To say I started off 2018 with a bang would be an understatement. I was lucky enough to be selected as a campus leader for the The David Project and on January 3rd, I boarded a plane and flew across the world to Israel! This blog post will tell you all about the exhausting, challenging, and highly rewarding experience that followed!
I'd like to preface this blog entry with acknowledgement that Israel is a controversial place with many narratives contributing to the both the country and its many conflicts. As a participant on The David Project, I learned from many different types of people what it means to them to be Israeli or Palestinian. While this post is mostly a synopsis of the things I was exposed to, it certainly does not get down to the nitty-gritty. If that is something you'd like to do, I more than invite you to ask me questions about my experience - I 'd love to share and discuss with you! You can do that here or email me.
The way I'd like to organize this post is not necessarily chronological, but based on categories and experiences. There is no way I can demonstrate everything that I learned and the ways in which this trip impacted me, but I'm going to give it my best shot. In no particular order, my trip went a little like this.....
Landscapes
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee was picturesque. With clear waters and millions of tiny shells, its peace and beauty were unparalleled. Sitting by the shores and enjoying the scenery was one of the most beautiful moments I spent in Israel. We stayed in Nor Ginosar resort which held beauty of it's own. Here, we also visited "Beit Yigal Alon", a museum displaying a 2000 year old boat in the Galilee. Click on the images to enlarge them.
Golan Heights
In the Golan Heights we saw beautiful landscapes including a snow covered mountain. After eating delicious Droze food, we met with a university professor as we looked out into Syria and learned about the conflict there.
Rothschild Boulevard
A picturesque boulevard lined with unique trees in Tel Aviv I recommend you check out for it's scenery!
Mount of Olives
A outlook over Jerusalem the is seemingly endless. A great spot for photos! There was also a camel there that you could pay to ride. Our tour guide gave us bubbles to blow a wish over the Holy city!
Nahal Og
Being in the desert was another highlight for me. We took about 30 minutes to sit by ourselves in silence, free from technology and just think. To be in such a barren place with yourself does something to you. Laying in the sand and only hearing the birds was an indescribable experience in which I felt connected to myself and the land. I was so upset to have to leave.
The Dead Sea
My skin has never felt so soft! The mud is highly exfoliating but bring water shoes because the salty ground is tough on your feet! You'll sink into the mud pits since the water is too murky to see. Don't put your head underwater or get water in you mouth (it tastes like acid!). Also, be careful of large salt rocks in the water. I tripped on one and it cut my legs. Open wounds and salt water do not go well together! The entrance fee and gift shop were pricey, but being at the lowest point on earth is definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Food
The food was absolutely delicious. Describing it would do the cuisine no justice, so this section will be a montage of some of the many photos I took. Click on the image for the title of the food!
Religion
I am not a particularly religious person. Nonetheless, in Israel, I saw religion manifest in ways I'd never imagined. I felt myself standing on history and learned that everyone, no matter their background, can find a way to connect to the land.
Mount of Beatitudes
The gardens and outlook of this place are stunning. It overlooks the Sea of Galilee and has a small, but impressive church. There are nuns here and many religious visitors. In my group, a few Christian leaders from my campus spoke about the Beatitudes and I saw Christian students connect to this place. I'll admit I teared up, as here was the first time I saw faith and religion as something that was beautiful. This place has a powerful presence and being here is a moment I'll never forget.
Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is instantly visible across the Jerusalem skyline. It's golden dome stands out across the tan buildings. Although it is in Israel, it is controlled by Muslims and only Muslims can enter. Being that I am not Muslim, I could only look from afar and be enchanted by the Muslim call to prayer that echoes across the city over speakers.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The church, which is open and closed each day by Muslims, is ornate to say the least. As different denominations claim ownership, much of the church remains unchanged given that everyone must agree on a proposed change. The tomb has about an hour wait in line, but there is much more to explore around the church.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall contains many people praying and many Torahs available for use. Unlike the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, you must go through security. People walk backwards when exiting so as to not turn their back to the wall. It is divided into a men's side and a women's side and many people write notes to leave in the wall. I was also fortunate to attend a Shabbat at the Western Wall (or the Kotel), which involves thousands of people festively singing and dancing. You must dress modestly.
