”Tribute to Israel’ poem by Brina Abrahams with pictures of tour

Tribute to Israel – Trip 3
By Brina Abrahams
We left our home for Israel
An adventure we did seek.
We joined a group called CAARI
Our curiosity they did peak.
There camaraderie and sense of purpose
Was truly what we found.
Together we traversed the land
And walked on holy ground.
While working in Israel’s forests
We helped clear the cherished land.
It  left us with a feeling that..
was absolutely grand. 
We developed an understanding
Of what it took to thrive.
And how much grit and determination it took
For our people to survive.
In schools we saw the children
with bright and smiling faces.
To Israel their families came
From strange exotic places. 
Tel Aviv is such a beautiful city
Bathed in sunshine we walked its’ shores.
It has a uniqueness like not other
This city we really do adore!
Each Shabbat morning
We joined a different group in prayer.
When granted and aliah, Ron felt…
We truly belonged here!
As we traveled from place to place
Each had it own story to tell.
And Neil our trusty guide
Knew the history oh so well.
Susan kept us organized
And counted us off, each and everyday.
Made sure that we found sheritim
And that no one went astray.
Jerusalem, the Holy City
With mosques, churches, and synagogues galore.
The Wall, Museums and Gardens
Did we explore. 
Visits to Gush Etzion and Yad VaShem
Always make me cry.
I don’t think I’ll really understand
Why so many had to die.
And so during this month of February
Throughout Israel did we roam.
We’re grateful to CAARI for the experience
But we’re ready to return to our home!
And so to Israel, my adopted homeland
To visit once again, I yearn.
Until then I’ll wait and pray and dream about
The day when I will return.

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/