Wednesday 26th May

Group 1 - We arrived at Heathrow and sailed through customs very smoothly. For many the plane journey passed very quickly and the excitment amongst all the students was clearly evident. Tired but enthusiastic for tomorrow's programme of fun-filled activities, we arrived in Jerusalem at the Beit Yehuda Guest House at about 1.30 in the morning. Students swiftly made their way to bed.

All in all, it was a very good start to what looks like a great trip ahead.

Until next time!

Shalom from the Group 1 Team

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Group 2 - All in green, we left Heathrow an hour later than scheduled, bound for Tel Aviv. The flight was full and our students were spread out amongst members of the general public. Students did JFS proud with their impeccable manners and their interactions with a diverse group of passengers. Greeted at the airport by Jamie Peston and the Madrichim holding signs saying 'Welcome to Israel Group 2'. On the bus we were fed croissants and pepsi, the Madrichim introduced themselves to the group, and the students tried to get some zzz's. 3am arrival at the hotel and the students went straight to bed. Update tomorrow will be later in the day!

Birthday wishes to Talia and Jessica!

From Mr. Thomson and some weary staff

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Group 3 - Group 3 says shalom from Israel!  After a long day we have arrived excited and tired to our guest house in Chispin. 

The day started early for most of us and we were all at school by 7am.  We left on time, made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare, and our plane left on time too - a smooth beginning to the trip.  That's not to say the day wasn't completely without mishap (Annie did leave her camera on the coach but it has been picked up and will be returned to her shortly!).  Everyone was very excited on the plane but acquited themselves beautifully.  We had several very impressed comments from other passengers on the behaviour and maturity of the group which was fantastic.  That's even with some of the boys thinking they should wear their sunglasses on the plane!  Upon touchdown, everyone burst into applause and cheers.  We had made it to Israel!

At Ben Gurion airport we were met by the madrichim and Jamie Peston, who had huge banners to welcome us.  We went out to a park area, in the lovely warmth, where introductions were made, and an amazing hot, picnic dinner was provided (schnitzel or beef!).  We received tshirts and our water bottles from the madrichim and boarded the coach - our new 'home' for the trip.  We also met Shlomo, our bus driver, who, we've been told, is the best bus driver in Israel, and begun our journey north.  It took us about two and a half hours to reach Chispin; some of us slept, others were far too excited, and got to know each other and the madrichim.

At the guest house, we got some final instructions, our itinerary for tomorrow (water hike and ropes course to start with!) and our room allocations.  Very late, and very, very tired (but excited) we went to bed in preparation for our first big day tomorrow.

Until our next update!

Bye from Group 3 students, staff and madrichim!