Departure from Poland was challenging with delegations from around the world all leaving for Israel. Buses 3,4 and 5 left at around 11:30. We (buses 1 and 2) sat in the plane for over 2 hours waiting for the coast to coast delegation to board. The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement to leave Poland and leave for Israel. The emotions of the day eventually caught up with them and most were asleep before the plane took off.
We arrived in the homeland of the Jewish people at 5:30 am. Despite the 2 hours if sleep the kids are eager to touch Israeli soil and begin this part of their journey. The kids rush to the bathroom to put on their shorts and t-shirts. By the time we join the other busses who arrived earlier it is close to 7am when we exit the airport. The kids sing their way out of the airport and many kiss the ground immediately. Although there are tears, these are tears of joy. The mood us light and joyful.
Board our new bus, meet our driver and security guard/medic and off we go to Massada. On the way we stop at a kibbutz for a beautiful outdoor Israeli breakfast. Back on the bus. The kids sleep but quickly get up when we begin the descent through the Judaen Dessert. Ronen asks the kids who is in Israel for the first time. I am surprised and thrilled to see one third of bus 1 raise their hand. I am so excited for those kids. Ronen describes the topography of Israel and the history of the Judean dessert tracing back to the bible and the tribe of Judah. We arrive at Massada and climb the Roman ramp trail to the summit. It is already 32 degrees. Each kid wears a hat and carries a large bottle of water. The kids ask questions but Ronen asks them to enjoy the hike and the scenery until we reach the top. I have no doubt that his story up top will be incredible. We sit together under an awning overlooking the dessert and the Dead Sea. Ronen asks those who have never been to Israel before to stand up. In the most moving way he reminds the group that for centuries Jews around the world have spoken, prayed and dreamt about the land of Israel for centuries. Six million Jews who had Jerusalem in their hearts, never got to witness the establishment of a Jewish state - a home for Jews everywhere. He turns to the first timers and says, "Welcome to Israel, your home. You are welcome anytime, whenever you want. This is your home." Everyone sits down and Ronen begins to talk about the historical connection of the Jewish people to the land Israel. There is no shortage of physical evidence here to help tell the story if Masada. The kids are mesmerized by the dramatic tale. I have never heard it told this way. It is incredible to see the happiness in the kids' faces. They are running on no sleep and full if energy.
We descend Masada, board the bus and head to the Dead Sea. Fun, fun, fun! The kids cover themselves in mud, float in the sea, laugh and enjoy an incredible lunch by the sea.
Next stop, Kibbutz HaGolan near Tiberias. The excitement of the day catches up with them and they sleep for most of the ride up north.
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