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An Update from the Eastern Europe Trip - Day 1 - Prague

05/07/2019 03:19:28 PM

May7

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch

I am writing to you from Prague where out journey to discover Jewish heritage and history, as well as future configurations of the Jewish communal life here.

The flights were smooth and easy, with very little turbulence.

After meeting our tour operator Jerry at the Prague airport, we immediately began our touring of the general sites of this medieval and modern city. The horizon consists of old and new construction, and the local economy continues to be strong.

We toured the 12th century cathedral in the middle of the town, the current presidential mansion, the gigantic town square filled with tourists - it must be Spring break - and then to dinner at a local restaurant, we all went to bed exhausted and ready to visit Terezin, the so-called “model” concentration camp which the Nazis used to hide the camps true purpose. Among others, the International Committee of the Red Cross, in 1943 was famously fooled by the Nazi propaganda about a place where thousands of children died or were killed.

The medieval character of Prague mixes in nicely with modern day except when it comes to crowded traffic conditions and lack of parking spaces. It is simply hard to maneuver in the old city.

The weather was cool and mostly dry today, and we’ll have good weather also tomorrow. The group is getting to know one another, and it’s a very good group of people. More to come tomorrow.

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch

April 25, 2024 17 Nisan 5784