Mifgash is an encounter … in our case an encounter when teens from the United States come together with teens from Israel.

It all happened on February 14, when the teenagers from the states of Delaware and New Jersey were paired up with the youth from Arad through Partnership 2000 project.

I met a girl named Lior and a boy named Boris. We talked about movies, music, fun place, and cell phones.

First, we met the Arad counterparts on a kibbutz. Both groups together went on a bus tour of the kibbutz. We saw the homes, sports fields, and animals on the kibbutz. Then, the bus went to the Ayalon Institute. The Ayalon Institute was the site of the Haganah's secret gun and bullet making workshop. While we toured the area, my new Israeli friends and I were laughing and getting to know each other.

The next attraction we visited was the Weizmann Institute, a science park. There were many activities here. Everyone was spinning or running on one thing or another. Then, it was time to leave.

We exchanged gifts and said our good byes. It was sad to see Boris and Lior leave, but I'm looking forward to hosting some teens from Arad in April when the Arad youth string assemble will tour and perform in Delaware. Hopefully, I'll see them then.

Shalom ,
Robyn

Adar Bet 5760 - March 2000