We’ve been having a blast the last couple of days here in Israel (although we are still sore from surfing!) We began Wednesday by taking part in a dialogue with Arab-Israeli teens. Here, we learned about some of the complex histories of the region, and how similar the teens are to us. In the afternoon, we toured Templar Tunnels dating back to the times of the Crusaders in the ancient seaport city of Acco. Following our tour of the tunnels, we descended into the geologically fascinating ocean caves at Rosh HaNikra.

On Thursday, we toured the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood of Tel Aviv, learning about the refugee populations who have lived there since before the founding of the city. After a delicious Shakshuka lunch, we explored the Jaffa flea market, picking up some tchotchkes along the way. Then we headed to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation to learn about former Prime Minister Shimon Peres and how Israel became the ‘Startup Nation.’ We finished the night with an authentic Ethiopian dinner of Injera and traditional boogying.

Friday morning, we practiced Krav Maga with an Israeli martial arts expert, before touring the Yitzhak Rabin Center. For lunch, we enjoyed the colorful Nahalat Binyamin street festival at Carmel Market, followed by a tour of the graffiti art scene in the trendy Florentin neighborhood of Tel Aviv. Back at the hotel, we welcomed in the Sabbath with a Kabbalat Shabbat drum circle. We are so excited to continue to travel throughout Israel! We will be back with more updates soon.