Big news! I’m very excited to be part of an exciting trip for bloggers to visit Israel in August. The trip is called Once In A Lifetime – and it is very well-named!
I’ll be away 10 days and will get to see everything from the Kotel, to Abu Gosh, the Jerusalem Hills, the Dead Sea and Neve Tzedek. While I’m there I’ll be reporting with video and text blogs about my experiences.
I’m so excited to be one of the four bloggers chosen for this. One of the most powerful ways I’ve found to counter anti-Israel propaganda is to talk from personal experience about the people I’ve met and things I’ve seen for myself during my trips. Having a tour of the country and being shown things I couldn’t normally see is going to be a huge help.
I’m leaving on Sunday for the trip, which has been arranged by Stand With Us. I’ll write more about the trip in the coming days, and then report from it starting next Monday.
You lucky dog!
Dog?! Haha!
I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more, Bon voyage!
My thoughts exactly. Full marks to whoever selected Chas.
Chas if I can make a request: could you canvas the views of any Arabs you meet on your travels, both inside and beyond the Green Line. I am fascinated to know what their private opinions are as, from what I’ve read, it seems the majority (within Israel anyway) would rather live under Israeli rule than have their districts transferred to a future Palestinian Arab state.
Awesome Chas
On one hand, you deserve it.
But on the other hand, you don’t need convincing! I always wonder if these things would be better for the anti-Israel bloggers to see the “real” Israel.
(Kind of like whether it would be better for places at Jewish schools to go to religious kids, who are going to get a Jewish experience at home anyway, or to kids from non-religious homes, who otherwise will get no experience of Judaism at all)
Yeah I get what you’re saying
I think they picked Chas due to his large readership so more people will read about it.
Good for you Chas!! You deserve it for being such a good friend of Israel and for all your hard work. Have a good and interesting trip. I look forward to reading all about it.
Chas,
Should you have the time and desire to see Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for 300 years, the first Capital of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel, drop me a line. I would love to show it to you.
Mazel tov! I know you’ll have a fabulous (and informative) time.
Can I come with you? I’ll drive:-))
Seriously, though, have a wonderful time Chas. You certainly deserve recognition – and the chance to see more of the state you suuport so tirelessly.
Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy my posts. I’ll try and bring an ‘Oy Va Goy’ angle to proceedings!
Eliyahu, thanks so much for the offer. It is important that I keep to the schedule the organisers have put together. If the opportunity arises I will be in touch.
Really looking forward to your posts. I can’t travel to Israel at the moment myself so hoping for some vicarious experience.
Understood. I’m about 25 minutes from Jerusalem by car, FYI. I look forward to following your trip here on the blog.
Mazal Tov and bon voyage, Chas!
(I reckon you’re one of triplets – Chas, Jas & Fras – otherwise, where do you find the time to do all that you do?!)
Seriously, looking forward your reports!
Can you smuggle me in your luggage?
Good luck and Mazal Tov Chas. You’re bound to have a great time.
Thanks Duvid! Hence, I won’t be able to bbq with you and yours on Sun. Thanks v much for the invite though! But I’ll be back before long so…We’ll Meet Again…
DS Al Coda
even though i don’t know you, i hope you have a great trip! (the blogosphere is weird like that)
sounds like a good itinerary. i think neve tzedek is a little gem – a great place for transporting yourself back in time to the early days of zionism.
Hey Chas – this is GREAT! I can’t wait to read your comments and reports along the way.
If you find yourself in Jerusalem with a bit of time, I’d love to meet up for a coffee or at least a quick hello… Let me know when & where.
suzanne
You deserve this, and as an amazing communicator, I know you will relay and spread te message well while you are there.
I for one am looking forward to reading your posts and watching the videos.
Have an AMAZING time. Looking forward to the post trip WHE session to hear all about it.
Chips or rice?
Chips. No, rice. No, chips. No…
I am very happy for you and for everyone, because for you to see more of Israel means you’ll be an even greater advocate and this is good for the whole world. You also seem like a great person.
Chas. Great News! I hope that you have a really wonderful time. I hear that the hummous in Abu Ghosh is the best in Israel. Enjoy! Looking forward to reading your impressions of the trip. Take care in the August heat.
Chas – the weather forecast for next week is scorching, moving on to unbearably scorching and after that, exceptionally scorching. Bring lots of sun cream!!
chas,going with my family on wednesday.my eldest is already out there on tour with fzy(having the time of my life).
As i know what you look like,i will keep my eyes open.
Have a great time.
chas,going with my family on wednesday.my eldest is already out there on tour with fzy(having the time of her life).
As i know what you look like,i will keep my eyes open.
Have a great time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctaszjeaDK0#t=2m40s
Yes- exactly like that Jonathan! 42 degrees centigrade by the Kinneret today.
Is being a weather forecaster in Israel one of life’s more cushy jobs or what? For six months of the year all you have to say is ‘dry and sunny’ and for the other six ‘partly cloudy to clear, with the possibility of rain in certain areas’.
BS”D
You like cafe hafuch? or cafe Turki (boooooo hisssss), or Cafe Shachor? We got it all…
Great ideas to have videos Chas! Cant wait to hear the passion in your voice
Hi. my name is einat and i am from israel jerusalem.
welcome!
I live in the “nachlaot” (ask around)
i will defentely follow u gys . it is sound very interesting to hear other poeple point of view on israel and the israeli people.
Thanks!