Hello from Tel Aviv!

Last night twenty-three women from all over the US gathered in Tel Aviv. We started our journey from Minneapolis, Palo Alto, Gainesville, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston, NYC, and other assorted cities.  We traveled on different airlines and all arrived safely. Some were new faces but within an hour we knew we'd all be friends (that's sisterhood- the immediate connection!).

ARZA Travel representatives met us at the airport, accompanying us on the bus to the David Intercontinental Hotel.  On the bus we learned which issues are foremost on Israeli minds: leadership, war, and celebrating current festivals with concerts featuring the likes of John Lennon's son. We learned that northern Tel Aviv residents are called "drummies" and southerners are called "safonnies" (forgive the spelling).

Last evening, despite all that travel, we had a delightful dinner followed by a conversation with Ha'aretz senior writer Lily Galilee. Lily commented, "We're always in a crisis. Today is different and we are in a country we've never experienced. Israel has had bigger wars and more dangers, but we've always taken care of our people; this was different. The government deserted too many people." (She was referring to the recent war with Lebanon.)

We talked about the hostages (are they still alive?), we talked about the 600,000 kids living in poverty, and we talked about hope (don't Israelis ultimately have hope?).

Today is a busy day when we visit two different programs we support.  More later!

Love from Israel,

Rosanne

On to report two