The following recap of the Grade 8 adventures in Israel is made up of selections from email updates from Russ Klein, Head of School.

During the first week our students presented our city and our school to the Grade 8 class of Har Vagai which consists of 138 students. The KDHS students showed videos on Vancouver, and videos from KDHS and events that have taken place - such as Simchat Torah and RAC Week. Our students have also visited the site of a horrific helicopter crash that occurred in 1997 killing 73 Israeli soldiers.  This site, and the memorial built in its memory - occurred almost at our sister school and is but a 10 - 15 minute walk from Har Vagai. The memorial is a beautiful place. The Israeli's created a space that allows one to honour the lives of these soldiers, real people, and that also creates a feeling of serenity and hope. Israel is a beautiful country but it is important for all of us to remember that a heavy price has been paid to have and hold a Jewish Homeland.  

One afternoon the group boarded jeeps and traveled where no car could routinely travel to see this beautiful region through back roads and trails (and often no road at all).  It was "jeep ride" day and the weather was hot and the drivers big, bold and crazy (all in all a perfect combination for such an adventure). Later in the day after driving to Tel Aviv the students were given 40 minutes to explore the beautiful pier and to meander along the water (Tel Aviv is gorgeous).  

More highlights of the trip included Jerusalem Beach, the Independence Hall and the Carmel Market ('Shuk Ha'Carmel'). In Jerusalem, at the Kotel, it was really special the way the guide had the kids who had been there before guide those that had not, eyes closed, over to their first close up view of the Western Wall. Here the kids went up to the wall - most of the boys put on Tefillin - and almost all of the students placed notes in the wall.  

The last adventure was a visit to Masada and the Dead Sea. The top of Masada sits about 400 meters above the Dead Sea and the group descended the mountain along 'Snake Path'. It was a wonderful achievement, as the sun beat down fiercely - though we were well armed with hats, sunscreen and water to meet the challenge.

We look forward to welcoming the team back to school next week!

Jeep riding through the trails in the Golan and adjacent valley

Grade 8 students at Tel Faher , a battleground in the 1967 War

The May 9th performance of the Off-Broadway hit Jewtopia Live is moving from the Norman Rothstein Theatre to King David High School. By keeping the show at home, we'll be able to provide a more intimate theatre experience, including snacks, beverages, and a dessert reception.

Explore the stereotypes, experience the guilt, 

and laugh your tuchus off!

Jewtopia is one of the most successful Off-Broadway comedies of all-time, seen by over 1 million people across North America. We would love for you to join us on May 9th, as Jewtopia's creator Bryan Fogel performs his one-man stand-up comedy show, including clips from his upcoming film, and excerpts from the bestselling book Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People.  

Thursday, May 9th

King David High School

Door open at 7:00pm

7:30 Showtime

Snack and Dessert Reception Provided

Cash bar

Tickets $99.99

Alumni rates available through Sharon Dwek at sdwek@kdhs.org

Tickets available online or at 604.263.9700