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What could be better than jamming some Four Year Strong during the hottest days of the summer? That’s right, nothing!

For our new weekly contest we’re giving away Four Year’s three albums, a 7” released for Enemy Of The World, and an Enemy Of The World button pack! Just reblog this post to automatically be entered to win! A winner will be announced next Wednesday.

Almost packed.  definitely exceeded weight limits with both of my bags.  cleaned the bedroom floor, took out a lot of trash. 1 night in the apartment, 1 night in the airport, 1 night in Poughkeepsie. whirlwind.

Yesterday, Wednesday, was Shavuot, celebrating the Jews receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.  Tuesday dinner was spent at a Hadassah women’s home.  She and her husband had both been in Young Judaea for at least 50 years, as the husband did the 2nd ever Year Course. 

Tuesday night, I was wide awake as we all awaited the walk to the Kotel at 4 am.  About 45 min - 1 hour, the streets were filled with people.  We got to the Kotel in time for sunrise, as did a few thousand other people.  It was a struggle getting up to the wall, but we were persistent. 

I was finally asleep by 7, and slept until about 2 pm.

Where to begin.  hot, stinky, and a lot of unfortunate bowel movements.  spices I wasn’t used to, and homeless people grabbing at hands every opportunity they had.  110 degrees weather with humidity, streets lined with impoverished families, and animals roaming the streets.  I saw a snake charmer, a cow stopping traffic, and a police vehicle escorting our bus the entire trip.  i had an amazing time but I truly do not think of going back anytime soon.  maybe once my stomach gets back to normal.

off to India, be back in a week!

This morning I volunteered at Har Herzl, where all of the soldiers and top politicians are buried.  We were there from 9-11, and were told that over 200,000 people come through the gates in just those two opening hours for Israel’s memorial day.  11 am was when the siren sounded, commencing the massive ceremony.  we did not even try to enter the ceremony due to how many people had an actual reason to be there.  the prime minister was present, as well as the president I assume.  we handed out flowers and water, and helped families as they sat by the grave of their relative or friend. 

I connected with one person in particular, the father of Michael Levin, the only American to be killed in the 2nd Lebanon War.  Because of his story, his grave site was easily the most packed.  After a long eye contact with the father, during which he knew i was expressing gratitude, i went up to hand both parents a bouquet of flowers, for which they were very grateful even though they had stock piled flowers upon flowers from all of the visitors.

move ahead to 8 pm, Yom Ha’Zikaron turns into Yom Ha’Atsmaut, independence day. the festivities cover the city, with performances and carnival like booths.  flags are everywhere. barbecue tomorrow, very excited.

Starting tonight and continuing through tomorrow is Yom HaZikaron, memorial day.  it is taken very seriously in Israel.  Many people have stories of family or friends killed in the army or in terrorists attacks. we had a BIG ceremony tonight with all of the programs like ours, with people giving personal stories as well as performances. 

tomorrow, we are going to Har Herzl, the equivalent of Arlington National Cemetery.  We are handing out water, flowers, and an ear to whoever is willing to talk about the grave they are visiting.  It is apparently hectic, especially in the recent soldier sections.

The following day is Yom HaAtzmaut, independence day.  quite a change of mood.

Thursday/Friday we had an all year course overnight.  We went to a Bedouin hospitality site outside of Sde Boker.  Boarded the bus at 6 am, started the hike at 9:45.  1:30 pm, get us the bus to go to the Bedouin site.  Camel rides and interesting food were ahead.  Ori and I named our camel Shellsauce.  Dinner consisted of kebabs, rice, and the delicious Bedouin bread, among other little dishes.  The highlight of the trip was Ori, Alon, Chumi, and I hanging out with the camels around 1 am.  We fed them frosted flakes and tip-toed around them as they slept.  for breakfast I are a lot of pudding.

good tiyul.

India orientation at an Indian restaurant this Friday. Excited.

last night, April 3rd, I sat front row for Jim Gaffigan.  Easily my favorite comedian, I was thrilled to get to see him in Jerusalem.  It was utterly amazing.  Mostly new jokes, with a lot of material about Israel and his trip.  He is here celebrating easter with his family.  he ended with a bit of his hot pocket routine.