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Remembering Israeli heroes
We've also seen the Gadot Lookout at Golan Heights where they erected a monument for the soldiers who died when they
fought the Syrians, the Egyptians and Jordanians. Our guide, Boaz, informed us that their sons had a sort of revenge and during
a 6-day war they triple the territory of Israel, acquiring the Golan Heights in the process.
Trees in Israel
...the story of the oak trees
Boaz, our genial guide,
said that during the exile of the Jews from the land of Israel, before Israel became a nation, the land belong to nobody that
no one cares, it belong to everybody so everyone just take what they needed from the land without taking care of it, thus
there was not a single tree on sight because the people who came took out all the oak trees that were planted when the Jews
was still occupying it. When Israel
became a nation as the home for Jewish people, however, the Jewish people started to plant oak trees again, thus, nowadays,
oak trees can be seen once more in Israel. Oak trees were
planted by the Jews because it is a strong tree that grows deep in the soil before it grows outwards towards the light of
the sun.
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| Posing amidst the mustard plants |
Amicable Boaz encouraged us to eat the leaves of
mustard plant which we saw in abundance during our trip to Golan Heights.
...the helpful eucalyptus trees
Boaz also said that before the Jews thought of digging
canals to get rid of the torpid water from the land of Israel, they thought of planting eucalyptus trees because these trees
took a lot of water in order to grow, however, the eucalyptus trees didnt eliminate the disease causing water, so they had
to think of an alternative idea to get out the water from their land.
While we were traversing the Golan Heights, Boaz also
told us that eucalyptus trees were also made used of by a loyal Arab Jew spy who served as a high ranking official in the
Syrian Army, he advised those under him to plant eucalyptus trees in every camp to provide shade to the tired soldiers but
because of the enormous height of these trees the Jewish army easily spotted the enemys camp resulting to an easy victory.
...the mark of olive trees
Good-natured Boaz also explained that the olive trees
were planted by Arabs in Israel
to mark their property because since olive trees lives for a long, long time, they could claim ownership by the sight of these
trees.
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The MASHAV - MCTC Experience
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Historical Trips
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Want to learn about the highlights of the training? Please read on.
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Revisiting Mary's Past
We would never forget the wonderful trip to Nazareth on March 6, 2004. We started our tour at Mary's Well,
where Mary fetched her water in their time. Then we walked to the Church of Anunciation, also known as St. Gabriel's Church,
where the angel Gabriel informed Mary of the forthcoming birth of Jesus according to the Greek Orthodox. From there we passed
along part of the market on our way to the Basilica of the Annunciation where Mary had her news of her impending pregnancy
from the Angel Gabriel, this time, according to the Catholic faith. It's nice to find the portrait of the Madonna and child
by Filipino artists in the wall almost near the gate. Most of the countries had their own version or portrait of the Madonna
and Child that we participants had our picture taken below the portraits from our respective countries.
Visiting The Yardenit
After we got our bottles full of water, we rolled off our pants, took off our socks and shoes and immersed our legs in
the water of Yardenit, the place of baptism. Our affable guide, Boaz, said that since all are feet are submerged on that holy
water, let's all try to tread on a righteous path.
The Shrinking Sea of Galilee
Ive learned that the water level of the Sea of Galiliee is decreasing yearly
since all of Israels water came from this so small but so
important body of water. Israelis uses electricity to pump the water all over the country. They are thinking of using water
from the Jordan river but sadly part of it is in enemys hands
so it just isnt feasible at present.
Enjoying the Song of Rachel
Our Charming guide, Boaz was sweetly persuaded by our group to sing the poignant
but beautiful song of Rachel to us while leaving the Galilee. He further informed us that the composer, Rachel, dedicated the song to her unborn
child, and it was also the song that was sang by the wife of the Israeli astronaut who tried to launch a rocket or something
into outer space while he is up in the air.
It was a enjoyable trip, being exposed to that good fresh air made most of us feel hunger pangs so we consumed
our snacks early despite Brachas admonition that we should reserve some for the return trip.
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Retracing the Footsteps Of Jesus
From there we went to St. Joseph's Church where you can find on the lower level of the house where Jesus' family lived
in Nazareth back then. Actually we entered through the lower level first, so we've seen the house where Joseph raised
her family first before we went up through the stairs and seen the pews and the Roman influenced architecture particularly
the pillars inside the St. Joseph church.
We also went to the Capernaum, where we've seen the ruined synagogue. I feel sad that the Jews had to kill each other
and destroy their temple in the process. Boaz, our amicable tour guide mentioned about the Essenes being a peace loving
people who opted to go to the desserts rather than take part in the conflict with their fellow Jews.
We also went to the Mount of Beatitude where Jesus had his speech infront of a large numbers of His followers and said
"Blessed are the poor....". You can find it in Mathew 5:5, I think. It's a lovely place and I also had my picture taken there
although it's also a Catholic Church. Christians erected a church along the places where Jesus lived, stayed or went to. It's
a good thing I think because people know where it actually happened back then.
We also went to the Tabgha, where the miracle of the bread and grapes (bread and fish to the present day Christians because
of their forged bible) happened. There was a church called the Heptapegon Church there, and when you enter the inner courtyard,
before you enter the church, you can find the History of Seven Springs written in marble. They had an outer courtyard
where I had my picture taken atop some big rocks. I chose that nice spot because I can see the vegetation around me.
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