Day 10 – Jan 5, 2023

Masada & Central Israel

Day 10 – January 5, 2023

Masada – Rosh Tzipor – Anu Museum – closing ceremony 

After a hearty breakfast, we checked out of the Herbert Samuel Hotel at the Dead Sea and made our way to Masada, the ancient fortress built by Herod. This mountain has special meaning to Ingrid, Elana and I as we teach at Masada College in Sydney. We all wore our Masada sports shirts, displaying our Masada badge which consists of a picture of Masada with our school slogan “Our Rock  and our Fortress” We belted out part of our school song on top of Mount Masada, slightly out of tune but our intentions were good!

A few members of our tour group (who shall not be named) overcame their fear of heights taking the cable car to the top of the mountain. Well done Danny ….oops!

We then headed to Tel Aviv to Rosh Tzipor forest and birdwatching center, built by JNF, where we had a delicious picnic lunch.  We felt very much at home sitting among the Eucalyptus trees. We entered the elliptical wooden observation pavilion to spot birds but were more impressed by the size of the camera used by one of the serious birdwatchers there. 

We  boarded the bus for the last time and headed to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People. This interactive wonder took us on a fascinating journey that portrays the story of the Jewish People through the generations. 

As we know, all good things come to an end! Our 10 day tour ended with a closing ceremony where we were given the opportunity to reflect on the last 10 days and thank members of the JNF who made this Israel visit possible for us.

 

Sharon (my co blogger) and I decided to ask everyone what their greatest takeaway was from their time in Israel. Here are some of the comments people wrote:

WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I DIDN’T KNOW BEFORE, ABOUT ISRAEL

 Naison:  Israel’s agriculture is in the desert. 

Mindy: That the desert is split into the Arava and the Negev. 

Susie: The diversity across the land as well as the innovative and generous Jewish People. 

Debbie: Israel is ever changing and innovating to greater heights. 

Ingrid: communities near Gaza have between 5 and 15 seconds to get into a bomb shelter. 

Supatcha: Israel sends so much water to Jordan. 

Anne B: The diversity of the landscape and the history of this ancient place is amazing. 

Paige: That Israeli soldiers are so hot!

Awatif: That the Jewish People had been in Israel for over 3000 years. 

Fiona: How many projects the JNF have throughout Israel. 

Rochelle: Israelis live for today. Their resilience and humanity reign supreme.

Janet: ANZAC soldiers were involved in the conquest of Beer Sheva. 

Sally: The trauma that families go through with Hamas & Gaza. 

Claire: Advance in teaching methods in the primary schools in Israel. 

Trish: Their deep passion for land & people. 

Liana: Israel took in refugees from Syria, Sudan & Ethiopia. 30% of Nobel prize winners are Jewish. 

Avril Shear (Masada), Sharon Paton (Emanuel), Ekaterina Saraeva (Montefiore)