July 24 – Village Vocational Schools

Bob talking about Vocational Schools

July 24, 1957
Wednesday Evening
Dear Mom Dad & Alan,

Today was another very exciting day. We got up early in the morning and toured the environs of Jerusalem and especially the Women International Zionist Organization facilities here. What I liked the most was the well-equipped vocational high schools where all the boys and most girls are taught a technical trade. The products of the schools are sold on the open market and so help the schools once they are established self-supporting. The quality of the work seemed very high and I stayed a little while and talked to the kids. Afterwards we went to the Children’s Village.

The kids were all Polish and Russian who were staying there for a while until their parents could learn Hebrew and find work. All had left older brothers and sisters behind the Iron curtain. Only old folks and kids are getting out now.

In the afternoon I went to the religious section of Jerusalem. Tank traps and barbed wire were seen all along the border. I found out that the fighting with Syria that we read about a few weeks ago had been brought to a halt by a massive Israeli retaliation which killed a whole Syrian Army post. They didn’t publicize it in Syria because they didn’t want to show how weak they were. Everyone here says next time Syria starts it will be another Sinai. It’s getting late so I’ll have to close.

Love Bob

P.S. I’m sorry if I am sloppy but I’m kept so busy it’s not even funny.