Communiqué for July 30, 2001: This is the last
communiqué from the Israel Study Tour. The teens and their counselors spent
6 amazing and incredible weeks studying the land and the people of Israel
and touring the ancient and modern sights that define us as a people.
On trips like these we have many experiences that turn
into great memories that we carry with us for the
rest of our lives. One such experience for me was the 4-day hike during options week. We traveled from the peak of Mount Herman
to the exquisite waterfalls of the Banias. Not
only were the surroundings beautiful beyond belief but the experience was enhanced by the people. Included on the hike were 3
other groups, a group from LA, and two groups from
Ethiopia. The Ethiopian groups did not speak much English. At first, they were hard to communicate with but soon the group as a
whole broached the language barrier. I made
relationships with these people that will last a lifetime. They even invited
me to stay with them on my next trip to Israel.
These memories are truly ones I will never forget.
Ben Newman
I have gained so much from the past 6 weeks here in
Israel. Most of all and most importantly I’ve come
to see the value in family and community. Here on IST, we have family groups, I feel extremely lucky, because during
the allotted to be with each other I have grown to
love each member of my family. Some might say that the best thing in life is to find the similarities amongst people. But I feel
that people’s differences and unique personalities
are what makes life and the journey so incredible. Being part of a wonderful family and amazing community back in Denver has
strengthened my appreciation for what I have. So
as I end this amazing summer and experience I want to say thank you to everyone who made the IST community such a wonderful
place to spend my summer.
Shabbat Shalom.
Alyce Blum
This land is holy, and it would remain so had religion
never even touched its soil. There is something
profoundly spiritual about Israel that the passing traveler can’t help but
become a part of. The sun rises and falls with a
vibrancy that stirs the soul. Timeless wastelands
give off a power and mystery that will shake even the most confident. Rivers
and seas boast spectacular waves and waterfalls
that spill over the land and into the mind. And the night
sky, clouded with starts, opens the observer to complete tranquillity
and oneness with nature. In the presence of such
phenomenal beauty, it is impossible not to be moved in
some way or another. It’s very simple. If you don’t find spirituality
in Israel, Israel’s spirituality will find you.
Ari Finkelstein
IST is hard, the hardest part is not the sunrise hikes
nor is it all the sunburns or the blisters, the
hardest part is being around 68 youth who are clamoring for each others approval just as you are clamoring for theirs as well.
The hardest part is praying with somebody who gets
mad when you put the mothers into the amidah, praying with someone who doesn’t acknowledge your Judaism. But
really the hardest part is knowing that death is all around and now that you
have made Israeli connections perhaps the next death will be someone you
know. The hardest part is maybe coming onto the trip or perhaps it’s the
middle when you can neither remember the start nor see the finish. Or maybe
it’s the end when you realize that you will no longer see the beautiful
polished stoned streets to which you have grown accustomed. IST is not a
vacation, it is a study tour on which you do precisely that, study. I for
one have learned a lot.
Caitlin Smith.
Every day I discover something new. Whether it is
something about a new friend or myself.
I am so excited to share all of my stories and
adventures when I come home. This week was a lot of fun. I went parasailing
in Eilat, went to the desert and rode camels. I drank the best tea I have
ever had in a Bedouin tent. I climbed Massada on about 3 hours of sleep and
saw the sun engulf the entire sky in its warm glow. I also left a part of
myself on Massada, since I was so touched. My love to all of Colorado. Love
to the Drucker clan, the Coopers and Grandma
Klubock. See you really soon.
Natalie Drucker.
The trip is now in its final week. It is hard to
believe all that we have done in this tiny yet amazing country. We finished
up last week by traveling back to the desert to stay at the
Bedouin tents. We were served unbelievable food, given
comfortable mattresses to sleep on, and we even got the chance to ride on
camels, which left a lasting impression in more ways then one.
This final week is going to be difficult. Many emotions
are flying through our heads. Some of us are anxious to see our families and
friends while others are struggling with the idea of leaving the family that
has been created during these last 6 weeks. No matter how we are feeling, we
are excited to finish up the trip in a positive, memorable and exciting way.
