8th Grade Israel Trip 2025: Day 2

This morning, on Thursday, April 24, we had an eventful first few minutes, with false fire alarms at 6:30 and 7:00. After a yummy breakfast of shakshuka and eggs, we headed out onto the rooftop for Tefillah for special prayers in honor of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. 

Then we drove to south Tel Aviv, where Hausner and Wornick split into two groups to alternate between working at “Citrus and Salt", an organization that provides food for families with parents in the IDF, and going on a graffiti tour of a local neighborhood. Hausner cut cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, grapes, peppers and more for amazing salads that were later boxed and sent to the families. At exactly 10:00 am we stood for the two-minute siren, which happens every Yom HaShoah to honor all those who suffered and perished in the Holocaust. After our volunteering session, we went on the graffiti tour to see street art of the heroes of Oct. 7 and to admire the less touristy side of Tel Aviv. 

Lunch today was at the Lavinsky Market, where we ate Sabich, Shawarma, Falafel and pita, Asian bowls, and more. We then went to Ariel Sharon Eco Park to learn about how Israeli innovators and scientists transformed a mountain of trash into a beautiful park and nature grounds. We then hung out in the grassy fields at the entrance to the park, waiting for the students of Contra Costa Jewish Day School to join us, where we played soccer, chatted, and drank lots of water. Then, when CCJDS arrived, we went to HaYarkon, where we played icebreaker games and bonded with the kids from CCJDS. We then went to Sarona Market, where we met family and friends, ate yummy foods like Schnitzel and fries and Asian bowls, and hung out on the playground. 

Finally, we went back to the hotel to pack up our suitcases and prepare to leave Tel Aviv and continue our tour of Israel. We’re excited to see what lies in store for tomorrow!