Our day began at Kibbutz Misgav Am, which is located on a mountain at Israel's border with Lebanon. We spoke to a kibbutznik about his experiences in the area, and he shared with us his perspective on the strategic advantage of being located at the top of the mountain.

Next, we drove to Nachal Ayun, where we took a beautiful hike near several waterfalls and other magnificent works of creation.

We spent some time in the Golan Heights, learning about how this territory was acquired in 1967. While at an overlook, we had a fruitful group discussion about the presence of left wing and the right wing politics in Israeli society. The students' insights and questions provided much food for thought.

Our final activity of the day was a visit to a Druze village. Here, we enjoyed a magnificent feast and spoke with Muneer, a member of the Druze community. He spoke about the Druze religion, its beliefs, their communities in Israel, Syria, and beyond, and answered dozens of questions. (Druze are Arabs but not Muslims. Their religion is highly secretive, and they are known for their allegiance to the country in which they live. For example, Druze are Israeli citizens and serve in the IDF.)

Tomorrow, we will leave Hannaton and return to the area around Jerusalem. Our big highlight for Wednesday will be meeting our peers from Kiryat Gat. We will spend two days in and around Kibbutz Tzuba (in the Jerusalem mountains) getting to know them and participating in leadership and Jewish identity workshops. Some of the students were in Chicago last spring; the rest will come to visit this spring.

Tomorrow, we will also bid farewell to Dr. Schaffner, as he flies back to Chicago early Thursday morning.