It's hard for me to comprehend that another week has already come and gone. I am learning through my time here that you must grasp every moment of the day and live it to it's fullest or you will miss out on so much the world has to offer.
So this past week I have been doing just that and enjoying my free time in Israel before school begins. Shanee and I have especially enjoyed some girl time exploring different malls and shopping centers in Herzliya and Tel Aviv (sorry, Dad). It has been a bit challenging figuring out public transportation here, but it will come with time. For us girls, it was very important for us to find our way to the Azrieli Center in TLV, where the first Forever 21 opened in Israel last summer. The center is the largest shopping center in TLV. It was fun to walk around and see so many Israeli's and visitors, especially because of the holidays.
I really like Tel Aviv. It reminds me of New York, but to me it has so much more character and history. Like most of Israel, there is so much diversity just within TA. Yesterday we went to the Shuk Ha Carmel. The shuks in Israel are a fun place to explore, with all the vendors and flavors of the country. The shuk is also a great place to find amazing deals on clothes, produce, and meats. Unfortunately we couldn't buy too much but we will definitely return to buy more.
I have also been enjoying the free time going to the beautiful beaches in Herzliya, which are much more quiet than in Tel Aviv. Until now, I have never spent time on the beach, but it is something I can definitely get used to doing. This Shabbat I went with Shanee to her families kibbutz. Kibbutz Gash is a really nice kibbutz next to Herzliya. It is nice to see how happy people are on the kibbutz, much different than life in America which also seems to be wanting more and more and not appreciating what you have. Family is so important to them, which is something I am learning is crucial to never forget. Today I saw my friend Evan, who made Aliyah almost two years ago and is now in the army. It was really inspiring to see him in his uniform serving our homeland. I have so much respect for the Israel Defense Force, and especially for those soldiers who come from abroad to serve and protect Israel.
While I have one more week to enjoy my time here before school begins(and celebrate my first birthday in Israel this week!), I also want to mention what has been happening on Israel's front. If I had no access to Internet and the news I would have no idea there were any external threats towards Israel. Sadly, there are many threats facing Israel all the time. Just yesterday, the amazing Israel Air Force shot down a drone that infiltrated Israeli airspace. Defense officials are estimating the drone is linked to Hezbollah and the Shiite terror group, starting in Lebanon and possibly headed towards Israel's nuclear reactor center, Dimona. Operating a drone by remote control requires capabilities Israel was not aware Hezbollah had acquired. We are all very fortunate nothing bad came from this event, but it shows that the future is very unstable with the potentials of Israel's enemies. And not only in Israel, has there been recent attacks. Europe is continuing to be unstable as Jewish sites in France are being attacked. I could write so much more on the many conflicts facing Israel and the rest of the world, but my blog is meant to show my life here in Israel and how different it is than what you see on the news, but it is so important for everyone to be aware of the threats not only facing Israel, but western societies. Until next time, thanks again for reading and Chag Sameach!
Love,
Hannah Yael
Carmel Shuk-Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Herzliya beach
Azrieli Center-Tel Aviv
Kibbutz Gash
View from the Kibbutz
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