Having taken in much of the beauty and uniqueness of the northernmost area of Israel, the MBIers set out due south on an exciting day around the kinneret (Sea of Galilee). The morning started with a hike down one of the most beautiful declines in the area, Mt. Arbel. The Arbel is the only free-falling cliff surrounding the kinneret, and has a picturesque view of the lake and its surrounding settlements the whole way down. The history of the Arbel dates back to the Roman period, where it was often used as a place of torture and criminals or political enemies of the Roman Empire were thrown off the cliff. Nowadays, the only thing that can be torturous about the climb is the summer sun in Israel, but thankfully all of the MBIers have become accustomed to drinking water regularly and putting on their sunscreen.
After a well-earned break and a hearty lunch, the MBIers spent the afternoon at one of the most historically significant places by the Kinneret- the chatzer Kinneret (Kinneret courtyard) and cemetery. Founded in 1909, the Kinneret courtyard was the first agricultural training farm in the history of modern Israel, where young people would come through in small groups and learn to work the land, before leaving somewhere else for permanent settlement. The MBIers heard stories of young people from Eastern Europe who came to Palestine and the hardships, dilemmas, failures and numerous successes that they endured in their time at the chatzer.
Just across the road from the Chazter Kinneret is the old Kinneret cemetery. Here, the MBIers could hear the stories of some of the most famous personalities in the history of Israel and Zionism, ranging from the early Socialist Zionist thinkers and writers Moses Hess and Dov Ber Borachov, to the early Chalutzim (pioneers) Berl Katznelson and Rachel, the poetess to some of the integral figures of the modern state, such as Israeli song-writer Naomi Shemer. Needless to say, the MBIers left the day with a real feel of the spirit of the chalutzim and an understanding of the uniqueness of the young people who were so essential in the establishment of the Jewish State.
The MBIers then drove off to Hukuk, a kibbutz guest house not far from the chazter, to have dinner. After dinner they did a big MBI-wide activity, involving lot of fun and giving them an ability to both see long time camp mates and also meet new friends who aren't on their bus.
On Tuesday after a delicious breakfast the chanichim had a peulah (educational activity) discussing their connections to Israel. In small groups they filled out booklets answering questions and illustrating the different aspects that create a connection to Israel and what they want to get out of MBI in relation to Israel. They then discussed how they can both love and criticize Israel responsibility.
After a thought provoking morning they set out for Rosh Hanikra, a geologic formation in located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the Western Galilee near the border with Lebanon. The Rosh Hanikra grottoes are cavernous tunnels formed by the sea action on the soft chalk rock. The grottoes branch off in various directions with some interconnecting segments. The chanichim went down to the grottoes and were mesmerized by the way the water gently ran up against the rocks and then seconds later came crashing down with great force.
After this lovely excursion MBI headed to Akko, a coastal city just north of Haifa. Akko is the second oldest port city in Israel and a stop for the crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. Akko is well known as being a city of coexistence with Jews and Arabs. the chanichim enjoyed a scavenger hunt around the city run by the tour guides. Some of the stops included walking along the city wall, visiting the old crusader fortress, checking out the fresh produce and fish at the shuk (open air market)and enjoying the local fare such as baklavah and knaffe (a sugary cheese snack).
Following two eventful historic locales the MBIers went to Tiberias where they enjoyed some free time on the Tayelet (boardwalk) for dinner and shopping before embarking on the disco boat. This was an opportunity for the kids to let loose and enjoy some music and dance for the evening.
An updated itinerary is now on the website at www.habonimdror.org on the MBI Chai page. There have been minimal changes so it looks similar to previous itineraries.
