I have an addiction – it’s called Israel. I can’t express in words how incredible the country is: the people, the traditions, the food, and landscape are all so intoxicating. I went with JNF’s Alternative Spring Break program in southern Israel to work in the negev (aka desert).
Every morning we did community service in a different area of the desert and in the afternoons we would explore or meet with Israelis to listen to their experiences. Some of my favorite moments were when some of the women of the neighborhood spoke about their daily life and struggles.
Here are some examples of the service we did:
The Ethiopian kids in the neighborhood joined in
Painted and beautified the walls of the preschool
Put in grass and trees at the local elementary school
Glued mosaics to a wall near the Gaza Strip
Planting Papa’s tree!
Creating a river bed for the summer storms in a Jerusalem park
My inner photographer came out to play:
Gaza Strip border
The Western Wall
9/11 Memorial
Contemplation in the desert
Love you Elle!
Hopefully I get to go back again sometime soon
coco greenblum 
In awe of the deep love you have found in Israel. This is why dad and I support the beautiful country and people. I am thrilled the trip meant so much to you. Very proud of my Coco everyday!!! Love you!
Coco- Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I hope that my kidos will do the same. Wow….what an adventure!!!! Linda G.
I am sooooo proud of you, Coco!! You made me cry! I love that you planted a tree in honor of your beloved grandfather… What a beautiful person you are, both inside and out. Love you!
Coco, I can only imagine the beauty of Isreal since I have never been. However, your words and photos brought me as close as I can be until I get to go there myself! I love that the legacy of your trip is marked with new life as you planted a tree for Papa and shared your cultural and creative talents at the preschool. You are so dear and precious. And I could not be more proud of you! Good work my love! XXOO, rosie : )