Powerful Connections

I didn't think that I could feel so close, so connected, with seven people as fast as I have this week. 

When I first met Hadar, Aviv, Yuval, Dana, Daniel, Ory, and Shai in Tel Aviv I learned a lot about what an Israeli soldier is really like.  I found similarities with each of them and, after a short while, our groups time together was spent with more laughter and fun than what I thought would be the educational experience of living with people who are so different than me. Sure enough, I learned that we are all so alike, have similar aspirations and, as my group has differences in views on Judaism, Israel, and politics, so did the Israelis.  

During their time with us, we experienced so much together-- the nightlife in Jerusalem, Independence Hall, Haifa, Save a Child's Heart, and so much more. I do not think our experience on Taglit-Birthright Israel would be anywhere close to as great if we did not have them with us. By the end of our time together, I had gained seven friends that I felt comfortable talking to about any concerns or issues I had and I also believe we have enriched each of their lives with a little American experience. I hope to see each of my new friends sometime soon. Hopefully once they are out of their military service.

-Ben Silverman

Yad Vashem & Western Wall

We were warned at the beginning of the day that this was going to be the most intense Birthright day. 

We started at Yad Vashem. 

At Yad Vashem we were led on a guided tour. It was intense - especially the children's memorial. We learned a lot in the 4 hours we were there. 

Next we loaded back up in the bus and drive to lunch in the Old City. I got yummy falafel! There were even 4 flavors of falafel; (Seseeme, Cilantro, Spicy and Orginal) they were all so yummy! It also came with "chips" -- fried potato (SO good!). 

After a late lunch we went to the Jewish Quarter...Old City of Jersusalem, Kotel (Western Wall). Going to the Western Wall was very emotional. We received letters from our parents before we wrote our own notes to place in the wall. It was an amazing experience. 

When we were at the Kotel it was so nice to run into a familiar face; family friend who made Aliyah and serving in the IDF. 

After the Kotel was Mamilla (shopping area) aka expensive American shopping that is cheaper at home. A very close family friend met up with me during our free time/dinner. It was so wonderful to see her! She made Aliyah 10 years ago and used to be our neighbor/babysit us. 

Up next, Tel Aviv and Jaffa! 

- Lexie Sittsamer 

Feels Like Home

We're sitting in the hotel lobby right now watching Israel's basketball team, the Maccabi, play Real Madrid in the Final Four Euro League. Israeli soldiers and Michiganders are sitting side by side snacking on sunflower seeds and rugelach, yelling at the tv in English and Hebrew. I feel like I'm at home with my family...and the truth is, I am.  

You can't share the experiences we've shared on this trip and NOT feel like family. Over the past six days we've been traveling all over Israel together. We've hiked up mountains, swam in the Dead Sea, sang under the desert sky, held each other and cried at the Western Wall, explored Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, bore witness to each other's bar/bat mitzvahs, listened to countless dramatic monologues from our resident comedian/tour guide Jeremy, and the trip is only halfway through! The things we've done and the emotions we've shared have brought us so close--not only to each other, but to something even bigger. 

This trip has brought me closer to my Jewish heritage. The sites we're visiting and the conversations we're having are connecting me closer and closer to a family I never realized I had before: all Jewish people. Everyone here keeps saying "Jews don't have history, they have memory," and that idea is making more sense the longer we're here. The things we're seeing and doing and learning about are things that millions of other Jews have experienced throughout time. It's a powerful feeling to think I'm connected to such a strong culture, to think I'm a part of such a rich history, to think my family is so much bigger than I ever thought.

I'm so glad I have this opportunity to get to know the family I never knew I had and I'm so excited to see what else this trip will bring in the next few days. But for now...the Maccabis are up by two in the final quarter, so I have to go cheer. :)

-Roxana Gamble

Linked Together

Moon light

Stars bright

Illuminating the land, where I stand, dirt in my hand I'm here I ask myself, what distinguishes you on my left from you on my right?

How our plight as "a Jew" we hold tight

Revelations take hold of this night

I'm here

Strings cascade from above

Attaching our love

An intricate interwoven dove

Of releasing pain

I'm here

Sound waves echo in the vastness of the desert's beauty 

Playing tribute to the words that move through me as I listen I'm here 

Brought together, linked together, morphed together 

Sharing different stories as they become one

- Aliza Weiss, Taglit-Birthright Israel Bus 1147 Participant 

A Turning Point

First stop, Machaneh Yehuda, an amazing open-air market in Jerusalem. Everywhere you turned, fresh food. Fruits, vegetables, breads. Everything you could possibly think of was in one market. We walked around and got lunch either on the street or in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with fresh falafel, shwarma, humous, pita, olives, or truly any food you wanted. This place was colorful beyond belief. The atmosphere was amazing, and the people were so polite. I love farmers markets back home, but this one topped every one I've been to so far. 

The next day we went to Masada and the Dead Sea. Most of the people on our trip had never been to either before, and I can tell you that I will never forget my time there. Masada is huge. You know when you look at some challenge you have and you think to yourself, "that looks hard, but it can't be that difficult" and then you start and you think to yourself, "who thought this was a good idea?" That was climbing Masada for me. I have a personal connection to Masada and was eager to get to the top, but that didn't take away at all from the challenge of it. My grandmother had her bat mitzvah on the top of Masada and I was determined to make it up by myself and reinforce my Hebrew name in her honor. It was one of the biggest physical challenges I have faced in a while, but it was more than well worth the climb. When we got to the top, we learned about the history of it all and had our naming ceremonies, images permanently ingrained in my mind. 

The reward for making it up and down Masada was a trip to the Dead Sea. If you've never been, you need to go. In my opinion, it was one of the most beautiful places to be. The bottom of the Dead Sea is pure salt. There are literally just crystallized salt balls sitting at the bottom, covering the floor. You walk out a little bit into the sea and squat down, you lay back, and you're floating. You are laying on your back simply floating. It was beautiful. With Jordan in the background and Israel straight in front of you, how you could not be blissfully happy? 

We spent the night at a Bedouin-style spot in the desert. While the cots were not the most comfortable, and a few people were scared of the creatures that could come from outside our tent, the night was an amazing experience. We had some great food and got to learn a bit about Bedouin culture and history. When it got dark we went out a ways from the camp site and got to take some time to internally reflect and look up at the stars. I know for me, and a few others in the group, nature brings us closer to our spirituality. I feel most at home when I'm surrounded by the stars, the moon, and the sky. It's peaceful and spiritual and wonderful, and it was a great way to wind down from the day. 

Overall, the past few days have been amazing. Scratch that, the past almost-ten days were amazing. This trip has truly been a turning point in my life and I know it's impacted everyone on this trip. We still have a little while left, and we are going to make the most of it. 

- Elyssa Hurwitz

Loving Israel