By Matt Berman
The day started early after checking out the incredible Tel Aviv nightlife. A few of us made it back to the hotel at 5 AM. Several others made it to sunrise rooftop yoga. There was no overlap.
Our first stop of the day was at a startup, Wibbitz, that exemplifies true Israeli innovation. They came up with the algorithms that scan text to create video clips within seconds. They are currently working with several news organizations around the world.
Next we were off to the Salem border checkpoint. We met with the IDF Commander Benny as well as the border patrol history expert, Tal. We learned a few of the many facets of the border police. Some of the parts include: 1. Coordination with the Palestinian authority. 2. Military court which deals with Palestinians involved with terror. 3. Border police helping Palestinians run a normal life. Some Palestinians have permits to work in Israel during the day. Some have serious medical issues where volunteers take them from the border to Israel to get treated. These “Road to Recovery” volunteer drivers receive funding from Saint Louis! Over 100,000 Palestinians cross into Israel daily, a good number to work in construction and agriculture.
We went to kibbutz Ramot Menache where we met with Cookie and Osnat. Cookie runs the holiday and culture festive Ites. Over 1,000 people live on this Kibbutz.
Our last stop of the day is at the Kibbutz Dalia, where we will be staying for a couple nights. Dotan started a nature center on the Kibbutz about five years ago. He performs nature therapy with children, working on life skills and self efficacy. The 10 of us Rubinites worked on problem-solving skills including a rope course and hiking.
At night, 2 Israeli Ethiopians from Yokneam, Adam and Aviva, joined us for an amazing dinner and a fascinating Q&A. Luckily for me, Aviva asked if we had any family in Israel. I actually have several cousins in Haifa, whom I have never met before. After a phone call, with the help/translation of our tour guide Bernice, my cousins will be at the Kibbutz Dalia later today!
Forever grateful to the Rubins, Mindee, and Dovev!