Satell Teen Fellowship Israel Trip 2007: Day 1

Israel, Day 1

Leadership: In Israel, In Ourselves

           
After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport we went to The Rabin Center for an opening program where we discussed Israel and democracy.  We talked about the challenges that the country faces regarding religion and their lack of a constitution, and participated in a community building and communication activity.  After the workshop, the group needed to cool off.  So our lovely tour guide Guy took us to the beach at Tel Aviv which we were told was not a touristy spot. The group swam and played beach games together for a truly bonding experience. Some of us even climbed on the rocks in the Mediterranean Sea and got sprayed with the cool pristine salt water.

After sun bathing and getting our fair share of water games Annie and Brendan decided it was time to head to Jerusalem. After what seemed like forever which was actually only an hour and fifteen minutes we finally made it! We were all awoken to the amazing sites of the city and the clock which is the only clock in the world that has a countdown to Shabbat and when Shabbat ends. As we made our way into the city we were greeted by 7,000 police which we thought that were all for us but were actually for protection of a gay pride parade. We had our own escort to the hotel, and when we finally made it there we were given an hour and 45 minutes to check out the hotel and watch the gay pride parade. While Brendan was working he captured on film an orthodox man get pulled over and spoken to by about six soldiers. Our tour guide informed us right before we ate dinner that the head of the Israeli Police Force was in the crowd and that we had seen him. We ate dinner at the hotel which was buffet style, so there was something for everyone to eat. While we were eating the parade was still going on and three orthodox female girls started to make whistling sounds and were immediately swarmed by IDF soldiers and peacefully moved to the side of the parade.

After dinner we took a short walk to the first suburb of Jerusalem which is land marked by a huge windmill. At first all that I saw was the windmill and I thought that it wasn’t anything special but then Guy lead us on towards a lookout point. At this point we saw the outer part of the Kotel. It was all lit up and was the most amazing thing that I have ever seen in my life. We had a real opening ceremony and we drank wine (grape juice) and ate challah, which was a kickoff to our Israel trip. This is my first time in Israel and being able to see the outside of the Kotel (Western Wall) on my first day was truly incredible.
 
Love,
Rachel Kohler

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The News from Jerusalem, June 21, 2007

Shalom,
 
As you know, a large Gay Pride Parade was held today in Jerusalem, surrounded as one might expect by a certain degree of controversy, mostly on the part of Orthodox Jewish counter-demonstrators.  Coincidentally, it took place directly outside of our hotel, The King Solomon.  We would like to allay any concerns you may have following the news at home.
 
We decided that for the duration of the parade, the Fellows should not leave the hotel, and so we safely watched from inside our rooms.  We did not participate and were not in danger of any potential threat.  The only incident aside from a few arrests was a man who was found with a homemade bomb on his person, although he alleged that he wanted to detonate it away from the crowd, to scare people and disperse the demonstration.  He was arrested by several of the 7,000 police officers on hand, who meticulously monitored every stage of the event.  All in all, the parade was a controlled spectacle which we watched from a safe distance.
 
This was not a big deal; we would just like to assure you that we are taking great care to ensure the group's safety in every possible way for the duration of the trip.
 
Yours in service,
Brendan

Satell Teen Fellows waiting in the airport eagerly anticipate their trip.

Jill, David, Vanessa, Jen and Brooke pose in front of "Jerusalem," a work of art in the lobby of the King Solomon Hotel.

Becky and Ellie are not excited at all to be in Israel.

A large Gay Pride Parade held directly outside the King Solomon was attended by 5,000 demonstrators and 7,000 police.

Doreen holds the challah in preparation for the first blessings of Shabbat.