After another early wake up we were greeted by our beloved Israeli style pancakes. Loading the buses soon after, we headed over to Ben Tal, an ex army base looking directly into Syria, where we were able to walk around the bunkers. On our visit to Ben Tal we stumbled across an Australian United Nations officer who was observing the Syria/ Israeli border.

Following question time with the UN worker, bus 1 headed towards jeep riding and Bus 2 headed to De Karina’s chocolate factory, where we made our own chocolate. There were also opportunities to try fresh products such as homemade chocolates and milkshakes. After lunch the buses swapped activities. The jeep riding included off road ‘jeeping’ with traditional Israeli style drivers, who led us to an abandoned Syrian army base (pre 1973).

After the mid-day shenanigans, the buses departed for Tiberius, and the party boat sailed away. Entrainment, music and dancing captivated our experience. After the soirée, we packed into El Rancho for dinner, a steak house overlooking the sea. Following dinner, we headed back to the buses destined for Hispin.

Tomorrow will be our first Yad B’Yad Shabbos in Israel, and we’re sure it will live up to its expectation – We can’t wait!

Abby Goldberg, Eden Hirmes and Sam Paster