israelscouts:

Israel Photo of the Day: Caravan Pisgah!

In the last two weeks, last year’s group of Caravan Pisgah has been traveling the country performing, having returned to America for a special 2-week Yom HaAtzmaut tour. They performed at community centers, synagogues, and more; got to spend time with old friends from last Summer; and participated in special activities with the new shevet in Philadelphia. What a blast! Here’s just one of many awesome photographs from their time spent here. Can’t wait for this Summer’s new Friendship Caravans to arrive? Let us know!

Photo of the Day: Maurice Sendak

Today we were saddened to hear of the passing of Maurice Sendak, famed children’s author, most notably of Where the Wild Things Are. Sendak was a child of Holocaust survivors, and often drew back on his childhood experiences and Jewish background in his writing. Today we remember Maurice Sendak fondly, and know that his works will always keep his memory alive.

Israel Photo of the Day - Druze Soldiers

The Israel Defense Forces (Tzahal) uploaded this beautiful photo yesterday of a battalion of Israeli Druze soldiers fighting in the IDF. We commend these soldiers, and the Israeli army, for their tireless work in protecting Israel. We are so excited to get our tiny little taste of that experience on Gadna Week on CVK 2012 — only 52 days left!!!!

Shabbat Shalom!

Israel Photo of the Day: Friendship Caravan Atzmaut Tour!

This week, we were graced with the arrival of last Summer’s Caravan Pisgah crew, who are back for 2 weeks of touring the Tri-State area on a tour for Yom Ha’Atzmaut.  So far, Pisgah has been quite a hit, singing classic Israeli folk songs and more! We love Israel, we love Yom HaAtzmaut, and we love Tzofim Friendship Caravan!! What’s your favorite Israeli song? Comment below!

israelscouts:

Israel Photo of the Day: Yom HaZikaron

Tonight we begin to commemorate Yom HaZikaron, Remembrance Day for Fallen Israeli Soldiers and Victims of Terror. This sticker is traditionally handed out at Yom HaZikaron ceremonies in Israel, and depicts the Dam HaMakabim(“Blood of the Maccabees” Flower), found throughout Israel. This flower has come to be the symbol for Yom HaZikaron, as it represents the strength and heroism of the Maccabean warriors (from the story of Chanukah). We wish you a meaningful commemoration of those we have lost and those who have sacrificed for Israel and the Jewish people.

Israel Photo of the Day - Israel Education 

As we prepare for Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day next week, we feature here a photo of CVK-ers visiting the grave of Israel’s first Prime Minister. This photo is a throwback to Chetz v’Keshet 2007, but the fact remains the same: CVK is not only a life-changing, friendship-forming, and all around joyous experience for participants, it is also a key step in educating participants about Israel and Zionism. Here, participants learned about David Ben Gurion and his dream to grow and enrich the Negev, which is why he is buried there. We learn through experience, visiting Ben Gurion’s home, and learning about environmental and agricultural initiatives being cultivated in Southern Israel, an important aspect of Israel today. 

Tonight we commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Israel, this means that at 10 AM, a siren sounds, and everyone stops. For one full minute, the country stops and remembers the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. This video captures the power of that moment - on Rechov Ayalon, the busiest highway in Tel Aviv. Watch how the cars slow to a halt, and drivers step out to silently remember. Try not to get the chills. Never Forget. 

israelscouts:

Israel Photo of the Day - Tekes

Garin Tzabar, Tzofim’s army program for Diaspora Jews who want to serve in the Israeli army, while maintaining and growing a network and family of like-minded peers. This photograph captures Garin Tzabar participants happily celebrating a step forward in their progress; at a tekes, or ceremony, as part of their army service. On breaks from their service, Garin Tzabar participants return home to their host Kibbutz to relax and spend time with their Garin; their community; their friends; their family. 

Israel Photo of the Day - Winner of the CVK Facebook Photo Contest, Tami Eisenreich

Tami wrote:

Hey Tzofim Chetz V’Keshet :). I’m choosing this picture to put up as my favorite picture of Israel since this location was one of my funnest experiences on the trip! This is the border between Israel and Egypt. We got out of Egypt after 200+ years of slavery to come into the beautiful land of Israel and be free ♥. Chag Sameach!

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!