Quote of the Day (as someone looked at the almost 200 Jewish women from the JWRP eating, dancing and singing together at Decks): "This is not just 200 women. Each one is not just a family. Each one is generations and generations to come..."
It's hard to believe, but our biggest group is here, now snug in their beds in Tiberias after a looong journey here and a long day of touring and fun. It all began as the first planes arrived early, at 6:30 am (one hour ahead of schedule). Denver headed to their Federation partner city in Lod, while Toronto, Detroit and Minnesota were off to Metulla. Meanwhile, back at Ben Gurion Airport, Cleveland and St. Louis landed at 12:30 and headed straight to Tiberias to meet the other cities after their tours.
The women were all in great spirits, those here for the first time cried, just for the fact that they somehow merited to be here. For some, they have not been here in 10, 15 or 20 years. And back then they were young, with no thought of responsibilities or learning and passing on values to others. And when you are a mother, so busy with your life back home, the last thing in your life is you. Going to Israel is but a dream. But for so many of them, that dream today came true.
The excitement of almost 200 women coming together at Decks, the outdoor restaurant on the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), was incredible. We almost completely took over the restaurant. During the delicious dinner, the sun set behind the hills of Tiberias, when suddenly a boat arrived close by with torches. The owner of Decks welcomed all of the cities of the JWRP (see video), and the women began to dance (and, yes, cry). That was when we really took over the place!
Hopefully everyone will get a good night's sleep, because tomorrow it is kayaking and Tsfat!
Enjoy the pictures and videos~ (special thanks to Brielle Mayberg and Leah Hytman, our Junior Madrichot and still and video photographers!)
