Departing from the far North

This morning the MBIers departed from their hostel at Tel Hai and headed south to Haifa. There the buses split up to take part in the two main activities during their time in Haifa. Buses 1&4 went to the Bahai Gardens which is situated on the eastern side of Mt Carmel where Haifa is situated. These stunning gardens are a multi-tiered garden that is focused on symmetry, balance and creating a peaceful, tranquil environment for everyone who goes there. The groups started at the top where there is an incredible view of the eastern side of Haifa, the Port of Haifa and Mediterranean, and if look down the steps and the road that it leads to the Sea, Akko is directly off in the distance as well as much of the North. The group went down the steps and got an explanation of the gardens, the Bahai faith and its relationship to Haifa. Not that any of the MBIers necessarily wanted to climb the hundreds of stairs, but only members of the Bahai faith who are on a pilgrimage are allowed to ascend the central steps of the garden.

At lunch they met up with buses 2&3 and prepared to do go to Hapaala(Illegal Immigration) museum where buses 2&3 had been for the morning. The Hapaala museum is a fascinating museum looking at the dangerous and heroic efforts made during the immigration. It also houses some old naval ships that took part in the immigration. There all the groups got a tour and a chance to appreciate another aspect of the hardships that many suffered to help create the State of Israel.

Afterwards they went to their hostel, Nachsholim, which is located south of Haifa, on the Mediterranean Sea. From there they went to Jerusalem for the Israel Experience Mega Event! The event took place near the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem. There were 8-9000 participants of Israel Experience programs there and each group took part in a parade with a band playing classic Israeli music to greet each individual group. After some fun and short speeches their was singing, dancing and a concert by the Israel band Gaia, famously known to many in Habonim for the song Yahad. A fun and late night was had by all.

Tomorrow the MBIers are going to get to sleep until 8am! In the morning they will go to Caesarea to get a tour of the historic location. In the afternoon they will have two peulot(activities) the first of which will be run for the buses by their madrichim(counselors) and the second will bring graduates of Habonim Dror who are living in Israel. They will get a chance to explore what life is like for them in Israel and discuss where movement values and ideals are headed. Finally in the evening there will a more relaxed atmosphere, with a possible bonfire and a general chance to a breathe from all the hustle and bustle of the week.

A final note. To whomever is posting chapters of books on the Guestbook. They will be deleted and will not be delivered to the participant you are sending them. It is an infringement on copyright laws and I do not want to be party to any lawsuits that may stem from these actions.

Talk to you all soon!