East-West tour of Jerusalem led by Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, Executive Director of the Arava Institute. The politics and policies of Israel's relationship with Palestinians and Palestinian land is very complicated. Tareq is very good at explaining them in great detail without revealing his feelings. A remarkable man, who lives part of his week at his home on the West Bank and part of his week at the Arava Institute.

Checked in at the Israel Ride table in lobby with Susie Rodenstein, Howie Rodenstein's wife! Unexpected delight in seeing one of my favorite Hebrew College teachers! I never made the connection until now after seeing Howie Rodenstein's name for months.

Had brought enough donations to my fundraising account to earn Israel Ride socks, hat and a choice of biking shorts or fleece jacket. I chose the fleece jacket.

Rested in my room until it was time to register for the Israel Ride.

Dinner at hotel. The food is amazing! Starting meeting fellow riders. Typical friendly, bike-riding crowd.

Hung out in the lobby and practiced Torah. I'm reading 6th aliyah of a full kriyah reading of Parashat Lekh L'kha next Shabbat - a column and a half!

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