Shabbat Shalom from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France!
It’s hard to believe we’re already wrapping up week two of our adventure! Time is flying, and your teens are really soaking up every moment. It has been such a delight to watch them reflect and share so profoundly with one another about their learning experiences and moments of growth.
This week took us from London to France by ferry, then to the peaceful Dutch region of Zeeland. We spent two nights enjoying a slower pace of life- alpaca farms, local beaches, and plenty of space to play and be together.
From there, we headed to Amsterdam, and we had a jam-packed two days! We biked through the beautiful countryside, learned how to make cheese (and, of course, sampled it!), and explored the city’s rich Jewish history.
Visiting the Anne Frank House and the Great Portuguese Synagogue sparked some really meaningful conversations between the staff and the campers, but also amongst the campers. Their intellectual growth and social awareness is truly special and I am so grateful to be here to navigate their Jewish identity in these tumultuous times.
We also took time to reflect at the Stolpersteine, the “stumbling stones” that honor victims of the Holocaust right where they once lived. All across mainland Europe, we will be seeing these stones that honor those by name who were brutally murdered by the Nazis. We were grateful to share space to honor and memorialize these atrocities.
Before heading to Paris, we made a quick, one-night visit to Belgium! In Brussels, we marveled at the Atomium and devoured some seriously delicious waffles! When in Belgium!!!!!
Even though we’re not in Israel this summer, the Jewish and Israeli connection is still very present.
Everywhere we go, we’re encountering pieces of Jewish life that remind us just how global and resilient our people are. From historic synagogues to personal stories of survival and strength, these experiences are helping our teens see that being part of Am Yisrael isn’t just about a place, it’s about a shared story, culture, and future.
We are also lucky to have uniquely Jewish and Israeli staff with us this summer. These moments are deepening their connection to Israel in ways that are personal, powerful, and lasting.
Thanks for sharing your incredible teens with us—we can’t wait to see what the next week brings!
All our best,
Rachel and the Yallah! Western Europe Team
