Away to the North We Go

The day started bright and early since we were headed on our first of three overnights during the trip. For the duration of the next two days we had the pleasure of having Yisrael Ne'eman, also known as the “human encyclopedia”, as our tour guide.

We stopped at many strategic sites assessing the issue of the security barrier and its implications from being on the east or west side of the Green Line. The students were able to see the difference between the fence part of the barrier and the concrete part. From safe overlooks, the students could see deep into the West Bank, at both Jewish settlements and Arab villages.

That evening we checked into Kibbutz Lavi for the evening. Dinner at the kibbutz was impeccable. Slow roasted barbecue chicken, herb and garlic potatoes, a plethora of fresh salads and breads made dinner worthy of being in this blog. And of course we can't forget Israeli coffee, or should I say cafe a fouk.

In the evening the HonestReporting's film Relentless: Israel's Struggle for Peace in the Middle East was shown. The film evoked a very emotional response from the group which set the stage for a profound discussion afterwards. First we analyzed the film from an emotional standpoint and after from an intellectual perspective.

Even though the formal discussion had ended, the students were still talking about the movie throughout the night. The rest of the evening was spent taking in the warm night of the Galilee, listening to everyone's new favorite musician Matisyahu and sharing stories about their campus'.