Jacobs in Israel – Bus 4

For the last four weeks these teens have been living in an environment where the dominant culture is Jewish. Israel is a unique country because the national language is a Jewish language – Hebrew. The overall rhythm of time is Jewish because each day of the week is named according to its relationship with Shabbat.

Last week in the Chavaya, Gadna, I spent 4 days learning what it meant to be part of the IDF. Every Israeli teenager has to join the IDF when they turn 18, and as a 16 year old I was given a small taste of their reality.

I want to cry and be sad, but part of me doesn’t feel that way. When I think of home some piece of me, a piece I don’t want to admit, is happy. I love many things about NYC and I don’t feel wrong to miss it, but I don’t want to. I would stay with the Eisner people here until the end of time, creating new stories and memories each and every day, but I know that can’t happen.

By Morgan Gitlitz, Sci-Tech Israel Participant, Bus 12 There are so many places to visit, both historical, informational and beautiful. You can travel with a group and make memories with friends from all different backgrounds There is REALLY good food to try all over!...

Earlier this morning was the teens visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Educational Center and Memorial. As these teens have already been to Auschwitz this summer, the visit was tailored with sensitivity to their previous educational experiences.  Emphasis was placed on the role of memory of the Holocaust in Israeli Society.