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Nina Ingram: the Israel Experience, Days 7-9

"It is said that this is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would have a son (Jesus)."We had already eaten breakfast and checked out of the Sheraton Hotel in Tiberias by 8:00 a.m. We were now on our way to Jerusalem. We made stops in Nazareth, Beit Alfa, and Mount Scopus. The route was very scenic with lush, green countryside with an abundance of date palms and olive trees.

It was very exciting to visit Nazareth, the hometown of my friend, Jesus. Nazareth is Israel's largest Arab city and is home to both Christians and Muslims. We toured the Church of the Annunciation which is said to be the largest church in the Middle East and is identified by the Catholics as the home of Mary. It is said that this is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would have a son (Jesus.) I felt an overwhelming sense of ‘welcome' at this beautiful church. It greeted you with a front door with designs that depicted six (6) stages of Jesus life (from birth to death).

We proceeded on to Beit Alfa where we toured the Beit Alpha Synagogue and discussed the pagan zodiac located in the Jewish place of worship. The prayer hall was covered with beautiful mosaic-squares in geometric patterns. Following the tour of the Synagogue, we continue our trip on to Jerusalem. We made a stop - having lunch in a pita with our choice of drink. In our outdoor setting for lunch, we overlooked the excavated remains of Biblical-era Canaanite, Egyptian and Israelite settlements which were the ruins of Scythopolis. The ruins included a theatre and streets. This was a real impressive archaeological site.

The afternoon was dedicated to our continuous ride to Jerusalem — driving along the Jordanian Border and entering the West Banks.

Everyone seemed to be in a joyous and festive mood as the group sang songs, including ‘Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho', led by the Honorable Henry E. Frye. There was plenty of desert all around us. Continuing on, we passed Mt. Nebo — Moses was there, died there — he could see the ‘promise land' from this mountain.

Jerusalem. We ascended into Jerusalem. On top of Mount Scopus we could look over and see the gorgeous Jerusalem, the city King David declared the capital of the Israelite kingdom. We had a short meditation (the blessing of thanksgiving) on top of the mountain. We all reached a new moment — we rejoiced with wine. This was certainly an unforgettable place and time in our journey.

We checked into the Inbal Hotel, proceeded to the Western Wall (reflection/prayer) and joined in Shabbat/dinner at the Moreshet Avraham Synagogue with members of the congregation.
I could hardly fall asleep when I finally reached my bed. For me, this day will never be forgotten.

Israel Day Eight
Monday
After breakfast, we started our day by listening to a very moving and thought provoking message from Holocaust educator and speaker Rachel Korazim.

Upon leaving our speaker, we proceeded to Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial. There were hundreds of people visiting the museum. We had the opportunity to witness state-of-the-art exhibits with personal stories of Holocaust victims being told. We also heard personal and moving stories coming from one of our group staff members and our tour guide. I feel that we all felt honored and appreciative that they shared ‘their stories' with us. This was quite a moving experience.

While I was deeply touched by all of the exhibits in the museum, I was especially moved by the memorial to the one and a half million children who perished. I kept reflecting on man's inhumanity to man and kept asking myself ‘what can I do- a little more of - today to help make this world an even better place in which to live?'.

The question was still ringing in my mind as we moved on over to Mount Herzl, the site of Jerusalem's military cemetery where we looked over the graves of the men and women (some very young) who gave their lives for their country. We had a group session after dinner to reflect on Israel's Memorial Day in poetry and song.

What a Day!

Day 9
Israel Day Nine
Tuesday
We're off to Masada today. I had hoped that our tour staff would change their minds about the 5:30 a.m. wake-up call but that didn't happen. We were fully dressed and had breakfast by 6:45 a.m. Masada here we come.

The routes in Israel are always scenic. On the way to Masada, we passed the homes of Nomads who lived with their camels and sheep on the outskirts of Jerusalem on the West Bank. In the hills you could see the horizontal "Q shape" trails of the black goats. These trails make beautiful designs on the mountains. We were told by our guide that these goats are referred to in the Song of Solomon.

Heading toward Masada, the magnificent Dead Sea was to the left of us. Continuing on, we past Qumeron, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. After passing the security check, we were in the Judean Desert. We stopped for rest and there we walked through a reserve where there were no shortage of the Ibex (the goat look alike) and Coneys. After returning to the bus and traveling a short distance, we could see Masada National Park. What a beautiful site. Masada is an ancient fortress that rises some 1,400 feet above the Dead Sea. It was built by the Roman ruler Herod the Great. History tells us that for more than two years the Jews held back the Romans here on this mountain.

We had a choice of walking the snake trail up the mountain or taking the cable car. It was an awesome view all the way to the top. I have to admit, I chose the cable car ride. Either way, you cannot be one who has a fear of roaming around in 'high' places. Masada, to me, represents a 'jewel' in the Judean Desert.

Today the historical significance of the site represents a symbol of humanity's continuous struggle for freedom from oppression and the fierce determination of the people of Israel. I am glad we had an opportunity to visit Masada.

Remembrance Day is today in Israel.

At 11 a.m. all of Israel stood still while the siren sounded for 2 minutes in observance of its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence. We were in Masada when the siren went off.

After we descended the mountain, the entire group had lunch at the Hod Hotel and had an opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has a personality all of its own. One is able to float easily because of its high concentration of salt and minerals, the Dead Sea is some 1,300 feet below sea level (the lowest point on earth), and the water is clear with an oily texture.
At the end of the day, Yom Hazikaron gave way to the celebration of Yom Ha'Atzmaut — Israel's 61st Independence Day. After dinner, some of us were off to Independence Day entertainment. Another Great Day!