Day 29 - Lehava - Dean Lewkovitz

Having reunited with the other bus the night before, today started bright and early with a nutritious breakfast filled with Israeli salad, hot pastries and a dog that liked to run around the dining hall.

Our IST journey has followed Israel chronologically through time, with recent days having a focus on the establishment of modern Israel. Our first stop of the day was at Shvil HaSalat - the Salad Trail. Based on a Kibbutz in southern Israel, we learnt about the techniques used by Israeli farmers to grow crops in the desert, by revolutionising farming strategies. We tasted Cherry Tomatoes, cucumbers and delicious Strawberries, before releasing pigeons demonstrating their amazing skills used for Pigeon mail. Would you believe 35 Moriah students willingly held a bird??

A short bus ride later, we were in the Anzac Museum in Be’er Sheva. Our tour guide, Colin, gave us a fascinating insight into the story that led ANZAC soldiers into Egypt, and their battle to conquer Gaza. We learnt about war strategies, camaraderie and mateship, between man and his fellow soldiers; and between man and his horse. The museum highlighted the importance of horses for the ANZAC soldiers, with many ANZACs developing a strong connection to their steeds. Hearing the harrowing story of the victories and failures by the ANZACs and allied forces. We got to watch a short film detailing the ANZACs journey from Perth to Gaza, and the bravery shown by the soldiers in the Light Horse Brigade. Witnessing yet another Israeli technological marvel, we soon discovered the entire movie theatre was an elevator! We exited on the top level of the museum, where we could overlook the cemetery of the soldiers who gave their lives in the war.

Having learnt how both Israelis and Australians managed to survive in the desert, Lehava was then treated to what was the highlight for some people: a trip to the mall. Having stocked up on the essentials (Kosher Cheetos, overpriced water bottles and, of course, an Aroma Iced Coffee) we headed back to Nes Harim to finish an inspiring day of learning and experience.

Later that evening, we had a guest speaker (NAME REDACTED), who played a key role in the invention of Mobileye. (NAME REDACTED) shared his story of Jewish and spiritual growth, while building a multi-billion dollar tech company. His story inspired us to create, giving us his outlook on entrepreneurship.

Today was a day full of education and experience. We learned about Israelis growing delicious food from the desert, and Australians in Be’er Sheva in World War 1. The lessons we learnt today will carry us as we go back to Australia, and hopefully will enrich our lives for the better.

Dean Lewkovitz