Annie Abramson
This country pulls me in - the land, nationality and
union of Jews. Never before in my life have I watched the sun rise in
another country, say Shabbat Shalom and have the other respond understanding
our connection, and understand what it really means to fight for one’s
country. The feelings I have come to understand were never before realized
and I don’t think I can begin to describe it. The words I use cannot scratch
the surface of what it is that I mean, but to be here is to be in love. My
Israeli brothers are here with their own story and outlook on life; how I’d
love to learn them. To end my letter now, cutting it short, is perfect,
because the rest would be repetitive and I still know very little. I need to
come back to Israel.
Eli Goldstein.
"You never really leave a place, you take part of it
with you and leave part of yourself behind." This is what my best friend
told me after going to Israel last summer. I didn’t really understand what
she meant until our amazing sunset hike on Mt. Ardon. I don’t want to leave
in a week. I’m scared of leaving Israel behind and IST ’01 becoming only a
memory. But the more smiles I see and laughs I share, I’m coming to realize
that I’m not leaving Israel behind, I’m taking
part of it with me and leaving behind part of myself.
Phyli Seldin
A small bite into the Tzahal left many in euphoria and
most in awe. From the beginning we brave ISTers learned the value of
discipline and the rewards of teamwork. From forming chets in seven
seconds to cleaning the kitchen in an hour, our short experience in the army
was amazing. In less than a week we learned lessons that years of school
could never teach us. This week was exciting, inspirational, and extremely
enlightening. We tourists were exhausted after a short week yet our peers in
Israel perform these arduous tasks week after week, year after year. The
fact that they can handle such harsh conditions and such a stressful
atmosphere for a prolonged period of time illustrated to all of us that even
our seemingly most unreachable goals are with persistence, achievable. More
than simply inspiring us to reach higher and teach us to try harder, Gadna,
instilled a deep profound respect and appreciation for the soldiers that
every day risk their lives for our beloved homeland.
David Sherry
After one of the most mentally challenging days of my
life, I was walking around the Gadna base when I ran into an Israeli girl.
She asked me if I was going into the army and with a slight smile on my face
I replied, "definitely not." Then she asked me an extremely frustrating
question that I had been asking myself since I arrived at Gadna. She said,
"Why, because I live in Israel and you don’t do I have to die for our
country and you get to live?" Being at base Gadna Tzalmon was an extremely
challenging experience. It was hard to have to do things that seemed
pointless or irrelevant and not be able to question why. The days were like
years and the nights like seconds. But through the exhaustion, pain, hunger,
frustration and hot Israeli sun, the thing that I found the most difficult
was losing my identity. IST is all about individuality, self-pride and
self-discovery. And after 3 weeks of that, it was a major culture shock to
lose everything we had been focusing on. But in the end, as it is with all
IST adventures, I was left with nothing but a sense of accomplishment and
pride. And even though I do plan on going to NYU and not Tzahal, to all the
amazing soldiers… Kol haKavod.
Rachel Gordon
This past week was our options week on IST. I chose to
go on the Arts & Culture week. We went to two museums, one in Jerusalem and
one in Tel Aviv. At the Jerusalem museum we saw ancient Jewish art,
beautiful Jewish symbols, and modern Jewish art. There was a gorgeous
Katubbah with elaborate designs encasing the ancient Hebrew writing. At the
second museum we learned about ancient Israel and the way the people
accomplished their tasks. On one of the nights an Israeli musician, Aaron
Razel came to sing with us. We sang Hebrew nigguns – tunes that can
just be sung over and over again. We danced and sang and had an amazing
time. Later in the week we tie-dyed shirts, played drama games, saw some
sites and heard some stories from authors and script
writers. All in all, it was an incredibly enlightening experience, opening
new windows into Jewish culture and history.
Stacy Dorenfeld
Of all the options, I never once regretted going on the
3 day hike. We started off by picking up 15 Ethiopian Jews that were around
our age. They didn’t all speak English so it was a little difficult. The
hike was a lot of fun and it was filled with variety. The hiking was
mountainous, downhill, water, uphill, rocky and flat. It was all kinds of
hiking. We were
even hiking through people’s orchards. Also, we were
with a totally new group of people. It took a while but we got pretty close
with the Ethiopians. We all had some of the same interests and differences
that we learned about. It was just such a great experience. I think that a
big part of the group would even say that the hike was fun but nothing like
it actually was. The Ethiopians changes the experience so much. I will
remember the hike probably longer and more about it just because of the kind
of hike it was. The people and Israel just made it an amazing trip. I think
that the hike was the coolest activity I’ve done all summer.