Shabbat
Participating in Shabbat (the day of rest for Jewish people) was something I was fortunate to participate in twice. The first time was a very secular (non-religious) Shabbat that consisted of some prayer, lots of food, alcohol, and relaxing. Depending on how religious someone is, Shabbat has many different rules, but generally it is a day to reflect on the week, prepare for the next, and spend quality time with loved ones. The second Shabbat I participated in was much more religious. It began at the Western Wall and I spent it with a religious Jewish family with lots of food, lots of prayer, and lots of wine. For this Shabbat I had to dress more modestly. I really appreciate the values of Shabbat and am thinking of incorporating similar ideals into my weekly routine.
Havdalah and Oneg
Havdalah is the closing of Shabbat which took place with my group both times. We sang, read from the Torah, lit the braided candle, passed around herbs/spices to remember the time, and in these moments, I felt our community got closer to one another. It was a lovely experience. Oneg is the post-Shabbat celebration that usually included more alcohol and quality time together.
Exploration
Ben Yehuda Street
Fun Fact: Ben-Yehuda is the inventor of modern Hebrew! This street is for pedestrians only and was decorated with festive lights while I was there. I bought most of my souvenirs to bring back home here and was able to bargain for their prices!
Mahane Yehuda Market
Come here in the day for the mouth-watering food and immersion in Israeli culture. Come here at night for vibrant nightlife and lots of beautiful graffiti!
Downtown Tel Aviv
If you're in Israel, you must experience downtown Tel Aviv! It is a beautiful, walk-able city on the coast of the Mediterranean.
Important Places
Kibbutz
Visiting and touring the Kibbutz in Ginosar was one of the most interesting parts of my trip . Kibbutz are socialist communities in which everything is shared among the community, and nobody owns anything. Many Israeli Kibbutz are becoming privatized now, but their founding principles and operations are fascinating. Here's a webpage with some further insight.
Jaffa
Jaffa is an incredible, eclectic place to visit. I went at night and overlooked the city lights of Tel Aviv. There is deep history in this place and tons of little shops and art galleries. There is the zodiac wishing bridge, the zodiac fountain, and zodiac streets to see if that is your niche! This city holds a special charm.
The Old City, Jerusalem
The architecture reminds me of Jaffa and the city is divided into quarters (Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, etc). This may seem obvious to some, but I didn't realize people still lived there. There are many tiny shops lining the alleys with lots of souvenirs, but make sure to bargain your price! There are plenty of places to exchange currency and you should budget a goo chuck of time to spend here.
Yad Vashem
This Holocaust Memorial holds heavy exhibits that give insight on not just the Holocaust as a whole, but on the lives of the individual people who were victims of it. Entrance is free and it took around two and half hours to get through. There is also a children's memorial- a dark room reflection thousands of candles while children's names and ages are announced. The architecture is of important note in the building, as you begin underground in darkness and end the exhibit walking into a bright landscape overview of Israel.
Rabin Square
A beautiful plaza dedicated to Israeli Prime Minister Rabin, who some view as a symbol of peace. There are fountains and chairs to relax in. Here, I was able to ask Israeli's their thoughts on Rabin and Israeli politics. Reach out if you'd like to know more.
Independence Hall
This is the place where Israel was declared a nation. you can see the room (which is persevered to resemble that day) and what a film (created by the government) that shows the history and creation of the State of Israel.
Taglit Innovation Center
Generally for birthright participants, this Innovation center displayed the plethora of Israeli inventions and innovations. it is a very interactive and exciting exhibit that I recommended is science and innovation are your niche.
Ziv Hospital
At this hospital in the north, we learned about physicians working to provide care to Syrian Refugees as part of their "Good Neighbor" program. You can learn more about it here.
Knesset
Speakers
Here is simply a list of the some of the people I spoke with and/or heard from. Their narratives were lengthy, powerful and too much to write here. I'd be happy to share these conversation with you more in-depth; just reach out!
Michael Oren (Knesset Member)
Israel LGBT Activist
Israeli Soldiers
Palestinian Authority Leader
Palestinian Journalist
Palestinian Peace Activist
Ethiopian Jewish Youth Coordinator
Arab-Jewish Cultural Center Director
Israeli University Professor
Old City Resident
Mayor of Efrat
Sedrot (next to Gaza) Resident
Haredi Jewish Person
Ethiopian Jewish Person
Israeli Settler
Israli Immigrant
American-Israelis
Israeli University Students
Whew! That was a lot! Even still, I feel there is so much more about this amazing experience I'd like to share. If you'd like any more details about the places I visited or things I saw/heard, please contact me!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for what's next!
XX Didi
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