Zaharia – our bus driver

February 12 – It is hard to believe that our 4 weeks of community service work is over and we are beginning the last 2 weeks of the CAARI 2017 Program.  Each of us was thanked for coming to Israel and told how much we were appreciated and the difference we made.  We too felt tremendous appreciation for our time in schools, the rehab center and botanical gardens. We worked in JNF forests, trimming trees, building walls, and cleaning up picnic areas.  We picked tons of fruit for the needy, enjoyed tours of special places and heard from interesting speakers!  It was truly a special time for us.  

After lunch, we loaded the bus, said l’hitriot (goodbye)  to our City Hotel family, and began our journey south to Mitzpe Ramon.  We hope  that we won’t be getting the rain that is expected in Tel Aviv and most of the country the coming days.  We stopped at the JNF Beersheva River Park to view the new Amphitheater and of course, use the rest rooms. Many of us had not been in Beershva for many years and were amazed at the changes that have taken place.

The wind was unbelievable and the temperatures were dropping – so back on the bus.
We arrived at our hotel, Ramon Inn, around 6:00 PM just in time for a lovely dinner and much needed sleep!  Tomorrow is a busy day.

CAARI 2017

The Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel, CAARI, offers active seniors a unique opportunity to experience Israel. The program is designed to explore the biblical landscapes, follow the footsteps of the early pioneers, and envision the future of our Homeland. The CAARI Program includes community service, toursa speakers forum and the camaraderie of the CAARI Family. The Program is designed for to feel, touch, hear and see Israel from the mountains to the desert, from sea to sea, and from ancient to modern.

Contact Us at: [email protected]
Facebook: https://facebook.com/CAARI-Volunteers

Links: Jewish National Fund USA : https://www.jnf.org/