Thanks to a productive conversation with the course director, the day started out by sleeping in a bit more than before. We talk less in the sun and the group bond much more. On the way to Galilee, the freeway drive made me realize the separation between all of the country. For miles, a link fence runs across the freeway to stop Non-Israeli, Arab, Palestinians from entering the walls of Israel. We finally left the sight of the fence only by passing through another checkpoint. A guard came onto the bus with his riffle and looked through although I don't know what for. I assume that if he saw something he didn't like, he would request to see a passport. Taking pictures at these rest stops is strictly prohibited and can only cause more problems.
The first detour was to another Heroin Palace called Ceasaria, a city dedicated to Rome. The informational video explained the change from Herod's rule where he improved the city into a flourishing port town with entertainment and lavish accommodations to the hands of the crusaders onto the Christians and then Muslims. This exchange of power over the years is interesting in explaining the countries current state of affairs. Some people claim this land because they have occupied it for so long and others claim it has significant religious importance.
We finally got to Nazareth again after making a stop at Megiddo for lunch. We revisited the Basilica of Annunciation and went inside the church on the second level. Looking at the paintings and interpretations of Mary and the annunciation made me think...all of these people believe in this event and all see the same event in a different way. Each painting is so different yet portrays the same thing. We left the basilica for Holy Family Church again in Raineh.
As a large group this time we met with the youth at the church. Father Samuel explained the discrimination that Arabs living in Palestine face, whether they are Christian or Muslim. Signing your name on the national test (similar to the SAT) as a Jew will earn a person 300 points while signing your name as an Arab will only award students 200 points. This discrimination doesn't seem wrong to most of the Jewish community. Samuel showed us a video called Targeted Citizen. It is attached here. This has changed my view on the nation. Although it is in Arabic and Hebrew it proves a solid point. Watch until the very end. The wealthy Jewish communities have all of the luxuries. Samuel explains that in the small city of Raineh, there are 7 fresh water springs with high quality water. Of those seven right under their feet, the Arab community uses none of them. This water is transported to the wealthy Jewish communities in Nazareth and Raineh has it's water transported from about 15-20 miles away in the Sea of Galilee. After some refreshments (and bottled water), we left the parish for our two night retreat in Pilgerhaus on the Lake Tiberius (aka Sea of Galilee).
Our schedule was rearranged so we could enjoy some swimming in the Lake. This was very refreshing and was much cooler than the Dead Sea. Our group came together and had fun and for me was the highlight of the day. We speed off to dinner and were treated by the group from New York to an evening on a boat in the Sea of Galilee. On this boat, I felt so a peace. I had friends around, my life is going in the right direction and I am happy. It was nice to be able to feel that. I looked at the stars realizing where I am on this planet and that even though I am on the other side of the world, the sky looks the same at night.
Tomorrow is my 18th birthday and I can't wait for what tomorrow's adventures will bring.
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