For chavaya, a four day free choice, the majority of my friends decided to spend a few days in the IDF or hike from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean. For some reason I went out on a limb and chose Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Even though none of my friends were doing it, I would not trade my experience with it for the world.

About two weeks ago our Bus split up into our chavaya groups (our 4 day electives) where I chose to take part in Yam l’ yam, a 4 day adventure from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea. On our way to the Mediterranean we waded through cool rivers, learned to navigate the terrain in teams, traversed mountains, competed in a friendly competition of top chef, and cycled the final 12 miles through winding mountain roads and a banana farm to the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

NFTY in Israel gave me an excellent opportunity to experience Israel for the first time. This was the trip of a lifetime and I could not be happier with my decision of signing up. I have formed so many new relationships with the other kids I have met, and I know we will all stay in touch.

My trip to Israel this summer has been an amazing experience, and one I will remember for the rest of my life. One of my favorite things we did was spend a night at the Bedouin tents. We drank tea, rode camels, and learned about their culture. It was really unique and something I’d love to do again.

On Friday morning, the teens were back in Tel Aviv to visit Independence Hall. This is the site where the modern State of Israel was born in 1948.  Here the first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, read Israel’s Declaration of Independence 70 years ago. The group learned about the dramatic events of that day in the actual place it happened. Then the teens visited the popular arts and crafts fair of Nachalat Binyamin. Lunch was in the colorful and tasty at the Shuk haCarmel Market.

On Friday, the teens began the “Kishrei Noar” segment of the NFTY in Israel Program. “Kishrei Noar” is Hebrew for “Youth Connections,” and for many of the American Teens this is a highlight of the summer in Israel. During this part of the program, eight Israeli teens join the group full time for seven days.