The sun sets on Tel Aviv- Day 2 reflections

As the sun set in Tel Aviv this evening, Hands of Peace tour guides Yuval and Husam along with group leader Gretchen Grad introduced the fascinating complexities of the journey our group is about to embark upon. Travelers from California to Colorado to Texas to Illinois joined for dinner at the Dan Panorama hotel in Tel Aviv and “attempted” to follow along an overview of the region’s perceived borders between residing cultures as well as within the cultures themselves. What we were left with was that 1) no question should remain unspoken in the upcoming days,  2) the “simple” map of Israel/Palestine as sketched out is entirely redefined by “who” is describing the borders and 3) we all are about to experience a personally defining journey that will forever affect our lives and our hearts. For this opportunity I am personally grateful and feel blessed to walk throughout such a significant and historic area with an open mind and loving heart.