Yom Habonim and Haifa

Today started with Yom Habonim at a beach on the southwestern part of the Kinneret. Yom Habonim is an event put on by the office of Habonim Dror Olami (World Habonim organization). Habonim members on Israel programs from all over the world were there. Julian, the Mazkir (director) of Olami spoke to all of the chanichim who were there for the party. He spoke about how there is a tradition in Judaism to celebrate a simcha (happy event), even during difficult times. He spoke about how important it was to be together as folks with a similar vision for the Jewish people even though they were clearly from all different walks of life. After he spoke they got to hang out on the beach, enjoy the water slides there, and chat with the other members of Habonim Dror.

After lunch they left the beach for Haifa to explore one of Israel's most unique cities. Haifa,
Israel's third largest city, is built into the Carmel Mountain on the Northern part of the coast.
Haifa is well known as being a multi-ethnic city where Arabs and Jews have lived and worked
together for years. Before they reached the urban center they visited Elijah's cave in the Carmel mountains. The cave is said to be where Elijah lived and hid 29 centuries ago.

Afterward, there were two stops in the city before dinner. The first was the beautiful Baha'i gardens where they had a conversation about the origin of their religion. They asked themselves what role religion should have in the modern world. Lastly, they had a conversation led by Sarah Fisher, our educational director this summer, about the Tnuat Bogrim (Movement graduates who have made Aliyah).  They learned about the different kvutzot (communes) they have formed in Haifa and the type of educational work they do in and around the city. For dinner they had the chance to purchase their own meal in a neighborhood at the top of the Carmel mountain.

Back at the hostel in Acco, they had an evening activity run by Australian Shaties (Workshop age Austrailian Habonim members living in Acco) which was was all kef (fun). They played Australia's got talent and split into groups to put on different musical acts. At the end of the night, one group was crowned Australia's most talented!

Julian speaking to the group.

All of Yom Habo. 

In Haifa. 

Preparing for their act during Australia's got talent. 

Preparing some more.