This past Tuesday I took the day off from classes to meet my mother in Tel Aviv. We spent a wonderful sunny day walking the beach, visiting a relative (discovering new relatives!), and catching up on the past three months. It was great to see her, and I'm excited to see her again when my entire family comes to visit in December.
The following day I attended classes in the morning, and then headed out to a special field trip. I was selected by my program to represent Young Judaea at the World Zionist Congress. This meeting of hundreds of people from across the world was a phenomenal experience. I heard speakers about the evolution of Zionism in modern times, the future of Zionism in Israel, and the importance of youth to Zionism. Because of the international nature of the conference, I had to wear a translation machine to understand what was going on. I very much enjoyed the day, and I was honored to be selected.
Thursday was relatively uneventful, except for the fact that we were told where we would be spending the next three months of our lives. I was delighted to find out that I will be living in Haifa with several friends, volunteering for the Magen David Adom (the Israeli Red Cross). I will be taking a 10 day intensive training course to learn how to save lives, and then I will be volunteering on an ambulance in the third largest city in Israel. You might recall from one of my previous posts, but Haifa a beautiful city with a lot going on, and I am very excited to be spending the next three months there.
I spent Thursday night visiting with friends who are on a different program in Israel. As always, it was nice to see them.
On Friday I went to "Ir David" the City of David which is an archeological site in Jerusalem next to the old city. This is where King David lived 2,000 years ago, and there are all sorts of interesting tunnels and ruins to see on the guided tour.
Friday night through Saturday was a closed Shabbat in our hostel because it was our last weekend together. We had a wonderful time relaxing at home, and there were several scheduled activities during the day.
On Sunday a friend and I went to Har Herzl (Mount Herzl) in an attempt to visit the museum which celebrates the life of Theodor Herzl. Unfortunately, we were informed upon arrival that the museum is only open to those with reservations. Thankfully, Har Herzl (the national cemetery) is one of my favorite places in the country. We spent the morning visiting tombs of famous Israeli's from history, and preparing for my Zionism final which was the next day.
Today I took my Zionism final and wrote a final paper for another class. I then packed my bags, cleaned my room, and went out to eat with a few friends. Now I'm back at the hostel, finishing the packing process, and getting ready to leave. As soon as I post this blog, I will be shutting down my computer, packing it in my suitcase, putting my suitcase in storage, and then boarding a bus for the airport.
I will be spending the next 7 days touring Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. I'm very excited for the trip, and I will be sure to update you on everything as soon as I return.
It might be a while before I post again because I will not have access to the internet for a very long time.
That's all for now!
-Zach
3 comments:
Dear Zach,
I finally got a chance to catch up on your blog. Sounds like you're having a blast. I bet it was nice seeing your Mom and know you're looking forward to when the family visits. Grandpa was impressed with Michigan. Unfortunately, it was freezing rain, so he didn't go to the football game. Now he's looking forward to going to Las Vegas with your Dad on Dec. 10th. Jonah and Elsa are planning a belated honeymoon to southern India. They plan to leave Jan. 1 for a little over 2 weeks. Jonah finishes his MBA program on Dec. 19. He's in the process of looking for a job. It's tough in this economy. I'm sure Israel is feeling the effects as well. Sara is looking forward to her Thanksgiving break. She's working hard in graduate school and will have her masters degree in May. We're going to Steven and Michelle for Thanksgiving. Well, have fun on your next leg of your program.
Love,
Susie
Zach,
I am enjoying following your blog and learning about the sights of Israel since I haven't been there yet. It sounds so wonderful and you seem to be doing so many exciting things. I am particularly looking forward to the next part of your trip as Richard and I are planning a trip to Poland etc for September 2009. I have been doing research on the family and have discovered new relatives in the Galilee area in Israel who would be grandma Pauline's father's brothers grandchildren. One is named Pesach Gelbfarb and he lives on a kibbutz, I believe is called Beth Sheam and the other his sister Valia Gelbfarb who lives in a small town near him. I am working with a woman from Norway to get more direct info on how to reach them. I'm so glad you and your mom had such a good time together. Stay well and happy. Sending love, cousin Barbara
Hi Zach,
I came across your blog. I am visiting Israel and I am looking for some family members. My name is Sarah. I am the granddaughter of Samuel Gelbfarb. We live in Toronto, Canada. He has a cousin who lives in Israel Pesach Gelbfarb. I would like to get in touch with my family here. I was told that they lived on Kibbutz Metzilot in Afula. Anyways, I thought I would give it a shot. If you have any info please send me a message. Have a great trip!
Sarah
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