They began with a photography workshop conducted by Harel Stentin at which they were asked to take a photograph that would illustrate what Israel means to them. They then set out for the environs of the Sea of Galilee where they took pictures of landscapes, people, trees, flowers, and, of course, the Kinneret itself. The results represented different aspects of Israel as seen through the camera lens: strength, forward movement, uncertainty, difference, etc.
From sight they moved on to hearing, with a music workshop at which the participants played, sang and put together a performance of Don’t Worry, Be Happy that would not have shamed a professional studio. The sense of touch found expression in a dance and movement workshop during which the participants loosened up a bit, stepped outside their boundaries and made contact with other members of the group through movement, dance, wild leaps and even reciprocal massages.
“Workshops like this one give us lots of creative ideas for activities that we can repeat in the classroom with our pupils,” said Ilana Hollander of Toronto, Canada, who teaches Hebrew to preschoolers.
After the workshops were over, it was time to set out to explore the Golan Heights by jeep. As they traversed the magnificent natural landscapes, the delegates learned something of the history and battle heritage of the area. They climbed to the top of Mount Bental, a dormant volcano in the northern Golan that reaches a height of almost 1,200 meters above sea level.
From the top of the hill they had a clear view of the surrounding communities and fields that, prior to the Six-Day War, had suffered constant bombardment from the Syrian side of the border. They also learned about the Battle of the Vale of Tears (Emek HaBakha) during the Yom Kippur War, in which Israeli tanks blocked the Syrian military advance.
The delegates’ route led them all eventually to Ancient Katzrin Park, which transports visitors back in time to the period of the Mishnah and Talmud. This historical site includes an ancient synagogue, a residential area and an olive press. The delegates donned clothes appropriate to the historical era they were visiting and took part in a music workshop and a workshop on the distillation of whisky.
“Travelling together with people who share your passion for Israel and strive to bring the Israeli spirit to the rest of the world is an experience of profound significance,” said Shauna Small, who teaches at a public school in Toronto. “Everyone, no matter what their religion, can learn a great deal from the wonderful things that happen here.