Yom Israel!

After having safely arrived in Israel after an exciting Aliyah Bet simulation, everyone woke up this morning to a playlist of modern Israeli music, before being huddled onto the moadon (clubhouse) decorated as an El Al airplane. After a brief airplane ride complete with complementary pretzel bags and flight stewards, the campers (chanichim) were greeted by their counselors (madrichim) welcoming them to Yom Israel, our day dedicated to celebrating Israel! Breakfast was shakshuka, eggs poached with tomato sauce, peppers, and onions, and bread with chocolate spread. Afterwards, chanichim were split up by work group and played a game of find the cow, where groups raced to find a cardboard cow. Next, chanichim split up for an age-group activity, where they learned about Theodore Herzl and the vast geography of Israel. Later, everyone toured around Israel and learned a little bit about many key subjects like the Technion, the Bedouins, the Israeli Defense Force, the Dead Sea, and Kibbutzim.

After a delicious pita and falafel lunch we had some much needed some rest time; everyone then went to their usual speciality groups (kishronot), with a special Israel-themed twist. Next, everyone jumped in the pool for a fun dance party with both classic and modern Israeli music and then had "chocolate moss" and tea as a snack (kibud). After a tasty treat, everyone split up into special interest groups (chugim), with themes geared towards Israel education. Chanichim had choices such as learning about Habonim Dror programs, Israeli culture such as music, commercials, and food. We finished off the day with a nice shish kabob and hot dog dinner, and a carnival simulating the Israeli tent protests with fun activities such as playing backgammon (shesh besh), making shirts, and learning flash mob dances.

Check back tomorrow for another fun day full of great activities!