Yad Vashem & Western Wall

We were warned at the beginning of the day that this was going to be the most intense Birthright day. 

We started at Yad Vashem. 

At Yad Vashem we were led on a guided tour. It was intense - especially the children's memorial. We learned a lot in the 4 hours we were there. 

Next we loaded back up in the bus and drive to lunch in the Old City. I got yummy falafel! There were even 4 flavors of falafel; (Seseeme, Cilantro, Spicy and Orginal) they were all so yummy! It also came with "chips" -- fried potato (SO good!). 

After a late lunch we went to the Jewish Quarter...Old City of Jersusalem, Kotel (Western Wall). Going to the Western Wall was very emotional. We received letters from our parents before we wrote our own notes to place in the wall. It was an amazing experience. 

When we were at the Kotel it was so nice to run into a familiar face; family friend who made Aliyah and serving in the IDF. 

After the Kotel was Mamilla (shopping area) aka expensive American shopping that is cheaper at home. A very close family friend met up with me during our free time/dinner. It was so wonderful to see her! She made Aliyah 10 years ago and used to be our neighbor/babysit us. 

Up next, Tel Aviv and Jaffa! 

- Lexie Sittsamer