Today we made our way to the Naharyim hydroelectric power plant in Gesher. At first, we were briefed by one of the supervisors of the Teenshinim from Beit She’an about the rich history of Gesher and Beit She’an. She told us an almost mythical sounding story about the Jewish strategy to conquer the dangerous Arab town of Beisan and turn it into what we today know as Beit She’an. Although this story, one where people used clever techniques and plots to push out the people of a city rather than bloodshed and destruction, seems like it could be out of the Torah or a bedtime story you’re told at night, it happened not that long ago, in 1948. Being from America, I often think of our country as being an old and somewhat well-oiled machine, so this tour really reminded me that the state of Israel is a more recent innovation, one needing even what we think of as basic necessities like electricity. We explored this area which was a place of battle in the Israeli War of Independence, getting to enter a bunker and a dining hall which contained artifacts such as a helmet decorated with bullet holes. We learned about the bravery of the people, women and children included, for fighting in this war. However, in addition to taking risks for one’s country, this region also demonstrated the importance of taking a risk technologically. Pinhas Rutenberg fought to develop the Naharyim, the first and only hydroelectric plant on the Jordan River. By bringing electricity to Israel through technology and strife, Rutenberg furthered Israel on its path towards becoming the modern state as we know it today.