Israel Diary

Day 1
It is difficult to describe the level of anticipation of the Metropolitan College of New York MPA students headed to Israel. The group, exhausted by the frantic preparations for the trip, as well as the uncanny phenomenon of transcending time zones, begins to awaken as Tel Aviv awakens. As eyes open and spotted chatter spreads across the group, there is a notable shift in mood, this long awaited excursion is beginning. For most of us, it is the first trip to Israel. There is much to learn about a nation who knows emergencies and disasters all too intimately.

Day 1
It is difficult to describe the level of anticipation of the Metropolitan College of New York MPA students headed to Israel. The group, exhausted by the frantic preparations for the trip, as well as the uncanny phenomenon of transcending time zones, begins to awaken as Tel Aviv awakens. As eyes open and spotted chatter spreads across the group, there is a notable shift in mood, this long awaited excursion is beginning. For most of us, it is the first trip to Israel. There is much to learn about a nation who knows emergencies and disasters all too intimately.

Day 2
As we traveled to Day One of our classes, we zipped by miles of arid, open earth, punctuated by fertile green patches of olive and orange trees. We drove past young men and women sporting modern haircuts and sunglasses, distinguished from NYC youth only by their camel-colored military outfits and large rifles. As we sat in a small conference room, we were lectured by world-class experts in the field. The severity and details of the matters they discussed were sharply accentuated by the sound of guns firing and the roar of low-hanging fighter planes flying directly over us. At times, the sounds dominated the lecture, causing the speakers to raise their voices or pause. The effect was a shift in attention from theoretical discourse to that of a bitter reality of the state of affairs. Being in this environment is sobering; the task of emergency management is as daunting as it is necessary.

Day 2
As we traveled to Day One of our classes, we zipped by miles of arid, open earth, punctuated by fertile green patches of olive and orange trees. We drove past young men and women sporting modern haircuts and sunglasses, distinguished from NYC youth only by their camel-colored military outfits and large rifles. As we sat in a small conference room, we were lectured by world-class experts in the field. The severity and details of the matters they discussed were sharply accentuated by the sound of guns firing and the roar of low-hanging fighter planes flying directly over us. At times, the sounds dominated the lecture, causing the speakers to raise their voices or pause. The effect was a shift in attention from theoretical discourse to that of a bitter reality of the state of affairs. Being in this environment is sobering; the task of emergency management is as daunting as it is necessary.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
We had another action-packed lineup today. After going through another battery of activities surrounding hospital terror response, we traveled to Hulon, where we observed a full-scale exercise drill conducted by Volson Hospital, measuring hospital response to a radiological explosion. After lunch, we observed a simulation of bus bombing response, shooting range practice, and a form of close combat martial art – Krav Maga. The opportunity to observe combat training once again, ripped us from the neatly packaged power-point presentation to face the life-and-death reality of urban warfare.

Day 3
In the morning, we began a series of lectures highlighting hazardous material response protocols. Before lunch, we would listen to two more lectures - one pertaining to municipal level disaster response, and the other pertaining to earthquakes. For lunch, we traveled to the Kibbutz once again where we ate quickly. Shortly thereafter, we were whisked again to the IMI Academy. The afternoon presented another sequence of lectures on the media's role in response to national disasters, as well as more in-depth training in emergency management.

Day 3
In the morning, we began a series of lectures highlighting hazardous material response protocols. Before lunch, we would listen to two more lectures - one pertaining to municipal level disaster response, and the other pertaining to earthquakes. For lunch, we traveled to the Kibbutz once again where we ate quickly. Shortly thereafter, we were whisked again to the IMI Academy. The afternoon presented another sequence of lectures on the media's role in response to national disasters, as well as more in-depth training in emergency management.

Day 4
In the morning, we began a series of lectures highlighting hazardous material response protocols. Before lunch, we would listen to two more lectures - one pertaining to municipal level disaster response, and the other pertaining to earthquakes. For lunch, we traveled to the Kibbutz once again where we ate quickly. Shortly thereafter, we were whisked again to the IMI Academy. The afternoon presented another sequence of lectures on the media's role in response to national disasters, as well as more in-depth training in emergency management.

