Day 17: Friday 28th July 2017

We had a bright and early - 8 am - start to go to Har Hertzl. (Israels military cemetery)  After arriving we went to see Hertzl's Grave. We found that it was very simplistic but beautiful none the less; an Israeli flag either side, the tombstone completely plain and black with only Hertzl's name written on it, and the whole thing entirely surrounded by a brightly circle of flowers. Our tour guide Noam told us the story of Hertzl's childhood and his vision for the future State of Israel.

 

We then proceeded to the soldiers cemetery, filled with the graves of thousands of deceased IDF soldiers. Noam (our tour guide) started with the story of Yoni Netanyahu, and how he courageously died saving Jews during the Antebi rescue mission in Uganda. He was the only soldier killed in the mission and he was the commander. This mission is now commonly referred to as 'Miftza Yonatan' or 'Yonatan's Mission' as he chose to take on the mission. Noam continued to tell us the story of his friend in the IDF who saved his life when he wanted to escape from the army. He died. Tears were shed and hugs were given. It was an emotional experience for all. We were amazed to see that all of the graves were identical and everyone who dies for this amazing country is equal, weather they are a commander or at the lowest rank of private.

After departing the cemetery we went on to the Machaneh Yehuda market where we had lunch, after which many of us went to look for clothes (Israelis) as well as presents for our family and friends back home. It was amazing to see the vast number of people and the beautiful, brightly coloured clothes, spices and products.

After this we returned to the hotel for a good Pre-Shabbat shluf, as well as a shower and a clean set of Shabbat clothes. At around 5 o'clock we all came down for Shabbat photos and a fun activity with Rabbi Shaw and his children. We then took the bus to the Kotel and welcomed Shabbat in, for the last time on Tribe Tour. We sang songs on the rooftop of the Aish building overlooking the Kotel and saw the other youth groups singing and dancing below. It was a truly amazing and heart warming experience that we all enjoyed sharing together. We then walked back to the hotel and bumped into our American friends, so we all walked back together. Finally we arrived back at the hotel and we all celebrated the fact that we got to sleep till 11 the following morning. It was a great ending to a great day.

Thank You Tribe Tour 2017 for another fabulous day in Israel!

By Nadav Grunberg