Israel Pilgrimage,
Group #10

*The pictures below are links; clicking on them will take you to a larger version of that picture.

Sunday, July 16th:
Group 10 had a fantastic Shabbat in Jerusalem as they spent time with their friends from Group 6 and 11.Group 10 loaded the bus and headed out of Jerusalem this morning, but not before making their first group visit to the Kotel. After spending two weeks in Eastern Europe, the group couldn't wait to see this holy site and very important part of Jewish history. From there they drove to Be'er Sheva, where USY's post-high school leadership Nativ Program lives during second semester. They saw the absorption center where Nativ lives and learned a bit about the program. From there they drove to the Hatzerim Air Force Museum and saw many of the planes that have been used to defend the State of Israel over the past 58 years. They then continued making their way south to Kfar Hanokdim, a Beduin tent where they went on a camel ride through the desert and were treated to typical Beduin hospitality of tea, coffee, and delicious food. The group slept outdoors tonight in the tent.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Monday, July 17th:
Group 10 woke up when it was still dark this morning and hiked up the Masada Mountain to watch the beautiful sunrise and daven Shacharit together. They went on a short tour of the fortress at the top of the mountain and climbed down to a lovely breakfast. From there they drove to Ein Gedi where they hiked to a refreshing waterfall. In the afternoon they floated in the Dead Sea and enjoyed the famous mud that smoothes the skin. This evening they drove to Eilat, the southern tip of Israel. They had dinner and walked along the boardwalk overlooking the Red Sea.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Tuesday, July 18th:
Group 2 spent a fun and relaxing day in Eilat! They began at the underwater observatory where they saw sharks, tortoises, and an assortment of fish, as well as a view of the gorgeous Red Sea (which is in fact blue). They then got a taste of the water as they went snorkeling in small groups, and learned about the coral reef found right off the shore of Eilat. Group 2 then made their way over to the mall on the shore. After dinner on the boardwalk they went on a Disco Boat Ride on the sea where they danced and enjoyed a pretty view of the coast.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Wednesday, July 19th:
Group 10 drove to Sde Boker, former home of David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel. They walked inside his home and visited his grave and his wife Paula's grave. From there they did the Ein Ovdat hike and saw part of the beautiful natural wonders of Israel. They then made their way back to Jerusalem. Tonight they prepared their cheers for tomorrow night's USY Event!

    

    

    

Thursday, July 20th:
The group was excited to participate in the much-anticipated USY Event of the summer. All eleven groups met up in Ya’ar Ben Shemen and participated in six stations where they had to show teamwork and dedication, and build upon the strong friendships that they have created. Each group showed their pride by uniting behind banners, t-shirts, cheers, and songs. During the event, a group of educators from the Boston Jewish community came to visit our kids and were impressed by their enthusiasm and ruach. Following a delicious barbeque, everyone traveled back to Jerusalem and gathered in Hinom Valley, under the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, for the Jewish Agency's Extravaganza! They joined 4000 youth from all over the world including South America, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and of course, the biggest delegation, from the US. They were greeted by the chairman of the Jewish Agency and watched the performance by leading Israeli bands. The USYers danced the night away and enjoyed being altogether for one night of the summer. Click here to download a slideshow of the event!

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Friday, July 21st:
Friday morning, many USYers went to their host families for Shabbat. The kids who are spending Shabbat together in Jerusalem, spent the day at a water park. Friday night they davened together and Shabbat morning they will have options to go to different local synagogues. After Shabbat, all the USYers in Jerusalem will have a Disco, a movie, and food at the Fuchsberg Center! We wish you all a Shabbat Shalom.