Dear NCSY TJJ Bus 2 Parents,

The last few days have been the most emotionally moving so far on our journey this summer!

Monday was the day that many were awaiting, some for just a few years but others a lifetime. Before we arrived at the Western Wall, we visited the City of David and walked through an aqueduct from 3,000 years ago. It was remarkable to see how much the teens were appreciating the efforts that were put into making such an aqueduct so many years ago without modern technology.  We sang while in the darkness and it was beautiful.

After the aqueduct we had lunch in the Old City and then headed down to the Kotel Plaza.  Before descending the stairs to the Kotel, I spoke to the teens about what one should be thinking about as they see the Kotel. (Video on website)  Emotions were flowing as teens saw the Kotel for the first time and others who prayed there at their first opportunity.

We capped off the day with a BBQ at a major park in Jerusalem where we met up with many other buses.  It was a lot of fun!

Tuesday was another powerful and packed day focusing on our past but building the future. We first went to Yad Vashem and learned about our ancestors in the Holocaust.  The message the teens took from the museum was one of building upon the tragedies of the past and we therefore continued to Mount Herzl.  In the cemetery at Mount Herzl we heard personal stories from our Israeli guides who served in the last battles for Israel and the heroism amongst all of fallen soldiers including those as young as 10 years of age.

From learning about the soldiers that put their lives on the line, we learned that we are soldiers to overseas with the need to advocate for the Story of the Jewish people and the State of Israel against BDS and Anti Israel propaganda. At night we took the time to reflect on the past few days. The teens were moved to hear from all of their peers the stories and feelings they felt while experiencing all that they experienced.

With the message of understanding and appreciating Israel in mind, we spent today learning how Israel innovates in the realms of technology as well as in respecting every class of citizens even with disabilities.  Our day began at the Blind Museum where we could appreciate what it means to be blind.  From there we learned about how Israel leads the world in how it recycles water.  Fascinating!

We finished the day with an amazing talk at Bar Ilan University about Israel and Middle East politics.

A packed three days!!!

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