Day 4
In the morning, we began a series of lectures highlighting hazardous material response protocols. Before lunch, we would listen to two more lectures - one pertaining to municipal level disaster response, and the other pertaining to earthquakes. For lunch, we traveled to the Kibbutz once again where we ate quickly. Shortly thereafter, we were whisked again to the IMI Academy. The afternoon presented another sequence of lectures on the media's role in response to national disasters, as well as more in-depth training in emergency management.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 5
The morning lectures at the IMI Academy focused on natural disasters preparedness. Then, after lunch, we headed to the Jerusalem Municipal Control Center/Police Headquarters where we were given an in-depth tour of the surveillance systems. In the early evening, our bus climbed more mountains until we stopped at a breathtaking rest area. In the distance, the mountains rose majestically in front of the Jordan River. The incredible view distracted me from the rescue equipment set up in the middle of the area. We were introduced to the volunteers from the Desert Rescue Unit from Hebrew University who had graciously agreed to stay beyond their workday to speak to us. As we tested the rappelling equipment and listened to their rescue capacities we got a first hand experience of the broadness of the areas these dedicated individuals covered. As we left the serene vision, we dozed off in the bus, preparing to re-visit Jerusalem the next day.

Day 6
We very much looked forward to this Friday and Saturday after a fruitful but exhausting week. We would finally have a chance to decompress a little and see the sites. The touring was very structured, but in retrospect had it not been, we wouldn’t have covered nearly as much ground. We visited the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Jordan River where we saw the remains of St. Peter’s home and the area believed to be the site of Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It seems that no place in Israel has been forgotten by history. The present is seamlessly woven into the past and future - it is an eerie experience of time.

Day 6
We very much looked forward to this Friday and Saturday after a fruitful but exhausting week. We would finally have a chance to decompress a little and see the sites. The touring was very structured, but in retrospect had it not been, we wouldn’t have covered nearly as much ground. We visited the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Jordan River where we saw the remains of St. Peter’s home and the area believed to be the site of Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It seems that no place in Israel has been forgotten by history. The present is seamlessly woven into the past and future - it is an eerie experience of time.

Day 6
We very much looked forward to this Friday and Saturday after a fruitful but exhausting week. We would finally have a chance to decompress a little and see the sites. The touring was very structured, but in retrospect had it not been, we wouldn’t have covered nearly as much ground. We visited the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Jordan River where we saw the remains of St. Peter’s home and the area believed to be the site of Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It seems that no place in Israel has been forgotten by history. The present is seamlessly woven into the past and future - it is an eerie experience of time.

Day 7
I had personally anticipated the visit to the Dead Sea with tremendous excitement. The opportunity to bathe in the lowest point on earth, at 417 meters below sea level – a place so low that the harmful ultraviolet rays do not reach it - was nothing less than thrilling! The salt content of this sea (ten times that of the Mediterranean Sea) is so concentrated that even those with the most decisive intentions to sink and drown in it can’t. The experience at the Dead Sea was blissful. That night, dinner would come with a special celebration of MCNY’s President, Mr. Stephen Greenwald’s arrival. In offering a toast, he thanked and commended IMI for having made the training possible.

Day 7
I had personally anticipated the visit to the Dead Sea with tremendous excitement. The opportunity to bathe in the lowest point on earth, at 417 meters below sea level – a place so low that the harmful ultraviolet rays do not reach it - was nothing less than thrilling! The salt content of this sea (ten times that of the Mediterranean Sea) is so concentrated that even those with the most decisive intentions to sink and drown in it can’t. The experience at the Dead Sea was blissful. That night, dinner would come with a special celebration of MCNY’s President, Mr. Stephen Greenwald’s arrival. In offering a toast, he thanked and commended IMI for having made the training possible.

