The Holidays with MITF
The holidays are here and we the fellows of MITF were excited to start hosting! To kick off the winter season, Tel Aviv fellows had a Thanksgiving potluck. Everyone cooked a different dish that reminded them of home whether that be America, England or Canada. It was special because not only did we have fellows from America and England, but we invited some of our Israeli friends, and even staff members from BINA! It was exciting to share a part of our culture and come together to combine traditions and make Israel feel more like home. 
Soon after, Christmas season was upon us! Our Ramla fellows visited their local Christmas Markets in the old city. They met up with members of the city council as well as the mayor! Together they tried some hot wine, crepes, waffles and listened to Christmas caroling. Listening to the Christmas tunes sung in various languages such as Arabic, Russian, and Spanish was a unique twist on a familiar experience. The cold, rainy weather and markets decorated with lights gave our Ramla fellows an experience filled with Christmas spirit.
Later in the month, all of BINA gathered for their December Yom Tiyul and set off for Haifa. They started their day off by learning about Druze culture, then explored the Bahai gardens and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the Haifa port. We learned that Haifa has a plethora of different cultures and religions, like most of Israel. We ended our day in the German Colony, where we walked through the night market, filled with beautiful décor encompassing the different religions that make up Haifa. A short walk and you’ll see a Christmas tree, Chanukiah and a Crescent and star! Our fellows ended their yom tiyul, the best way we know how. With lots of pictures and lots of food.
Some of our Nazareth fellows also explored their own local Christmas markets. They ate roasted chestnuts, corn and even tried Sachlav for the first time! One of our Nazareth fellows, Ezra, said that one of his favorite parts of the experience was the music itself and how it “was funny because they played a lot of songs you would hear in America, but just sung in Arabic.” The Nazareth fellows then hosted a Christmas party with those from Tel Aviv, Rahat, Ramla and Beit Shean. They all got together and watched the Christmas parade on the 24th, full of more music and floats. Then they all ate dinner together as well as had a Secret Santa exchange, the perfect end to the Christmas season.
Photo credit: Zev Winegust
From your lovely fellows in Ramla,
// Marielle and Michaela
