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Breakfast was a delight. It included fresh vegetables and smoked fish, which for me, was an added treat. After breakfast, we headed south of Haifa to visit with the 77 acre campus of the Yemin Orde Youth Village which houses more than 500 children who include orphans and immigrants from around the world. There are more than 20 children dormitories (homes) located on campus. High school instruction has a curriculum that includes very advanced technology for which it was noted that the children recently received international honors and recognition in this area. The Center is very well structured and is used to serve as a model institution for others interested in setting up such a facility. We had the honor of taking part in a Holocaust Memorial Day Observance with the youth. Upon assembling in the gymnasium, we all stood very still, and each of us had an opportunity to reflect, as did everyone in Israel as it is a tradition to paused and stand completely still while sirens 'sound in commemoration of the Shoah.'
After saying our good-by to the children and staff of the Village, we headed to the port city of Akko or Acre which is a blend of an old and new city surrounded by walls. The city represents a very delicate coexistence between the Jewish and Arabs neighbors. We had lunch in an outdoor market area and proceeded to visit a Holy site and a very, very old facility whose occupied conquerors included the Crusaders, the Turks and Napoleon. The facility also once served as a hospital, prison and a mental institution. The high point of our tour of this facility included a very challenging walk through a very, very, very, long and narrow 'escape tunnel' and a dramatic presentation of what life was like in 'the bath house.'
Our last stop in Akko – before having group dinner at the Bread and Fish Restaurant on the Mediterranean Sea (and discussing some of the highly complex issues of Israel) – was at the Sir Charles Clore Jewish-Arab Community Center. There we were met by the Director and his staff. The Director shared with us 'His Story' which was very powerful and moving. The Director's story (and how through his own life experiences reinforced his 'commitment to helping others') brought tears to many of our eyes. I feel that 'His Story' made each of us feel the importance of reaching out and helping our brothers and sisters and the significance of 'giving back.' The director of the Charles Clore Jewish-Arab Community Center as well as a female speaker we met during dinner have both dedicated their lives to helping others.
What a Great Day!
Tomorrow? Northern Borders: Fear, Conflict, Security and Safety.