Thirty three people from Springfield and Worcester-Central MA joined us this week for a tour of the Afula-Gilboa region. The morning started with a security briefing on the Seam Line by a security officer from the Gilboa Regional Council. After learning about the present situation in the region, we travelled back in time along the Gilboa Scenic Route where we revisited the sites and relived the Biblical stories which took place in the area.

From here, we jumped back to the present and met with new Ethiopian immigrants in the Merchavia Absorption Center. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a group of Ethiopian women and children who were dressed in traditional festive clothing. They were weaving colorful wall hangings and baskets, and invited us for a cup of fresh brewed coffee. This marked the beginning of our journey from Sudan to Israel, in which we took a closer look into the lives of Ethiopian immigrants from "Arrival to Integration".

  
In Merchavia, we learned about initial absorption in Israel and listened to the touching and riveting first hand story of Chedva Abeve's (Chedva is Rivka Abeve's mother; Rivka is serving as a Young Emissary this year in Central MA.) journey to Israel. From the absorption center, we moved on to learn about the Ethiopian plight to integrate into Israeli society. We met with five Ethiopian students who are part of a program called Sparks for Science, (which is partially funded by the Jewish Agency), which helps encourage Ethiopian children to enter and excel in the fields of science and technology in order to secure a bright future. One student thanked the mission in a heartfelt speech, for giving her the opportunity to learn in this program, and helping her dream come true.

In an amazing few short hours, the Central MA and Springfield Mission managed to learn about the past, present and future of the Afula Gilboa region.

We look forward to seeing you again!