What can I say? The first day is such a blur!
Such a very rich group to travel with! Clearly, the religious leaders are dedicated to their ministries, as right to be expected. But – they are so down-to-earth kind and downright funny! What a gift!
The trip leaders are a gift, too. There is no question that we cannot ask. The legwork and preparation that has gone into this trip is hard to reckon.
We were welcomed to dinner tonight at the Beit Rutenberg patio by representatives of a coalition of NGOs (non-profit organizations) who work together both in Haifa and with counterparts in Boston (through the JCRC) at my table. Gaby, an Ethiopian who immigrated at age 3 with his mother, enduring the arduous journey through Sudan, now works with other Ethiopian Jews in Haifa; Muad, who helps people get an accurate idea of the Muslim faith; Boris, who immigrated from Russia, now helps young adults seeking internship opportunities in Haifa; Verad (a Haifa woman), who is Director of the Boston-Haifa connection.
Also today; the Bahai Gardens – so gorgeous! Caesarea – multiple centuries of art and architecture uncovered and existing together in a collage of cultures. A half-circle theater, some of whose seats are centuries old, will host a concert by a contemporary Israeli singer tomorrow night while a crew sets the stage, I ran my hand over ancient stone.
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