Banias and Bye Bye

So today was the last day spent with the Israeli pen pals :( We had a beautiful hike in the Banias national park, and went back to the school for a summary program. The kids spoke about how this program will be something they will remember forever, and how much it meant to them. They are sleeping at their billets' houses again, but won't be doing any more travelling as a group. Tonight is Erev Yom Hazikaron, so they will be going to Remembrance Day ceremonies at the kibbutzim, and tomorrow we will go to a ceremony and then to Tel Aviv and mini-Israel for Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.

Mifgash Day 3

So if you've been following in your itinerary, you may be surprised by today's activities. We started the day at Emek HaBacha and learned about the tank battles there in 1967 and '73. Next we went to the top of Har Bental with a view into Syria. We ate lunch by the Jordan River at Abu Kayyak and headed down to the Majrase creek for a hike through the water. The students are having a blast with the Israelis, and it is always a special thing to watch them make that connection.