Israel, the homeland.
- Jessie Memmolo
- Jun 3, 2020
- 3 min read
For most people, especially in the generation I grew up in, Israel seems an unlikely vacation. Although, there is no denying what has and is happening continuously between Israel and the Gaza strip, there is also no denying the history, beauty, and marvel that Israel has to offer. The best part of it all is, it does not matter if you are black, white, Christian, or Jewish-Israel is the homeland. In this post, I want to show you my Israel Birthright experience in 2014 during a major battle. Click the hyperlink above to see what an itinerary would look like.
While in Israel, due to the climate of the area in 2014 we were guided by an amazing team of Israeli soldiers and tour guides. They brought us around the country and made sure we were safe at all times. There was never a time while traveling around the country where I felt unsafe. That being said, the pictures below show an amazing country that would be a perfect vacation for anyone looking for fun in the sun, walking through history, and a new view on life and culture.
Camel rides
Have you ever been on camelback? In Israel it is likely the first thing you'd want to do! The most incredible night in Israel was the night spent on the desert floor. We were brought to a colony of tents filled with amazing color and textile! It was something out of an adventure novel. We slept in enormous tents with layered rugs and beautiful pillows for comfort and to escape the sun. By nightfall, the heat subsided and we took to the sandy mounds to look at the stars. Everyone thinks they have seen the most amazing starry night, but I do not think they've seen it in an Israeli desert. The next morning we rode camels! I was half expecting the camels to hate being climbed on and put up some sort of fight, but these amazing animals gracefully knelt down as if bowing and allowed us to climb on. The people leading the camels explained to us how people used camels for travel and exchange of goods.
Have a Beach Day!
Blue Bay Hotel-Netanya, Israel
Swimming in the Mediterranean sea was by far the warmest and most relaxing event while in Israel. In Netanya, Israel on the Mediterranean coast you can see an amazing sunrise and sunset and stay at beautiful hotels. While in Israel you MUST have a beach day, whether that be in Netanya, Tel Aviv, or Eliat an Israeli beach is unlike any other. It is not all swimming and tanning. On a bunch of the beaches you can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, or glide with a speed boat!
Western Wall: take time for prayer
When arriving at the western wall we are told our shoulders and knees must be covered to proceed to this religious monument. As a modern woman being told to cover up to see a wall seemed extreme and at first I didn't understand. The more I learned about culture and their way of life, the more I started to understand respect and a different culture. The Western Wall or otherwise known as the wailing wall is an ancient wall in old Jerusalem. The wall is a sacred place of prayer for the Jewish people and is known to be especially holy. When at the wall you are allowed to write a note and put it in a crack as a message to god. Once you are finished with prayer or just your thoughts you must walk backwards away from the wall. It is said to be disrespectful to turn your back on such a holy place.
See a Sunrise!
One of my favorite days in Israel started as early as 5:00am. We were hustled onto the bus at 4:00 in the morning, running up the steep mountain not to miss the rays and saw a spectacular sunrise. Once the sun was fully in the sky we continued to explore the mountain, where we heard the voices of our ancestors.
We heard this in writing and in the amazing echoes this landscape naturally offered. Throughout this trip we were reminded that this land is our home and we must treat it with respect and dignity. By the end of the trip I think we all felt a new sense of pride for Israel and more connected than ever before.
You can find more information about where to go and what to do here.
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