4.

Today was a fun day of getting acquainted with the city. We got a tour of the campus--it's pretty big and has some cool looking buildings (a big auditorium with glass as its front wall). The Hebrew placement exam was great: I am in the second lowest level with many others who have forgotten most of their knowledge of the language since 8th grade. 

I was involved in my first debate over Israeli/Palestinian matters today and the role that the US government should play as a moderator. Zionism burns strong in most of the students on the program. This is of course not surprising, but it is interesting to hear the different reasons for supporting Israel. Many seem to come right out of political speeches or university courses. There was some good Obama/Clinton/Romney/McCain talk about who is most supportive of Israel and if it really matters given the influence of the Israel lobby in the US and the historical ties between the two countries. 

It is amazing to be talking about these issues and not say "in Israel." Rather, we say "here." 

Even though Tel Aviv (and it's suburbs) is rather secular, I am still surprised that I have yet to see a single synagogue. I am also glad that I brought a warm hat (from Mr. Zonana).