Dianna Lamb

I had the privilege of visiting Israel with Tani for two weeks this past November, 2011 and had the most incredible time. I had been to Israel with a tour group four years ago and saw amazing and historical sites but my time with Tani was both very poignant and personal. On my first tour, I really didn’t have the opportunity to connect with the Israeli people or to hear their stories about what life is like in Israel. I wasn’t able to relax in an outdoor café and take in the cadence of Israeli life or walk along the beach in Tel Aviv/Yafo enjoying the exquisite Mediterranean at sunset.

My trip with Tani allowed me access to sights, sounds, food, and the Israeli people that simply is not possible on a large guided tour. I was able to visit the often besieged town of Sderot, which borders the Gaza strip and hear the stories of the people who have charge of the town’s safety and security. I saw numerous bomb shelters throughout the town and a playground with brightly painted tunnels that were actually bomb shelters so children have a place to quickly hide due to Gaza’s insatiable need to terrorize their Israeli neighbors. I heard and saw things completely contrary to what comes out of a media that is often more concerned about making Israel look bad than reporting the truth. I also saw a town that is beautiful, artistic and thriving with the will to rebuild what gets destroyed and the hope that someday peace will come to them.

Tani took me to delightful outdoor cafes and restaurants where I was able to enjoy the great food and even better desserts that Israel has to offer-and this coming from a very picky eater! We visited the upscale beach town of Herzliya and the very charming town of Zikhron (where, if I didn’t know I was in Israel, I would have sworn I was in Santa Barbara). We spent time at the huge Carmel outdoor market in Tel Aviv/Yafo and the Mamilla mall in Jerusalem (as well as the Wall and many of the other exciting sights of Jerusalem).

I was able to meet many of Tani’s Israeli friends and listen to their stories about why they came from all over the world to make Aliyah, meaning to come home to Israel. Israel is more than just a place to live for these people; it’s an experience of being where one belongs, of living in the land that God promised to the Jews almost four thousand years ago. Israeli’s have a connection to the land that often defies explanation which is why they both fiercely love it and want to protect it.  I had the wonderful privilege of having a Shabbat dinner in the home of one of Tani’s friends and came away with a better appreciation of how beautiful the Hebrew language is as thanks is given for God’s wonderful blessings.

Probably, though, the best part of my trip was being able to spend it with Tani and partake in her enthusiasm, love and respect for land of Israel and its people. She is fun, knowledgeable, and energetic and I guarantee, in whatever capacity you visit Israel with Tani, you will see it through the lens of someone who has a passion and a vision for connecting folks from all walks of life to the wonder that is Israel.

Blessings,

Dianna Lamb