Jessica Friedman
I have been looking forward to this trip since I was in
first grade. It is everything I imagined and more, it makes it really hard
to believe that IST 2001 is more than half over. Israel never ceases to
amaze me, I feel so close yet so far away from my family, friends and home.
Yesterday we had Poland presentations. Even though I didn’t go to Poland
they were extremely draining emotionally. In our news update this morning
Doron told us that there had been more violence. What surprises me is that
more people die in car accidents that they do in terrorist attacks. Our
group is amazing I have made some great friends.
Liz Sunshine
I have had the opportunity to interact with many
Israeli people and their conversations with me all lead to the same thing.
They are overjoyed, some to the point of tears in their eyes to discover
that we are from Colorado. To know that people, teenagers especially, are
still coming here makes them ecstatic. I didn’t understand this until I
spoke with the Rabbi
at an Italian Orthodox Shul in Jerusalem. He said that
he could not put the happiness he felt into words that Jewish teenagers from
America have come to Israel in her time of need. And no matter how much the
US government helps, and how hard Israel fights it is our support that will
help Israel through these difficult times. From this, I have gained an
understanding that I was right in coming on this trip and if the conflict
here is every to be resolved it will be greatly because of the support of
the Jewish communities outside of Israel.
Dan Banjavic
We have done a lot of exciting things in the past week such as kayaking
through the Jordan, water hikes and swimming. My favorite hike was the
Gilabun. We went through a jungle/forest, and into waist deep water. What
made everyone come together was that when people fell or slipped, someone
else was always there to pick you up. A personal experience
I had was when I hurt my ankle and my friend, Sam Jones, helped me uphill
the whole way. Towards the end of the week everyone came together as one
group. Not bus Aleph and bus Bet, but IST. We will treasure the memories of
helping forever.
Cindy Krieger
IST has been the most incredible experience I have ever had. Poland was
the most horrific place I have ever been, yet I regret none of it. Seeing
the concentration camps and the strong sense of Judaism within them have
made me appreciate my being Jewish more than I ever thought possible. The
suffering of my ancestors in the camps and their will to survive has
displayed the strength of my religion and has set an example for me.
Throughout my Jewish life, arriving in Israel from Poland was the most
powerful sensation I have ever felt. I had come from a country ridden in
hate to the Jewish homeland rich with love and community. My tour of Israel
has surpassed my every expectation and has enriched every aspect of my
Jewish life.
Michael Kassan
The best part about Israel is the spirit, happiness and energy that
everyone here possesses. I feel that the greatest way this is expressed is
through the color and music that is everywhere. As far as the color goes,
people wear the best clothes here. The skirts and dresses that the women
wear, and the desert pants are so vibrant and beautiful! The music and song
goes even further. It started in Poland when Yigal taught us a bunch of
niggunim and Jewish songs. Then when we finally got here, song was
everywhere. People were singing and dancing at the Wall; the Israeli
counselors are always teaching us new songs. In Sefat while we were walking
around I heard teenagers our age jamming in the street. At our hostel in
Keshet, someone was always playing a guitar. It is beautiful. I can’t get
enough of Israel.
Becca Weaver
IST has changed me tremendously. I came here not knowing anyone and now I
have more friends than I ever thought. I came with a fear of heights and now
I’ve climbed down a mountain. I came thinking I could only swim in water,
and now I hiked through a river. But what really blows my mind is that the
trip is only half way through. One thing that I will always remember is
sitting in a park having a B-B-Que singing and looking at the fireworks on
the 4th of July. It felt like everyone was closer together. Choosing to come
on IST was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Thank you for letting me
have this opportunity.
Emily Sturgeon
What an amazing place this is. Not just Zfat but Israel
in whole. I cannot believe how much one can feel the land. I have read many
books about how people react to the atmosphere and people and the power of
being here but never understood. Today was Shabbos and was amazing! I can’t
wait for the next one. Everything is moving in absolutely no time. I
can’t describe it, what words can I use to explain what I am feeling?
