Golan Heights

June 23 We traveled to the Golan Heights to a Kibbutz that invited this Kibbutz to pick cherries to their hearts content. There was an over abundance of cherries and before they are overripe the kibbutz invited this kibbutz. The view was spectacular . One could see snow on the mountains on the Syrian side. We picked cherries, had a picnic and the kids played on the fresh water little pool. This particular kibbutz was very much a part of the war and the bunkers, and outlook points still there. Beautiful views, a nice d ay

June 23 Well- stepping out of my comfort zone I used public tansporati9on - 2 buses- to get to Tel Aviv. Efrat picked me up ( my cousin from my mother's side) and after having gotten lost but enjoying the adventure- we arrived to Kibbutz Tifil in the Galilee. Her two adorable children Sher-ri (my song) and Jonathan have been giving me Hebrew lessons as I give them English lessons. A few days here and maybe I will really be able to speak Hebrew! We had a Shabbat dinner with the Kibbutzim and today are going to hike in the upper Galilee. The pictures ar of the children including the kids playing after dinner. Very quiet her e except for the nightly coyotes. The air is clean, and I amleaving my make up in the suitcase!

June 21

Today is the last day of the seminar. It was another full day as we listened to experts, speak about the Challenges of Holocaust Education and whee we are going. The main points brought up is how the Holocaust has been trivialized and how Holocaust vernacular has become mainstream . A panel discussion of secondary teachers followed but the venue was not conducive to a discussion. It was a bit frustrating. I am now sitting in a room waiting for a survivor to present her story. I do not think I will have internet later on due to the exorbitant fees hence I am writing now. The program will conclude after the presentation of the survivor and then back to the hotel. I am still waiting to hear from my cousin as to where and when I will meet her in Tel Aviv tomorrow- and to all my friends and family that know me well.... know I am stressed not knowing yet where and when to meet her!!! Hope you all are enjoying my blog and I hope to continue with my family visit.

June 20

June 20 We began with a panal discussion about Challenges in Making the Holocaust relevant in a changing world. Shulamit Imber, Michael Berenbaum, and others shared their different perspectives in how to teach this subject in light of a ever decreasing souce of live survivors, As sad as the subject is they feel we must plan for a world wherein the the video is the only source of testimonies. The sessions I attended in the morning were quite good as the educators took the helm. I particularly liked the presentation that actually dealt with books I use now in the classroom NIGHT, SURVIVAL IN AUSCHWITZ and MAUS, However the afternoon session left much to be desired as one presenter was not prepared, was quite boring and uses simulation in her classroom- a big tabu amongst Holocaust educators. I am about to take a walk to Ben Yehuda and call it a night, tomorrow is the final day of this conference and I will vbe going to meet my cousin on Friday in Tel Aviv for a "Havsaka" break. here are some photos of new friends from Rwanda, Sweden and Luithiana the flags represent all the countries of the participants

June 19,2012 A very busy, exhausting and inspiring day. We began with presentations from Gideon Sa'ar Minister of Education of Israel followed by Avner Shalev Chairman Directorate of Yad Vashem. The theme was the educational challenges we face in the 21st century. The morning concluded with a presentation from Michael Marrus, Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor Emeritus of Holocaust Studies University of Toronto. I took notes and will be working on them, but the continuing theme of the conference will be the challenges faced in the 21sat century . There are participants from, Senegal, Egypt, USA, Serbia, Croatia, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic,England and many more. We all chose separate presentations to attend for the afternoon. wont go into the actual sessions but I chose Anti Antisemitism and Nazi Ideology presented by professor Dina Porat, Literary Responses to the Holocaust presented by Dr. Alan Rosen, and finally and most difficult subject for me today was Motherhood in the Face of Extermination presented by Dr Frumi Shchori. We ended the day with the preeminent historian on the Holocaust Professor Yehuda Bauer whose knowledge, passion, and message is un paralleled. We also were treated during the mid day break, to a dance performance called "Together Alone" I look forward to another inspiring day tomorrow

Opening of conference

June 18,2012 Evening was our opening ceremony at Yad Vashem. The so called light dinner was an array of sumptuous offerings: eggplant, avacodo, hummus, salads of all kinds, taboulli, salmon, chicken, so much food!!! It was SABABBA!! I was eating and suddenly my eye caught sight of someone I knew! It was Adam from JFR who I first met in Poland, then last summer in NYC and now in Israel, I also realized Jakub (Kobi) ws also here! It was a joyful reunion. The meal was followed by a walk to the Valley of the Communities with several welcome speeches from Dorit Novak- director of the Intl school, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau- Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and a musicial concert by Chava Alberstein. A beautiful evening and a breath taking sunset

June 18. Last of the "free" days. The program officially begins this evening with a concert by Chava Alberston. Today I walked by myself to the Kotel at 8 am and placed some notes in the wall for myself and some friends. It is hard to explain until you are here and walk through the old city to the Kotel, and touch the wall. One finds them self with tears- it just happens.. I then went to find a Shouk ( market) to buy fruit- which was awesome- and actually got lost. It was a way to discover more shops and alley ways. I found my way back by asking for help- using some Hebrew. It is very hot and I am resting for a bit until this evening's program.