A Meaningful Day In Jerusalem

The MBI group had a meaningful and packed day in Jerusalem. They began by visiting Israel's holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. There they learned about the oppression Jews faced in Europe during the early 20th century and of course the 1940's. Yad Vashem is unlike any other Holocaust museum in the world because of its location. The main building is designed so that after you complete walking through the exhibit, that ends with a memorial for those lost during this time, you exit the building and find yourself on a ledge overlooking the Jerusalem mountains.  

Entering Yad Vashem in the morning

One group moving through the exibits at Yad Vashem with their guide. All the kvutzot were split into smaller groups and given a tour by one of the museums professional guides.

After visiting Yad Vashem they took a short hike to Har Herzl, one of Israel's national cemeteries where past Prime Ministers, military leaders and other national figures are buried. The list of those burried at Har Herzl includes Yitzhak Rabin, Hannah Senesh, Yonatan Netanyahu and of course Theodore Herzl himself. 

Visiting Yitzhak Rabin's grave at Har Herzl and of course learning about his contribution to the State and to the movement for peace.

After spending the afternoon at the cemetery they left for the the Tower of David "Night Spectacular." This is the first time that MBI has ever seen this show and they had a ball. The 3D light show tells of the story of Jerusalem as depictions of the story are projected onto the archaeological remains of the tower's courtyard.

Tomorrow morning the chanichim (participants) will spend their last bit of time in Jerusalem and get to meet a few fantastic guest speakers before heading to the Bedouin tents in the Negev. 

One more note on security. The group will be staying the next few days in the south yes, but far from where the conflict. Tomorrow night they will be staying close to 90 kilometers from the Gaza border, which is more than two times the current Cheder Matzav requirement that we stay at least 40 kilometers away.

HERE is where they will be staying.