I cannot begin the blog for day #3 without mentioning Tel Aviv on the night of day # 2. We had the exceptional experience of dining at The Social Club. A modern bistro that really gave us a sense of the night life in Tel Aviv. Great food and such a beautiful evening to talk about our experiences of the trip for the last two days.
Hand in Hand is a center for Jewish Arab education in Israel. The Rubinites had the special opportunity to hear parents talk about their experience in a school that brings together Jews and Arabs. Their children experience an education, not only in Hebrew and Arabic the kids learn it together. A small but growing movement that supports a school in Jerusalem, Galilee, Wadi Ara, Haifa and Jaffa are trying to bring Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel together through education, summer programs and community activities. It was truly a great way to start our day by listening to the parents stories and feel their hopes of what could possibly come from a program such as this.
Check out the link below to find out more about this program.
This year we had the unique opportunity to not only dine with the Israeli Border Police, but ride along a routine border patrol. The tour and information truly was such a revelation for many of us. The effort that these the border police put in keeping the people of Israel safe is astonishing. During the informative tour, Bernice Malka, who helped arrange this special tour said, “We can go on living normal lives because of the work of the border police.” Just the night before we were in Tel Aviv enjoying a night on the town feeling quite safe. It became quite evident how Israelis are able to go on living normal lives after learning and experiencing about the efforts of the Israeli Border Police.
The 2014 Rubinites continued with tradition by helping package food for the Kol Halev Yokneam food pantry. It definitely was a highlight of the trip. Working along with people who care so deeply for their community is definitely a special experience. The appreciation seen in the faces of those who work so hard to help provide food for those in the community was quite evident.
The day continued with the opportunity to learn how the Federation assists in providing Ethiopian children with scholarships to join sports activities. It was a real highlight watching these kindergarten and first grade children practice soccer like a pro!
Kibbutz Dalia consisted of a few difference experiences. Upon arrival we helped in the preparation of dinner, which was delicious. We then learned about the program called Shvilim Center at the kibbutz. The program helps troubled youth throughout Israel by using the calmness of its natural surroundings to help teach them the skills to cope healthfully with life. We definitely found ourselves amazed by the serenity of the surroundings at the kibbutz and quickly understood the effectiveness of the program.