Mmmm ... Schnitzel

Our Team USA Maccabiah Pre-Camp took us on another long but fulfilling adventure. After traveling south for two days, we found ourselves investigating Israel’s northern territory, the Galilee. The north, including the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, is a drastic contrast to Israel’s southern areas; it has lots of vegetation and water and lushness to the landscape (as much vegetation as Israel could have).

Sans cameras, we had an opportunity to tour Ramat David, an Israeli Army base where fighting squads practice and carry out missions on F-16C and D planes. The soldiers on base, all who are about the same age as I am, passionately shared their stories about how they got involved in this area of the Army and what they have had to do through their years of service. Most of us know that, in Israel, men serve for three years and women two; beyond that, many active soldiers serve for up to seven additional years and more to help maintain Israel’s security during various points of conflict – sometimes, multiple occurrences taking place at the same time.

Our lunch at the Army base was quite tasty. Most people would think that food on the base would be kosher slop (if such a thing exists). But they could barely keep enough chicken schnitzel in the serving trays – oddly enough, it was the first time in our three days that we saw schnitzel (usually, it’s a lunchtime staple for any touring trip through Israel).

From the base, we set out for the Golan Heights and the Kineret (Sea of Galilee). The Sea, as explained by Asher, is really a lake, but Israelis LOVE their bodies of water so much that they call them seas. From a remote observation point, we could see the entire body, its fullness slowly swaying in the breeze. We also looked beyond the Sea of Galilee, to the Golan Heights that lie behind the water, and discussed how important those mountains are for Israel’s strategic positioning when dealing with her neighbors.

On our way from the Kineret, we made a stop along the Jordan River to do a little kayaking. The first set of boats had two people each; by the time I got to the front of the line, all the two-person boats were out on the river and we were offered a six-person boat. Myself, four of my male teammates and a Women’s Basketball player all climbed in and set out along the river. It wasn’t always easy guiding the boat with only two oars, but we did pretty well. We did “hit the wall” quite a few times and no one got really hurt (there were only a few scratches).

We ended with a swim party and barbecue at Lavnun Beach. The water – crystal clear and refreshing – was just a perfect way to relax and hang out while the sun set in the background. Following the barbecue, those on our traveling bus – Open Squash and Women’s Open Basketball, in addition to the Open Ten Pin Bowling team – had an opportunity to share what the pre-camp has meant to them and what they are taking from these three days together. For me, it was more than the sightseeing – I’ve seen the sights before and enjoyed seeing them again – but it was more important to meet and bond with other Team USA athletes who I am sharing this experience with. I now know fellow athletes who I am rooting for not only because they represent the United States, but also because I’ve developed a deeper connection with them and want to see them personally succeed as well as achieve team success. Hopefully, during the first few days of the games, we’ll have a chance to travel around and catch some of the games in progress.

I know I promised a picture of my teammates and I, so here you go. And, so you can put the names with the faces (not that might mean a whole lot to you), here we are in order: Front Row: Lindsey Siegel and Meryl Romeu; Middle Row: Sam Dunn, Howard Waxer, Michelle Feldman, Fran Deken, and Gayle Birken; Back Row: Lyle Schaefer, Jonathan Pinsker, Mark Wexler, and me (Matt Halpern).

Tomorrow is our last day at the Kfar and we’ll be moving to the Hotel Optima in Ramat Gan, where we’ll stay with the other bowlers for the next two weeks. As soon as I find out what the Internet access is, I’ll be able to best gauge how I’m going to keep you updated. Till then, g’night.