31. Israel Independent Day – 62nd Birthday

Dear Emilee,

What a week that was. After I helped to hang the flags for Independent Day, something happened daily and new faces arrived.

On Friday, a couple came for Shabbat dinner. Since Mr. C. patch my splitting head and drawn a Kippa on the top, I was all ready to help Mrs. C. to light the Sabbath candles. Together, we blessed the candles, the bread and the wine and had a great supper with Sigalit and Yossi.

Saturday we were at the Khila for the Shabbat services, reading the Torah and singing.
Sunday after Mr. C. returned from his day studying Hebrew and we had our supper, we stood in silence during the night sirens remembering more than 22,000 fallen IDF soldiers.

Monday morning we stood again in silence during the sirens and by the evening, we went for a walkabout in town. The streets were covered with people sidewalk to sidewalk. I had my first cotton candy, laughed with some little ones in strollers, listened to the loud sounds of popped balloons and toy cars and even stopped for pizza. We walked a long time, met with some neighbors from the building, and saw the fireworks in all their colorful glory. We heard the dancing music until the early morning hours and it was such a great feeling to be a part of Israel Independent Day celebration.

Tuesday, Marc and Leah joined us at the beach, where we had the traditional Independent Day “Al Ha-Esh” picnic.
We watched the F-16 fighters formation then the Passengers planes fly overhead and looked for the boats to pass by us on the water. We returned home with sand in our sandals and Mr. C. red as a lobster. In Israel they say, red as a tomato. He is working on cooling it off now so it will not peel.

Today, Wednesday, Shirley and Motti came for lunch and spend the day, relaxing and talking about their recent trips to the Far East. Tomorrow is Mr. C. Hebrew class.












We are winding down the month of April, and my stay in Israel. I promised Mrs. Oakey that I would return to Canada by May. I am not sure what surprises the last week holds for me, but I am sure my visit will end with a great flare. I will write to you all about it Emilee, and then I will be coming home.

Sad to go but missing you,
Your reporter Flat Stanley