July 24: How Far We've Come: Eilat (Hannah Safer-Spiro)

July 24, 2013

Blog Author: Hannah Safer-Spiro

After having breakfast with our Israeli families, we arrived to our meeting spot sleepy-eyed and ready to exchange stories of last night's adventures. Our Israeli leaders started the day off with exercises that left us feeling energized and ready for a fun filled day!

We began our day by the steps of the "Umrashrash" - the place where Eilat was conquered with an improvised flag consisting of a blue shirt and ink. There is a beautiful monument commemorating this moment in Israeli history. We separated into small groups around the monument and discussed our personal connections to Israel and how far each of us would go to protect our country. We talked about our experiences with the IDF and the Canadians specifically discussed its portrayal in the media back home. We were all posed with a very difficult question: if it was not mandatory, would you serve? And furthermore, for Canadians, is there any sense of obligation at all? It is these pressing questions that make the Diller Fellows experience so unique. To wrap up the discussion our Eilat-Eilot fellows prepared IDF 'dog tags' for us that proudly say "Diller Teen Fellows Toronto/Eilat-Eilot".

The afternoon was spent exploring the coral reefs and the peculiar inhabitants of the Read Sea - including sharks! Thankfully this exploration was done behind the safety of the glass exhibits at the famous Underwater Observatory. Our energetic guide was excited to unleash the secrets of the local sea including how the Toad Fish changes colours and how corals survive in nature. Moments later we got to witness the shark feeding - a slightly horrific yet unforgettable experience! We also learned about the imminent danger of extinction to the area's turtles and how something as simple as picking up our trash can ensure they don't mistakingly consume our refuse as a fatal meal. 

After a 4-D movie and a delicious Israeli lunch we headed over to the local University of Marine Biology, an institution that provides top opportunities for individuals to study marine life.

We then returned to our homes for a break from the schedule and naturally most of us headed right to the beach! We then all met again for an incredible private beach party on a secluded part of the beach: there was a full moon, music, dancing, lighting, and tons of amazing food that was being prepared by our group on the barbecue. (We must have consumed about 5 tons of hummus...) We danced to both Hebrew and English songs and taught each other some new dance moves.

It truly was another fabulous day in Eilat - full of adventure, smiles, laughter and meaning. 

Thank you Helen Diller for making this all possible.