We have left Mitzpe Ramon and by evening arrived in Jerusalem – the last destination of the CAARI 2017 Program. Another cold day and as we traveled north the wetter and windier it got. By the time we arrived at the Nabataean city of Ovdat – the incense route between Petra and Gaza – it is very cold! The view and ruins were impressive and so was the wind and cold. Even Neil shortened the tour!
On to the City of Dimona and a visit and tour with the Mayor Benny Biton, Members of the Mayor’s staff welcomed us and gave us a tour of a room dedicated to the 138 soldiers from Dimona that sacrificed their lives. All very moving and emotional. Next, we saw some of the city artifacts that described the conditions the first settlers in this city lived in. The Assistant Mayor, Ariel Lalush, briefed us. He described what changes have been made in the past 3 years. Unbelievable! And then we met Mayor Benny and we understood – his energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and vision were beyond words! A wonderful lunch with the Mayor and his staff followed by a tour of the neighborhoods with Benny. Some of us have been here before and we were surprised at the positive changes that have been made to this development town. Mayor Benny cares about his community!
Thanks to Guy Abu Goz and Shimon Hayun who helped make this visit so sucessful and full of content for the CAARI program! Watch out Bibi Benny is on the way up!
On to Jerusalem!
CAARI 2017
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| Ovdat |
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| Ovdat |
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| Ovdat |
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| Ellie and a Donkey at Ovdat |
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| Yad LeBanim in Dimona pay respect to those that fell from Dimona |
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| Mayor Benn in Middle, to the left vice Mayor Ariel Lalush and on right Nahum Eisenstadt |
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| Mayor of Dimona Hugs Gloria and Elaine 2 CAARI Participants |
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| Rabbi Turgeman Head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Dimona |
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