July 16th

Today, the group headed down to the shores of the Kinneret to learn about the
early pioneers at one of the most historically significant places by the Kinneret- the
Chatzer Kinneret (Kinneret courtyard) and cemetery. Founded in 1909, the Kinneret
courtyard was part of the first agricultural training farm in the history of modern
Israel, where young people would come through in small groups and learn to work
the land, before leaving to somewhere else for permanent settlement. The MBIers
heard stories of young people from Eastern Europe who came to Palestine and the
hardships, dilemmas, failures and numerous successes that they endured in their
time at the Chatzer.

Just across the road from the Chazter Kinneret is the old Kinneret cemetery. Here,
the MBIers could hear the stories of some of the most famous personalities in the
history of Israel and Zionism, ranging from the early Socialist Zionist thinkers and
writers Moses Hess and Dov Ber Borachov, to the early Chalutzim (pioneers) Berl
Katznelson and Rachel, the poetess to some of the integral figures of the modern
state, such as Israeli song-writer Naomi Shemer.

Then they went down the road to Kibbutz Degania and had a round-robin where
they learned about the values of the kibbutz and its role in the building of the State
of Israel. They discussed the ideals and actions of the Chalutzim. This is a discussion
that they’ve all had at camp before, but to discuss it while actually walking around
the first kibbutz that was established is an unparalleled experience.

After all of that time walking around and learning about the history of the Kinneret,
the chanichim spent the evening on a Disco Boat! It was nice for the MBIers to have
a fun night of dancing after a full day of history.