Day 7
I had personally anticipated the visit to the Dead Sea with tremendous excitement. The opportunity to bathe in the lowest point on earth, at 417 meters below sea level – a place so low that the harmful ultraviolet rays do not reach it - was nothing less than thrilling! The salt content of this sea (ten times that of the Mediterranean Sea) is so concentrated that even those with the most decisive intentions to sink and drown in it can’t. The experience at the Dead Sea was blissful. That night, dinner would come with a special celebration of MCNY’s President, Mr. Stephen Greenwald’s arrival. In offering a toast, he thanked and commended IMI for having made the training possible.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 8
It was admittedly difficult to get back into an academic mode after our visit to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but our tight itinerary kept us focused. In the morning, we traveled to the IMI Academy for our first lecture on Home Front Command organization and policy. We then traveled to Rescue School Number 16 where we learned about search and rescue organization and equipment. After a delicious lunch, we visited the National Fire Fighter’s Control Center. Interestingly enough, the group seemed to muster up enough energy for our visit to the modern city of Tel Aviv. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that we would have our lecture pertaining to the Gulf War events from the Azreily Towers - one of the most stunning views of the city. Or, perhaps the surge of energy might have resulted from the prospect of watching the highly anticipated Macabi basketball game. Judging from our cheers, with President Greenwald being among the most vocal, you would think that the Knicks had actually won (unlikely as that may be). We scrambled back to the bus wearing shopping bags, smiles, and fatigue.

Day 9
This day would be our last full day of instruction. The morning lectures focused on biological and chemical incidents, as well as the issue of dealing with destruction sites. We then attended two more lectures summing up lessons learned from attacks in Israel, as well as the implications such attacks hold for the national economy. The concluding panel discussion presented us with the opportunity to exchange some final thoughts with representatives from the Home Front Command, the Israel Police, Magen David Adom, the Health Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Anti-Terrorism Advisor. The organizers of the seminar requested our feedback on the quality of the training and the resounding response was that the experience was outstanding.

Day 10
We leave Israel today. We had free time until noon, followed by lunch with a lecture by the Anti-Terrorism advisor of the Prime Minister’s Office. His quiet, grave, down-to-earth manner (characteristic of many of the other speakers) conveyed the reality surrounding terrorism with a surprisingly apolitical, candid and authentically sensitive delivery. The thought-provoking lecture was followed by the closing ceremony and the distribution of our certificates. We ate our last dinner on Israeli soil (at least for this trip) and began streaming into the lobby to check out. Maybe it was exhaustion, or perhaps people were digesting the events that had transpired in our 11 days in Israel; the mood was once again subdued and pensive. Each person that went on the trip brought home a personal version of the Israel experience. And each one of us left something behind in that ancient land. The experience will not be forgotten.

Day 10
We leave Israel today. We had free time until noon, followed by lunch with a lecture by the Anti-Terrorism advisor of the Prime Minister’s Office. His quiet, grave, down-to-earth manner (characteristic of many of the other speakers) conveyed the reality surrounding terrorism with a surprisingly apolitical, candid and authentically sensitive delivery. The thought-provoking lecture was followed by the closing ceremony and the distribution of our certificates. We ate our last dinner on Israeli soil (at least for this trip) and began streaming into the lobby to check out. Maybe it was exhaustion, or perhaps people were digesting the events that had transpired in our 11 days in Israel; the mood was once again subdued and pensive. Each person that went on the trip brought home a personal version of the Israel experience. And each one of us left something behind in that ancient land. The experience will not be forgotten.

Day 10
We leave Israel today. We had free time until noon, followed by lunch with a lecture by the Anti-Terrorism advisor of the Prime Minister’s Office. His quiet, grave, down-to-earth manner (characteristic of many of the other speakers) conveyed the reality surrounding terrorism with a surprisingly apolitical, candid and authentically sensitive delivery. The thought-provoking lecture was followed by the closing ceremony and the distribution of our certificates. We ate our last dinner on Israeli soil (at least for this trip) and began streaming into the lobby to check out. Maybe it was exhaustion, or perhaps people were digesting the events that had transpired in our 11 days in Israel; the mood was once again subdued and pensive. Each person that went on the trip brought home a personal version of the Israel experience. And each one of us left something behind in that ancient land. The experience will not be forgotten.

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Day 9
This day would be our last full day of instruction. The morning lectures focused on biological and chemical incidents, as well as the issue of dealing with destruction sites. We then attended two more lectures summing up lessons learned from attacks in Israel, as well as the implications such attacks hold for the national economy. The concluding panel discussion presented us with the opportunity to exchange some final thoughts with representatives from the Home Front Command, the Israel Police, Magen David Adom, the Health Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Anti-Terrorism Advisor. The organizers of the seminar requested our feedback on the quality of the training and the resounding response was that the experience was outstanding.