In a word: Life Changing

Wow. I must say, looking back in reflection, Israel truly changed my life. It made my PROUD to be a Jew. The pride people show in their our country was just breathtaking. Years of fighting over our land has led to Israel being declared a Jewish State. I felt welcomed. I felt home.

It all started with a group of people, but we left as a family. We had a tour guide named Gal, who was so genuine to the point that it was almost too much. He wanted to ensure we left educated about Israel, but he was almost too blunt. When I asked him if we were his favorite group, he said “not even close.” I know he loves us J

We didn’t sleep, we only rested. We were always filled with so much excitement. Each day was jam packed, and we’d be exhausted when we returned to the hotels, but the night was just getting started. We would drink, converse, and talk about life. It was so surreal that everyone in the hotel was Jewish. I am so used to being the “jew” out of my group of friends. I so felt comfortable being myself around everyone, which was nice.  I think everyone felt that way

I loved Tzfat, because it reminded me so much of an Actively Caring culture. What I mean is that there are jars all over the city. It isn’t called charity; rather it is called Tzedakah, which means “Justice.” It is their civic duty to give. I just love that aspect of the Jewish culture; we look after one another. Jews are known to be some of the most Philanthropic people in the world. We genuinely care about the world, which is something that makes me extremely proud to be a Jew.

The amount of history in Israel is just mind-boggling. It is a holy land for so many people around the world. The Jewish culture has evolved so much in the past 50 years.

When the soldiers finally arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. I personally became very emotionally attached to the soldiers. They were such great people; they were funny, mature, genuine, and caring. It put things into perspective when one of the soldiers told me a story where he killed a terrorist. Our worries in college may include whether to attend class or not, where to eat, and what “everyone is doing tonight?” They are worrying about losing their lives. One of the soldiers said something that really stuck out to me. He said, “If the Arabs put down their weapons, there’d be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons, there’d be no more Israel.” They are fighting for their country’s survival.  They are all such great people. It really enhanced our collective experience by having them with us. I wish they were with us longer.

My favorite part of the trip had to of been when we were on top of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was just breathtaking. There was so much history on top of that mountain. I also really enjoyed learning about the Western Wall and how King Herod built the House of God that the Romans destroyed.

Did this trip change me spiritually? I don’t think so. But, it did change me culturally, which is exactly what the keynote speaker wanted us to walk away with. My heritage, my family, my blood, comes from Israel. It felt good to be back home.