Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 2

We spent our first full day in Israel in the Golan Heights. After spending the night at Kibbutz Gadot, we started the day with a hike through the Banias National Park, where we walked along a stream and saw a waterfall and an ancient temple. Next, we drove to the foothills of Mount Hermon. We saw the border with Syria and walked through bunkers from the '67 war. As the sun set, we visited a former Syrian army base and heard the story of the famous spy Eliyahu Cohen. In the evening, we went to a local bar and enjoyed singing some karaoke.

After struggling through a blizzard as we left Washington, we have been happy that the weather has been beautiful since we have been here. The sunny skies and 60 degree weather is perfect for sight seeing.

The landscape in the North is lush and green. On the border with Syria, we can see firsthand the security implications of the Golan Heights. From the top of the mountains we can see miles into Israel and Syria. A highlight of the day was listening to views about the future of this piece of land. Some thought it should be annexed by Israel and others suggested that it should be used to negotiate peace. Overall it was a great way to start our adventure in this complex and exciting country.

Pablo Kapusta, Washington, DC

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 1

Day one. The blizzard almost knocked us out. It swept into DC Friday night, closing roads and shutting down bus travel to New York. Alternative travel plans were hastily arranged and we met up at JFK International Airport as planned for an on time departure Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, three of our trip mates didnt make it.

At the airport, we met our lovely American chaperones, Lani and Sarah. We held some icebreakers in the terminal as curious onlookers walked by. Spirits were high.

We flew to Israel by way of Frankfurt. 18 hours later, we touched down in Tel Aviv. At 68 degrees and a clear night --not a flake of snow -- we were happy.

We were shuttled to an olive grove on a hill overlooking Tel Aviv for a welcoming ceremony. There, Ariel, our dreadlocked Israeli chaperone explained to us that thousands of years ago, in that very place, Judah Maccabee and his gallant followers staged an insurrection against the Greek empire. We lit candles and talked about our hopes for the trip.

9 pm. We arrive at Kibbutz Gadot in the Golan Heights, a two hour busride from Tel Aviv. We are weary from travelling, but ecstatic at being in Israel and at having the opportunity to eat a decent meal after too much Lufthansa airline food. We were served a bountiful feast of chicken, meatballs, couscous, and, of course, hummus.

11pm. We were taken to our quarters, which were clean, and to the relief of all, had working showers. Tomorrow, we are off to the Golan for a day of hiking and frivolity.

Seth Engel, Washington, DC