2023 Israel Study Tour: Day #14

Exploring the Other Sides of Tel Aviv

As the political situation in Israel began to calm down, the students had a packed schedule on their penultimate day in Israel. This day combined a variety of interesting experiences. 

First, the students explored the hip Florentine neighborhood of Tel Aviv on a graffiti tour. They were able to contemplate different facets of the art form as expressed through spray paint on the sides of buildings. At the end of the tour, they were able to practice some spray painting art of their own. 

Next, the students headed to the Children's Museum to participate in the "Invitation to Silence" program. Our guide Vicky led us through a series of exercises and games that forced us to experience life without hearing or speech. Not only did the students leave with a new appreciation for the lives of those without hearing, but they also were forced to rely on their other senses to communicate and react. 

Lunchtime was spent in the bustling Shuk HaCarmel, followed by a visit to the headquarters of BINA: The Jewish Movement for Social Change. There, they had an opportunity to hear the about the struggles and successes of Adam, a refugee from Darfour, Sudan. They also contemplated and discussed the difficult social and political questions surrounding the issue of refugees in Israel. 

To the end the day, the students headed to the Sharona Marketplace for a pizur dinner, snacks, and some time playing in the pleasant Tel Aviv twilight. 

Tomorrow will be our last day in Israel, another packed day before we head to the airport. Our final blog entry will have to wait until we return. It has been an unforgettable experience.