Ten students in the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School have been selected as Youth Ambassadors in an exchange program organized by the American Israel Friendship League (AIFL). After a week in Virginia Beach, the Youth Ambassadors from Israel and Tallwood met other Youth Ambassadors from across the country in Washington, D.C. and traveled to New York City and then back to Israel, to stay with host families and experience their culture and customs.Two Tallwood Youth Ambassadors, Katelyn Gallagher and Zoe Hollander, have been documenting their time on this trip. This is the final installment of the series. Now back stateside, read how Zoe and Katelyn describe their experience.
Katelyn Gallagher:
My time in Israel was amazingly indescribable and beyond life-changing. When I came home, every person who knew that I had gone asked me “How was it?” and I could not find a way to explain what I had gone through in such a short period of time to a person who had never experienced it. I made irreplaceable friends, I gained a sister, I had unforgettable experiences, but most of all, I realized I was a part of something bigger. It was in those three weeks that I realized that I was not only a part of my community, but a part of the global community. The people in Israel were incredulously genuine and nice.
The people a part of the organization made the delegation’s time there as close to perfect as possible. My favorite times there were when we were all together, the Modi’in and Virginia Beach delegations because we felt like a family. We all got so close and leaving was almost unbearable. Israel felt like home, and when I think about it, it still feels like home. Coming back I got a severe case of PTD – Post Travel Depression. Sitting in my classes I would constantly think about the beaches in Tel Aviv, the markets in Jerusalem, the falafel and diversity of Haifa and the beauty of Modi’in. But, mostly, I thought of the people I had to leave.
The people in Israel and the people that were a part of the four other delegations from the U.S. made Israel feel like home, and we all gave each other a sense of belonging, a sense of friendship that will last a lifetime. It’s incredible to think that I now have friends all over the country and friends halfway across the world that I’m still in contact with. To be a part of network of people that large who have all gone through the same thing, the same longings to be back in a different country with people who have become like friends who have known each other their whole lives is well, amazingly indescribable.
Zoe Hollander:
My trip to Israel was a phenomenal experience. It was amazing to see the Holy Land of Jerusalem, the bustling city of Tel Aviv and the spectacularly warm environment of Modi’in. I loved my trip so much but it’s impossible to share all the details in this reflection, so I decided to share some of the highlights instead:
- The moment I saw the city lights of Tel Aviv outside the plane was one of the happiest moments of my life. I knew I was home. The nervousness, the fear of the unknown and the thought of being away from home instantly disappeared. I had never felt more alive. When the plane landed I couldn’t contain my happiness. I remember finally stepping out of the airport and breathing in the crisp Israeli air. It was amazing. Let the adventure begin.
- The first day in Jerusalem was spectacular. The whole city was built of this limestone, which maintained its historical feel. I felt so honored to be in this historic city. Although I loved the whole time in Jerusalem, my favorite part was touching and praying next to the Western Wall. This was the first time I felt a strong connection to my faith. I could almost feel the history of my people pulsing through the 4,000-year-old stone. I feel very strongly that this part of my trip really changed my life. I feel more dedicated to my faith now than ever before.
- I absolutely loved the Dead Sea. Floating in water and not sinking was the most fascinating things I had ever seen. People were reading newspapers in the sea like they were sitting in chairs. The water was very salty but it was so much fun being able to float and not sink. Also, the Dead Sea produced this thick mud that we covered our bodies in. It made our skin super soft once it was washed off in the water. I felt like a little kid again playing at the beach. It was awesome.
- I do not have a favorite specific part about Modi’in because I loved every part of it. I loved the people, the food, the landscape of the city, ect. I really just enjoyed spending time with my Israeli and American friends in this beautiful country.
My trip to Israel has forever changed my life.