Written by Ben Markbreiter, Yallah! 2024 Madrich
Today we welcomed the first 16 teens to arrive in Israel this summer with Yallah Israel/MBI! We had an exciting time meeting at the airport where we all learned each others’ names, situated ourselves geographically, and ate delicious marzipan rugelach from Machaneh Yehuda. From there, we got on the bus for the first time, met our driver Riad, and traveled to Tel Azekah, a lookout spot where you can see all the way to the Mediterranean and Jerusalem at the same time. It is also a significant spot in the Tanakh, as it was the Israelite encampment during the battle of David and Goliath. We learned about resiliency, the power of the youth, and the uplifting of those who might not seem destined to win. Afterwards, we traveled south to Be’er Sheva, the Capital of the Negev, where we had a yummy and traditional meal of hummus, pita, ful (fava bean dip), falafel, and salads. After this long day that included lots of travel and an introduction to Israel, we have all settled into Mashabei Sade, a kibbutz in the Negev, where everyone is excited to begin their amazing summer!
