Day Six - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Connie Sugarman and Robin Kauffman Saran planting tree at the Arad Playground

We started the day with a special Dedication Ceremony for the children's playground that all P2G communities contributed to fund. In Delaware, we raised more than $13,000 from 50 donors which was part of the $71,000 raised.

Arad Historical Museum

We then traveled to the Arad Historical Museum where we explored the city's history through film. The museum was established with the generous help and support of Toni and Stuart Young. Its purpose is to preserve and retell the captivating story of the founding of Arad - the first modern, pre-planned development town in the Negev.

From the museum we had a discussion with Tali Ploskov, the Mayor of Arad, on what was accomplished over the past year and her plans for the future of Arad.

We then went to Arad's Artist Quarter, meeting with Amos Oz for an intimate discussion. Afterward we had lunch with some of the artists as well as had an opportunity to visit the artists' workshops and purchase keepsakes.

Seth Katzen, CEO, with Youth Futures program participant

Boarding the bus we drove to see the Youth Futures Program. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a number of children who participate in this program who we walked with hand-in-hand (and the children held a balloon in the other hand) to a lookout point that offered a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea. We counted down and at zero, the children let go of their balloons which all entered the sky in a multitude of colors. It was a beautiful site to be seen reminding us of Arad's struggles and growth over the past 50 years but vision for continued growth and prosperity over the next 50 years.

Eitan Campbell at Muza, Arad

After an emotional goodbye, we stopped at Muza, the cultural cornerstone of Arad where locals come for music, discussions and refreshments. Eitan Campbell, director of Masada, told his story and entertained us with a few songs on acoustic guitar.

Our evening included a city-wide celebratory event at the Arad Theatre for Arad's 50th Anniversary.