected in 1834 by Ibrahim Pasha who governed the Land of Israel (Palestine) from Egypt.  When the Ottoman Turks regained the area in 1841, the “Kishle” continued to serve as a military compound. During the period of the British mandate, it was used as a police station and prison where some members of the Jewish underground were also incarcerated.

Today, the prison is separated from the police station and is an integral part of the Museum complex. Archaeological excavations have unearthed remains from as early as the 6th century BCE and walls from the time of King Herod, as well as evidence from the Middle Ages. 

As so, Neil summed up out tour with a view of a 19th century model of Jerusalem.  After, we all set out for last minute shopping, visiting and walking around on this lovely day.  

We had our traditional Shabbat dinner and enjoyed a lovely Oneg Shabbat.  And, now the group begins departures and we conclude CAARI 2017 with dinner Saturday evening- a wonderful year with a great group of participants.  
Shabbat Shalom! 

22 February - Yad Lakashish, Gazelle Park - Culinary delights!

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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