Today was the first full day of Tribe Tour and it was a real eye-opener, as we began to understand the reality of living near Israel’s borders.
One town that has particularly felt the effects of the security issues Israel faces is Sderot. Sderot is a small city in the South of Israel, located less than a mile from Gaza. We were given a tour of the town and were shown the effects the rockets that have landed there in the past have had. One of the police officers explained the situation and what they do to combat it, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system. Hearing the same brief that the press who visit hear, the group gained a deeper understanding of the political context and the threat Sderot residents have faced for the last thirteen years. The group acted in a really mature fashion and asked some astute questions when given the opportunity.
Seeing the school with its huge concrete canopy to create a buffer zone from any rockets was another affecting moment, as was seeing the play areas around Sderot, whose facilities include bomb shelters – some designed in child-friendly shapes like giant caterpillars. Although it was an emotional day, the group acted responsibly, were extremely sympathetic to the situation, and we left feeling pride in the stoic residents who live here, in Sderot, on the front line.
The group then had a Pizur lunch, where they were given money and had a choice of what restaurant to spend it in, before we drove to Shvil Hasalat. Shvil Hasalat is an environmental farm where they produce new technologies to make the Negev bloom. We had the opportunity to pick and eat fruits, vegetables and even some edible flowers grown in arid and hostile desert conditions. Part of developing a knowledge and love of Israel is understanding all the problems Israel faces. The South of Israel may encounter difficulties with security, climate and agriculture, but it learns to resolve them in innovative ways and the region could also be the solution to the over-population of central Israel.
After a thought provoking and enlightening day, we boarded the coach once again – a place soon to become a second home – to return to Ein Tzurim and prepare for our first Shabbat of Tribe Tour!
Katy Goldstein said it was “A wonderful experience and I can’t wait for more. We went to see how they do agriculture in the Negev which was very interesting and got to go round and taste all the fruit and veg. I’m looking forward to Shabbat and seeing the differences between home and Israel.”
Saturday 13th
Shabbat has always been a pride of Tribe trips and is always a highlight of tour. Being the first Shabbat of Tour, it was bound to be extra special. We were also lucky to be joined by David Collins and his family which made our Shabbat extra special. It began with a tuneful and uplifting Friday night service, the whole group looking smart and refreshed after the first couple of days touring. The singing, dancing and clapping created an amazing atmosphere, not just during the Friday night service, but also at meals and other services. After dinner we had an Oneg of games and snacks which was run by our madrichim.
After a well-earned, longer rest, it was time to enjoy the rest of Shabbat on the kibbutz. Following davening (prayers) and lunch, the group had some free time to bond more, the madrichim led some games and discussions and we were taken on a tour of the kibbutz. We learnt about the origins of kibbutzim, the communal ethos and the importance of all the production that goes on at Ein Tzurim.
In true Tribe style, Shabbat ended with an inspirational havdalah with everyone singing and swaying arm in arm. It really felt like we were becoming one incredible group.
“It was incredible to spend Shabbat with some of our participants that had never had a Shabbat experience until today. A great time was had by all and it was also nice to catch up on some well needed sleep. Tribe Tour 2013 is fantastic and I cant wait for the rest” – Helena Baker Madricha Tribe Israel Tour 2013
The Tribe Team
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