When many individuals think of Israel, the word Gaza also comes to mind. Never in a million years would I think I would get within 3 miles from the border to the Gaza Strip. Our day began with all six of us Otzmanikim, Adina (our Partnership 2000 coordinator), and Rafi (who is on the security council for the Sdot Negev Region), packing into Rafi's car. Our first stop was Kibbutz Alumim, which is one of the few kibbutzim whose economy still relies on agriculture. The kibbutz has 140 members and began in 1966 as a settlement town. Once arriving at the Kibbutz, we were given the tour of a day care built to withstand rockets and bombs. How does one move numerous babies in 15 seconds? The strong protective metal mushroom awning is the answer to that question. Next stop on our trip was to Rafi's house. One of Rafi's responsibilities is to collect rockets that land in the Sdot Negev Region. At his home he has transformed some of the qasam rockets into wind chimes and outdoor pieces of art. A beginning of many firsts that would occur today: touching a qasam rocket!
Following this we headed to the border...well as close as one can get without being in the line of fire. We were unable to stop the car for any period of time until we reached the IDF tank where we could look at the view while staying safe. From the border we could see air balloons jacked up with cameras, towers with drone machine guns, and a little bullet-proof digging machine that is constantly on the lookout for tunnels. We could even see the refuge camps were people still reside. UNBELIEVABLE! It was incredible to be standing in beautiful and fruitful agricultural fields, with lots of open space, staring at a tract of land that is the most densely populated urban area in the world and among the most dangerous.
After our quick peek into Gaza, we headed for an impromptu snack in the carrot patch. Talk about straight from the land. We got out of the car and watched the machine pick the carrots from the patch and then drop them at our feet. I also learned that one of the benefits to being a Jewish man is that the clip that keeps your kippah on your head can also serve as a very adequate carrot peeler! The carrots were delicious J Nearby was a nature reserve we got to drive through where we found a turtle, some funky birds, a few red flowers, and the promise that in a month we can go back when the entire area will be covered in red poppies!
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