Mandy Cassius, girl on left, is a senior at White Station High School from Memphis, TN.

Today, we went to Ir David where we trekked through the tunnel of a cave. The cave was pitch black and the water was super cold, but it was exciting to just splash through the cave tunnel while only being able to see a flashlight and the person in front and behind you. Then, we traveled through the tunnels below Ir David, where the last Jews hid before being found and killed by the Romans, and traveled into Mitzpe Jericho in the West Bank where we ate pizza. Uri Pilchowski debunked some myths about Israel stealing land, Israeli oppression of Palestinians, and Israel being an apartheid state. Lastly, we went to an archeological site to sift for ancient items like pottery, metals, special rocks, and other items, and some people found coins dating to BCE and the Early Islamic Period. It’s amazing how such small pieces can tell a story about our ancient history. It makes our history feel even more special when we can touch items from ancient times and be a part of the uncovering and excavation process. When we got back to the hotel, some of my friends led short programs about the Jewish holidays, and then, we played minute to win it. Great day. 10/10.