TBD Israel Trip 2012: Day 1

Grounds of Ben Gurion University

Mayor of Beersheva Ruvik Danilovich

It is hard to imagine starting our trip any better! The word that sums up the day was- GOOD. Good flights, good food, Goodman family and most important good people. Got the VIP treatment in Beersheva thanks to the vision, support and love of Larry Goodman and his family in helping build the city of Beersheva. Toured Ben Gurion University, where the vision is really to integrate social justice, community outreach and top notch learning to build the Negev and Israel.

Then had the privilege to meet the Mayor of Beersheva who shared his enthusiastic vision for Beersheva and the Negev. He is young, bright and not only a dreamer but a doer.

Goodman Bat-Dor Dancers "Checking Status on Facebook"

I could never imagine being blown away by interpretive dance but at the Goodman Bat-Dor Dance School, that's just what happened. We witnessed a rehearsal and private performance of "Facebook Status" an interpretive dance. Wow! Unreal!

TBDer's in Lakiya Bedouin Tent

On to Lakiya a Bedouin village where through women's embroidery, small steps to culture change and the path to women's rights has begun. It was difficult to hear and see the plight of women stuck in the past but also inspiring to witness their resolute courage to begin changing their future.

Perez/Martinez Family in Beersheva

Ended the day in an extraordinary way by sharing dinner with the whole Martinez/Peretz family. It was great to see them and hear the next chapter in their incredible lives. Stay tuned with pictures to follow. Shalom v'l'hitraot!