Israel 22,
April 3, 2024,
Hi Everyone,
We woke up this morning to blue skies, sun and of course a warm temperature which would gradually increase over the day. After breakfast we were given our tasks for the day: cutting mangos, cutting tomatoes and washing the floor…. Afterwards we set the tables in the officers dining room with blue table clothes, dishes and cutlery. This took us most of the morning and early afternoon.
Our commanders told us to get ready at 4:30 for a special surprise. We met in front of the commissary office and walked over to the port. We were then given a tour of a PT boat. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed. 2 SUVs then picked us up and drove us through the desert, up and down some rocky hills until we got to a designated place. We then hiked up a few hundred meters to the top of a small mountain where we had a view of Eilat, the Red Sea and Jordan in the distance. The soldiers had prepared a picnic for us with watermelon, cookies, coffee and juices. The view was spectacular. We were then presented with our IDF certificates, tie pins and a framed picture of the whole group. Each of us was presented with our award separately, photos taken, cheers from the group and a heart warming thank-you to each of us by the commander. The IDF really appreciates the small contribution that each of us made by coming here and helping Israel.
3 of the guys had to leave early to catch an early morning plane back to the States for a wedding. They had told us that they were going into Eilat to purchase a few supplies such as can openers and knife sharpeners. We learned later, quietly, after they had left, that they had purchased 50,000 shekels ($18,000 American) of necessary items including cappuccino machines, piazza ovens, ice cream machines etc…What a nice gesture on their behalf.
Yesterday the Iranian Embassy in Syria was attacked and destroyed killing several high level Iranian commanders. The UN security will meet to condemn the attack as expected. The Israelis have not confirmed of denied the attack which is their usual position. Iran has said that they will retaliate in due time. The CIA has indicated to Israel that the attack will occur in 48 hours. An attack if it does occur with come via 1 of their proxies such as Hezbollah or Islamic Jihad. Let them come, we are ready for them.
Tomorrow we board the bus for the 4 hour journey through the desert.
Love,
Brian
gobriantravel 