By Audrey Minch, NFTY in Israel Participant, Bus 2
This blog was written on July 8
Over the course of these past three weeks, one of the biggest highlights has been getting to know fellow Jewish teens from around the United States. We all come from different backgrounds, different home states, and different traditions. Yet, simply by virtue of us all being Jewish, we are connected. We’ve come together as one community and have been able to accomplish amazing things because of our shared Judaism.
As if this vibrant community hasn’t provided enough excitement, the joy has just been added to because seven Israeli teens have just joined our group. We were just introduced to our foreign peers this morning. As I️’m writing this blog this evening, I️ can confirm we’ve already become great friends. Our shared Judaism has provided an instant bond. What seizes to amaze me is the mere fact that even though these teens live oceans away, we feel so close to them, thanks to our common religion and support of the state of Israel.
Yes, Judaism has indeed provided reason for us to bond with our Israeli peers. However, we all engaged in team-building activities throughout the day which further helped us to form bonds. These activities ranged from name games, to banana boating on the Sea of Galilee, to partaking in an obstacle course challenge.
Another way we have connected with our Israeli peers has been by constantly learning from each other. For example, we Americans are always thrilled to teach them United States slang. Likewise, our Israeli friends have shared some of their favorite pop music with us. Boy the difference a day makes! What’s astonishing is how all the connections we have formed have only occurred over the past twelve hours. I️ look forward to strengthening the bonds formed between us over the next week.
I️ am hopeful, and confident, that we will all walk away from this extraordinary experience even more connected, educated, and enriched.
