Israel. July 18, 2021. Day 1. Shalom Aleichem!

Shalom Aleichem!

Well, I made it. Two and a half years since my last trip and here I am. For those who don’t know, I’m in Israel for a JNF educators mission to Israel, bringing Jewish educators from around the US to Israel to see JNF sites, as well as some of the classics. The tour starts Tuesday morning, but I had to arrive by Sunday afternoon in order to be cleared to get out of quarantine in time. Last Thursday I had to get my first PCR, then I had to get another PCR when I arrived, and then a man came to the hotel to do a serology test right after I arrived. Now I just have to stay in my hotel room and wait to hear from the government with my test results. Until then, I’m not allowed to leave the room.

Anyway, Shabbat day was nice and I was pretty much packed and ready to go by the time it ended at around 9:11. I had already scheduled my Uber for 9:25, so I just had to fill out my entry form online and say my goodbyes. I was actually super impressed with how well Hallie handled everything.

Check in at the airport was wonderful. I presented my negative PCR, my entry permit, and my entry statement. The airport was empty. While I was sitting at the gate I recognized a teacher from HAFTR Kindergarten, Morah Etia. Apparently she still teaches at HAFTR and her granddaughter is in Hallie’s Class. Small world.

We boarded and pulled away on time, only to be delayed on the runway for an hour due to a crazy thunderstorm. When we finally did take off I saw streaks of lightning all around us, so that felt safe. There was pretty bad turbulence for the first three/four hours. On the bright side, the plane was maybe 1/3 full. I think every person in my section had their own row. Also, I had paid for extra legroom, so it was a good situation all around. It was my first time on the Dreamliner, and the tinted windows were pretty cool. The rest of the flight was fine, though I think I only slept a total of three hours or so. I kept getting woken up by turbulence. At least it was roomy.

Once we landed everything was pretty smooth. It was so empty. I think I was one of, if not the only, foreign passport on the flight because no one else went that way for passport control. Baggage claim was fine, and then they herd you into the COVID testing area. That took about 5 minutes. I ordered an Uber and was on my way. For tonight and tomorrow I’m at the Tal by the Beach in Tel Aviv. The serology test man came about an hour or so after I checked in. He said I should hopefully be allowed out tomorrow morning.

On line for Covid testing

I broke the fast when the fast ended here, and ordered room service. I had a tuna sandwich which came with tomatoes and cucumbers (which went uneaten), some fruit, and a seltzer. Good stuff. Then I was able to take a bath, which was lovely. I did some facetiming and that’s pretty much it. Hopefully I’m let out tomorrow!