Not many people can say that they spent their summer travelling around a foreign country with their best friends. Fortunately, I was able to do exactly that. I spent the majority of my summer in Israel, creating unforgettable memories and learning more than I expected to. This trip not only lived up to my expectations, but exceeded them beyond remark. It is impossible to touch upon every moment of my adventure, so the following is simply a summary, if you will.
Visiting the homeland is something I’d anticipated since my mom showed me photos from her trip. I was only four at the time and had little interest, except for the possibility of floating in the Dead Sea while eating a bagel. As each summer passed, Dor L’ Dor came within my reach and I traded in my purple Pembroke trip shirt for a yellow DLD shirt, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime alongside my best friends.
With each hike I began to appreciate nature by searching for the “wow” in life. That 4 A.M. hike in the Negev that I, among others, wanted to call quits? Crushed it. And let me tell you, the view made everything worth it. Sitting at the top of that mountain with the wind blowing around me, watching the sunrise was a feeling of pride and serenity. A few weeks later I found myself looking out at another magnificent sunrise, this time on Masada, where the bright colors reflected upon the Dead Sea below.
Between multiple museum visits and other historical sights, I learned about the history of my people, religion, and the Holy Land itself. Recognizing the sacrifices people made to establish the Jewish homeland makes me appreciate this place and all its beauty so much more. Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, and the Western Wall were emotionally the most difficult places to visit. For most of my life, I learned about all these people and places of historical importance, and I finally had the opportunity to go to the places where history was made.
On the first day, we were told that Israel is our home and we would feel welcome here. Having landed a few hours earlier, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was true. After all, our only glimpse of the country was from the bus windows on our ride to Jerusalem. As time passed and I adjusted to the Israeli lifestyle, I began to feel more comfortable and welcome everywhere I went. I spent a weekend with my host family and their friends, who really aren’t much different from my friends at home. Teenagers hang out and gossip, and moms insist on feeding you, even if you’re full. When I hung out with my new friends, I felt at ease, just as if I were with my school friends.
I have countless memories, so it’s impossible to pick a favorite. I kept a detailed journal primarily for that reason. Still, I can’t list all of my top memories off hand. One that constantly comes to mind is when we were in Tel Aviv and the majority of my bus was bummed that the other buses got to go to the beach and we only got to take a bike tour along the shore. My two Israeli counselors offered to take anyone who wanted to get up early to Mezizim Beach at 7 the next morning. It was only a five-minute walk to the calm beach, and my friends and I spent the hour watching the planes fly overhead, swimming, and taking pictures on my GoPro. This particular day stands out to me not because of the fun, but the fact that my counselors cared so much about us and our happiness that they were willing to go out of their way and pull some strings to take us to the beach.
This summer was filled with moments that looking back, seem surreal, almost magical. I fell in love with Israel the moment I first looked out on the valleys of Jerusalem. Floating in the Dead Sea was just as dope as I imagined, though I did not get my bagel. I scaled Arbel Cliff, saw Lebanon and Syria, and rode camels in the desert. I watched numerous sunrises and sunsets, camped more than I originally wanted to, and played with the strongest kids at Save a Child’s Heart. I met the most influential people, made memories and friendships to last a lifetime, bargained at shuks, and got to experience many of the most beautiful places. I feel as though I became a stronger, smarter, adventurous, and more positive person on Dor L’ Dor.
To the incredible counselors and staff of Mesibus, thank you for the most unforgettable summer yet. Your dedication, love, and energy made long bus rides more bearable, hard days easier, and everything organized- for the most part. I promise I will be back.
As a sidenote, if you happen to be in Tiberias and see a pair of navy and pink Nike shorts, they’re most likely mine and I would like them back.