By Sara Muderick and Emma Ziff
Right off the boat, there was a bumpy ride from Kunkletown to JFK airport. Alas, we made it! Emma was a CIT this summer at URJ Camp Harlam. Sara, however, was partying it up in California with her family. After two different journeys throughout the summer, the two girls and the rest of the crew reunited on their journey to the homeland.
Everyone at the airport had HUGE suitcases. As a group, we moved from security and to the gate. Everything was super expensive and the sandwiches at the airport were a bit soggy, but it’s all okay because we’re going to Israel! As we boarded the plane together, we couldn’t get past the thrill that in only ten hours we would all be in Israel together. The plane food may have also not been the best, but we did get ice cream!! After a long ride, we finally made it.
Once we landed and got off the plane, we headed toward our COVID tests. Weirdly enough, they didn’t just put the swab up our noses, but in our mouths, too! Maybe that’s an Israel thing? After a couple more security checks, we FINALLY made it outside. Being greeted by the dry heat of Tel Aviv was great. After wearing a mask for over twelve hours we were all so relieved to finally take them off and breathe some fresh air.
The bus ride from Tel Aviv to our first hotel in Jerusalem was a real moment of reflection for a lot of us. For me, Sara, this was my first time in Israel. Being able to see Israel through my own eyes and no longer from a textbook was super eye opening. I can’t wait to continue to experience the realities of this beautiful and one-of-a-kind country.
