Dear Friends:
B’ruchim Habaim – Welcome to Israel! After 10 ½ hours on a nice Continental flight, we arrived to David Ben Burion Airport in Tel Aviv on this beautiful, sunny day here in Israel. After getting through Passport control, obtaining our luggage and walking through customs, we went outside to our deluxe motorcoach and met our wonderful guide, David Schoneveld. For those of us who have been to Israel before, we appreciated and admired the new “2000” terminal. However, we missed walking down the steps onto the tarmac and “officially” stepping onto Israeli soil.
Even though many of us did not sleep at all or only a few winks here and there, we began our touring immediately to adjust to the time change (we’re 7 hours ahead). First, we visited the site where Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. It was a sad reminder of what happens when hatred and misunderstanding become leading forces for us. Following this visit, we went to a local mall (YES - I know, we don't have malls in New Jersey!?!?). The enviornment is the same as home, but there is definitely a Hebrew twist. He had lunch in the food court - and we saw Kosher Burger King and Kosher McDonalds.
Afterwards, we visited the Hagana Museum and the Hall where the Declaration of Independence was declared. It was very interested learning of the full formation of Israel's defense forces as well as her indepedence. To say the least, we are all exhausted and it was time to check into the hotel and get some rest and wash up.
After showers and a brief rest, we gathered to share our time together at our Welcome Dinner at a local Mid-Eastern restaurant. It was very good with the various salads, meat dishes, and delcious dessert. What a wonderful way to begin our first day!
I'm unable to upload the pictures - I'll try again tomorrow.
Rabbi Malinger
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At this mall, we watched the slim high style customers, browsing in the designer shops. The rest rooms were A+.
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