On Friday, the Wildcats woke up refreshed and ready to explore more of Israel after a solid night of sleep in Jerusalem. The morning began with another excellent breakfast buffet with something for everyone.
Up first on the day's itinerary was traveling to the city of Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to be the biblical birthplace of Jesus. The birthplace is in a grotto under the church that was built in the sixth century and is marked by a silver star on the ground. Each member of the travel party was able to touch the star and pay their respects and also observe the location where many believe the manger that Jesus was placed in is located. The Church of the Nativity shares Manger Square with the Church of St. Catherine as well as the 1860 Mosque of Omar.
Bethlehem is a Palestinian city with a population of over 30,000 and is approximately 10 kilometers from Jerusalem. In order to get from Jerusalem to the West Bank, the travel party had to cross a heavily guarded check point due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
After making a stop for a few local souvenirs, the travel party was invited into the home of the tour guide, Kamal, for a homemade Palestinian lunch. The flavorful meal consisted of homemade olive oil and hummus, beets, cucumber salad, red cabbage, white cabbage, roasted vegetables with lamb & beef meatballs, rice, watermelon and finished off with tea. Kamal's family made more than enough food for all and everyone left with a full stomach.
A tour of Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust Remembrance Center wrapped up the afternoon. The powerful visit included a guided tour inside the center, where the goal is to lead the documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust. Each and every person that visits the center can't help but to be moved by the power of the visuals presented. The stated mission of Yad Vashem is to communicate to today's younger generation about what happed to the Jewish people in the 1930s and 1940s, and judging by the reactions and silence of those in the travel party during the 60-minute tour, it's safe to say the message was received.
Following a brief team building exercise, and with it being sundown on a Friday, it was time to begin the Jewish day of rest known as Shabbat. During Shabbat, which runs for 25 hours from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, most stores and offices are closed so people can spend time with their family and friends. Many people do not use electronics, drive their car or cook during Shabbat and spend time at a local synagogue. While they do not cook during Shabbat, the Jewish people do cook a large meal prior to the start of Shabbat and the travel party was treated to an extravagant dinner along with traditional Jewish songs and prayers.
The group has another day of activities and practice planned for Saturday in Jerusalem before playing the Israel Select team on Monday, Aug. 14.
Be sure to follow the Wildcats on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or online at arizonawildcats.com/SummerTour for the most up-to-date content from the trip including how to watch each of the three scheduled games.
