Schools and pools!

Today was another busy day in the north. We began with a trip to HaGomey, an elementary school on Kfar Blum. The grade 5 class at CJA is involved in a joint program with the Grade 5 class at HaGomey School. We were hosted by the Grade 6 class and we were warmly welcomed by the principal, the teachers and the students. Following introductions, we played a silly trivia game about Canada with the class and then they had prepared a game for us. We ended our visit with Popsicles and a group photo. Our next stop was at Tel Hai College near Kiryat Shmona. Our students, along with the Israeli students participated in a science program there. They made little 'missiles' with dry ice. That was fun! We then walked over to the historical site of Tel Hai where our guide explained the events that occurred there in 1920. This was, essentially, the first place where Jews fought for sovereignty in Israel since the Bar Kochva revolution in 135 AD, under the leadership of Joseph Trumpeldor. After a picnic lunch (schnitzel sandwiches with French fries in them!), we drove the short way to the Dado Overview above Metulla. From this point, we had tremendous views of Israel and Lebanon. Our day concluded at Merkaz Canada or Canada Centre in Metulla for skating and swimming.

Pictures of HaGomey School visit, Tel Hai College, Tel Hai, Dado Overview in Metulla and Canada Centre in Metulla.

Exploring the North

It was another beautiful day in northern Israel. Everyone met at the school and immediately boarded the bus for a trip to the Banias. The Banias is one of the rivers that runs through this area and there is a great hike along it, complete with archaeological ruins, waterfalls and a suspended path. Before we began the hike, however, our Israeli hosts surprised us with a picnic breakfast. Amnon, the teacher, made hot tea and the kids had brought all types of food that they had prepared themselves!  The hike took about two hours through some incredible scenery. At the end of the hike, our jeeps were waiting for us to take us on a jeep tour through the Golan Heights. Lots of excitement, screaming and singing ensued!  Our first stop was at a shallow part of the Banias river where the kids took off their shoes and socks and waded around. The jeeps then climbed until we reached Tel Fahr, which was the site of a great battle during the Six Day War. While at Tel Fahr, we were treated to yet another picnic, this time a meal of couscous, vegetables and chicken prepared by the owner of the jeep company and his wife. A truly excellent meal, enjoyed by all!  We completed our jeep tour at Mount Bental which overlooks Syria. Here, Dafna explained about the Yom Kippur war and also the current situation in Syria. We then boarded our bus for home.

The following pictures include our picnic breakfast, the Banias hike, jeeps, picnic lunch, Golan Heights and views from Mount Bental.