​Today was the second day of actual activities, and it was definitely the day I was looking forward to the most! After leaving our hotel in Ashkelon ­ which I personally woke up for at the time we were supposed to leave... my apologies everyone ­ we took the bus to our first stop: a garden for us to eat various plants, taste delicious vegetables, and learn about agricultural innovation in the Negev. It was incredible to see plants growing out of mere desert soil, and the experience really did not disappoint.

Our second stop was lunch at a cafe in the desert, followed by a visit to Ben ­Gurion's gravesite and national park. We watched beautiful, horned animals (apparently called the Ibex?) and learned a  brief  history  of the first Prime Minister's life  and  his impact  on the formation  of the state  of Israel. We then headed to the Bedouin tents where we would soon be sleeping, and rode camels! (THEY  WERE  SO  GREAT)  Then  we  ate  a  delicious  dinner  and  learned  about  the  Bedouins, while playing games and hanging out in the spare time between programming. 

The last event of the night was pretty special. We walked away from our tent and into the desert. Underneath the stars, we had a discussion about spirituality and our own beliefs, allowing us to voice  our  own  opinions  and  learn  each  others'.  The  peace  and  quiet  of  the  desert  was  awe-
inspiring, and a fantastic way to end an incredibly exciting day :)

Sammi Rappaport '18
​Bus 1295

We landed in Ben Gurion Airport at 9 am after a long red eye flight, and already I was wowed by the  view from  the  airport.  We  were  greeted  by  six  Israeli  soldiers,  two  IDF  guards,  and  our amazing  tour guide  Hillary.  After  a  quick  icebreaker,  we  were  already  on  our  way  heading  to Jaffa, also known as Old Tel Aviv. The views of the Mediterranean Sea were breathtaking. We stood on one of the oldest ports in Israel, where years  ago travelers sailed. Then we began our walk  through  the  Old City  of Jaffa. The  city  is full  of  beautiful stones  and  tunnels  with small apartments and sea blue shutters. After our walk we strolled through the Jaffa flea market, with tiny  stores  full  of  jewelry,  furniture,  and  old  records.  A  few of  us  enjoyed  our first  meal  at Shakshooka, with our first tastes of chicken shawarma and hummus. It was the perfect way to end our visit in Jaffa.

After Jaffa, we walked to the Jaffa Institute, a nonprofit organization that gives back to those in Israel that are impoverished. It was amazing learning about the different centers they run around Israel for students to go to after school lets out while their parents are still at work. Additionally, they help single parents find jobs and educate and house children without homes. As a part of our visit, we helped the Jaffa Institute pack boxes of food to go to families in need of food. It was a heart­warmimg  experience,  and I loved seeing community service and tzedakah in action in a different, unique country. 

At 4:30, we headed to a Holiday Inn in Ashkelon, excited to finally sleep after a long but fulfilling day. From the hotel rooms, we could see the sun set over the Mediterranean. Dinner at the hotel was  amazing; there was  an unlimited  buffet of some of the most famous Israel food: schnitzel, yummy potatoes,  and assortment of  cold salads,  among many other options. After being full of delicious food, we headed to bed early in anticipation of another exciting day. 

Alexandra Nebel '18
​Bus 1295