• Geopolitical Tour | Zach

The Geopolitical Tour was all about the Israel-Palestine conflict. We started off our tour when we went over the green line. In the UN’s eye, past the green line is disputed territory, but in the Israelis eye, it is part of Jerusalem. 

We then made a stop at a viewpoint that overlooked Bethlehem which is a part of the West Bank. We learned that the Palestinians live in the West Bank and that it is their safe place. We also noticed that there were security borders surrounding Bethlehem and the entire West Bank. Our tour guide informed us that those walls and fences are used to protect the Israeli communities outside of the West Bank.

Our next stop was Rachel’s tomb. Although we couldn’t go see it we still got as close as we could’ve been to the West Bank. 

Overall, the Israeli-Palestinian problem will most likely never be solved. The issue is very complex and each side has valid points. 

• Photography Workshop - Simon

The photography workshop was led by our tour guide today, Beni. We started the tour at the Machne Yehuda Market, which was a lot less crowded than when we visited on Friday. There, Beni taught us the importance of looking for small moments and actions that would make the perfect photo. We went on three different photography missions to capture different things in the Shuk. The first two were finding people shopping and doing actions. For the third mission, we got into groups to find different things in the shuk. Those included finding colors, people, and food. Following the market, our group walked to Ben Yehuda Street and met everyone else for lunch and shopping. Overall, it was a really fun experience and we took a lot of great pics! I would love to do it again.

• Rampart Walk - Lizzy

The rampart walk was up above the old city of Jerusalem. We talked about how dense the old city is and how people used to live just inside the walls of the old city because it was too dangerous to go outside the walls. We talked about how the village right outside the wall was made and how it all came together. 

We then talked about the Bible and why Jerusalem is so special to the Jews. It is because when King David became the second king, he decided to have a city to combine all the tribes and have a neutral city. We then walked on the ramparts in the Armenian quarter. While walking we noticed the different strategies for attacking enemies from inside the wall when the old city was in possession of Jordan. 

We then went to a church to talk about Christianity. We talked about why Jerusalem is important to Christians. It is because this is where Jesus had been the Last Supper and was crucified. After we were done talking, we saw the room of the Last Supper. We sadly did not have time to talk about Islam but we learned a ton!

• Shopping time on Ben Yehuda Street—Lizzy

Later, we went to Ben Yehuda street to eat lunch and shop. Many people had falafel for lunch or many had shawarma. Most girls bought jewelry and Dead Sea stuff. Some boys bought chains and gifts for others. While shopping and eating some people had family or friends come and visit! All in all we shopped till we dropped!

• Mt. Herzel National Cemetery - Zach

Mt. Herzel is the gravesite for many important Israeli figures. For example, Theodor Herzl, Yitzhak Rabin, Michael Levin, and many more. This awe-inspiring mountain creates a peaceful feeling that makes the experience much more special. 

Our tour guide told us many impactful stories about the people who lay at Mt. Herzl. This made us think about the significance of this place and how it is a piece of history.

Mt. Herzl is a very special, impactful, and significant place.

• Neve Shalom tour

• We arrived at Neve Shalom which means an Oasis of Peace. It is a unique community in Israel because there are an equal number of Israeli Jews and Palestinian Israelis who live together in the community. They have a bilingual school and a lovely circular shaped building which serves as a place of silent prayer for the entire community. Jews and Muslims pray in the same building. The community represents hope in a very troubled part of the world.