Let me try…
The land holds you closely, the people speak to you
with a single glance, everything is so amazing that nothing can bring it to
a ruin, you feel all that develops and has been, you are part of history as
time stands still, music that lifts the spirit is heard in every street and
building. This is the Holy Land, the center of the world, a place like
nowhere else. I am in love with it. Let my heart always remain.
The day’s end brings a sadness and still a smile to my
face as I know that another day goes by there is another still ahead.
Abraham Youngerman
The past week I’ve spent in Israel have been
unbelievable. All the stories I’ve heard about this place are completely
true. After hearing all the stories and seeing all the pictures it’s so
great to finally be here. Seeing the wall for the first time was awe
inspiring. After coming strait from Birkenau and making the journey that so
many people wanted to make but couldn’t made it that much more moving. The
desert experience was really hard but really rewarding. Climbing up those
mountains and being able to look down on what seemed impossible made me so
proud of my self and everyone around me. So far this trip has been trip has
been great and I really look forward to another four and a half weeks.
Betsy Kessler
IST 2001 is a unique experience with my combined
endeavors in Poland and currently in Israel. I have changed physically,
mentally, and spiritually. Visiting Auschwitz, Treblenka, and Majdenkek,
made me rethink what an honor it is for me to be freely Jewish in today’s
society. This then caused me to reconsider what my role is in our
community. We ISTers are the next generation of father’s, mother’s,
teacher’s, Rabbi’s, and keepers of the Jewish spirit for our community. This
has never been more clear to me then when we were in the
desert for three days facing the blazing heat and the wraith if the
wind that whipped our faces at night. This experience showed me how my
generation can persevere in the toughest situations while keeping our Jewish
spirit alive.
Will Bernstein
My first week in Israel was amazing. My expectations of
what Israel was going to be like was completely true. Finally being able to
see what I had learned about in textbooks was very meaningful. Although this
trip is just starting, I already feel as though I belong in Israel. On our
first Shabbat we went to the Western Wall. I was worried and intimidated at
first about stepping onto to massive praying ground, but soon got enough
courage and entered in. I walked around for a while, not sure what to do,
when finally Noam, the medic, grabbed my arm and pulled me into a group of
orthodox Jews running around in a circle, yelling and singing. I was amazed
at the sight and jumped in. I could not believe that a
group of such religious men would allow me to celebrate Shabbat with
them.
SCOTT SACHS
Lot flight number 151 landed at 4:30 AM in Tel Aviv.
Never in my life have I been so excited to be anywhere at 4:30 in the
morning. The thirty-eight students and I who experienced Poland sang "Od
Yavo Shalom Aleinu V’al Kulam" for what must have been an hour while most of
us saw Israel for the first time. Being in Jerusalem was the most spiritual
experience of my life. The Kotel was amazing, the city was amazing, the
country is amazing. The experiences I have had
have been unlike anything that has ever happened to me. One night in Sefat,
I spent an hour talking to five Ethiopian Jews who were staying at the
hostel. They embodied exactly what I was looking for in Israel, the
realization that everyone around me, no matter what color, what nationality,
what gender, what lifestyle is the same as mine. I
am home. I love you and I miss you.
Ali Hoskins
IST 2001 thus far has been more meaningful to me than I
could have ever imagined. Each day puts the former to shame with the new
thoughts and feelings evoked. The experiences I gain give me a greater
outlook on life and add one more aspect to the person I am. Simply absorbing
Israel – the land, people, and culture is a journey within itself; this
place provides such a strong feeling of home that
it is almost impossible to feel uncomfortable. As of now, my most
significant experience occurred in the old city of Zefat. Our group met with
Avraham Leventhal who gave us an introductory lesson on Kabbalah, Hebrew for
Jewish Mysticism. His love for Judaism was immense and his dedication to its
study was no less than inspirational. He was an
excellent teacher and we easily learned this angle of Judaism previously
unfamiliar to us. I will never forget the lesson he taught and hope others
get the honor of meeting him.
Avner Gozani
