Have you ever wanted to travel abroad, to a place where history is rich and beautiful lands encircle you, a place that captures your mind, body, and spirit with its culture, a place that transforms your beliefs on Judaism, a place known as Israel? In the summer of 2008, 27 Cincinnati high school students were given the opportunity to travel to Poland and Israel; an opportunity of a life-time financed by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati. This four and a half week trip took students on a heart-wrenching Holocaust explore through Poland, as well as a life-changing journey through Israel.
Despite the fact that acts of extreme hatred were prevalent throughout Poland a mere seventy years ago, today one will find a beautiful country filled with endless trees and hilltops. When traveling through such a stunning country, how could one imagine the extermination of millions of people? While in Poland, our group visited the various concentration and death camps. What we viewed there cannot be described in words. Information that one has learned through textbooks, movies, and Holocaust survivors cannot compare to the horrid sights of the original ovens, gas chambers, and barracks. Our emotions plunged to a level never experienced before as we questioned the Nazi’s wrong doings. After a week in Poland, we were ready to experience the hope and rebirth of Israel, the Jewish homeland.
None of us could have ever imagined what our three week adventure through Israel would hold. Special friendships, as well as a deepened sense of Jewish pride, were formed as we experienced the secular and religious aspects of Israel. While there, we snorkeled in the Red Sea, hiked in the Golan Heights, floated in the Dead Sea and slept under a full moon in the desert. Our first glimpse of religious life came as we sat atop Masada (a place of Jewish revolt against Roman tyranny) gazing at the magnificent sunrise. The most significant feature of religious life was the Old City in Jerusalem. Highlighted by the Western Wall, the Old City gave us a connection to our past. We realized that as Jews, we’ve struggled for thousands of years to gain respect and equality, but now with the creation of Israel, we have our own homeland.
Halfway into our month long adventure, we traveled to Cincinnati’s sister city, Netanya. There, we met up with 25 Israeli teenagers who gave us the chance to experience their country by hosting us for a weekend. We quickly became friends as we spent the weekend at the beach, experienced Netanya’s nightlife and celebrated Shabbat with their families. Seven of our teenage hosts then traveled with us for the remaining two weeks of our trip. Through the duration of our trip, we formed extraordinary bonds and learned even more about their culture. We realized that though we come from two different worlds, we were all very much alike. Even though we were still in Israel, we were excited for our new friends to visit Cincinnati in December.
This past Hanukkah, five of our Israeli friends came to Cincinnati for a week to experience Jewish culture in America. It was their first time in the states, and we were excited to share this adventure with them. “I had a great time in Cincinnati, I learned a lot about the Jewish community and I couldn’t have asked for better host families. I’m glad that I received the chance to participate in this wonderful experience," said Michal Bazir of Netanya.
Some of the activities planned for us were a visit to the Freedom Center, volunteering at the free store, ice skating, shopping and a Xavier Basketball game. The teens also got a chance to experience Jewish life on Christmas when they ate Chinese food, went to a movie, and got their picture taken with Santa. The Israelis were surprised by how different it is to be Jewish in America than Israel because of the vast amount of Christian influence. For once, they were in a country where the majority of people are not Jewish. “It was an awesome experience. From the moment we landed it was 8 degrees, a temperature which I couldn’t imagine. After such a freezing welcome, I met my wonderful host family who made me feel welcome. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati through the Partnership 2000 Committee and professional staff organized some cool and fun activities like ice skating and a basketball game. It was a great trip that I enjoyed so much. I would love to visit there again!” said Nofar Hiki of Netanya. The Israelis left the U.S. a week later, feeling a strong connection to Judaism in America.
When they arrived home, they were thrown into the midst of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Since this conflict began, there have been numerous rocket attacks by the Hamas into Israel killing 13 soldiers and innocent civilians. The Israelis have counter attacked, and due to the dense population in Gaza, 1200 Palestinians have died. “The war with Gaza is very hard for me. Here in Israel, we have a tight connection with our soldiers and it’s hard for all of us to hear about the war and the dead soldiers. On the other hand, if I could join the war effort, I would in order to protect my country, but I’m too young. I have two cousins that are fighting in this war right now and I’m hoping they will be ok,” said Bar Barack, also of Netanya. Thankfully a cease fire has been declared, but it’s difficult for one to know how long such an agreement will last.
Spending three weeks in Israel and one week in Cincinnati with the Israelis has truly been a wonderful experience. Sharing our culture and interests has deepened our friendship with them. “After visiting Israel I have gained an everlasting connection. I feel at home in the mountains with the blue sky around me. Never before have I seen such amazing natural beauties. I think that traveling to Poland first made me appreciate Israel all the more. I would love to go back. While I was in Israel I made friendships that will last forever,” said Eva Westheimer of Cincinnati. As we arrived at CVG in July, our expressions of sadness were telling of how much we already missed Israel and our new friends. This indescribable connection to Israel is something that will always remain fixed in our hearts.
Our deep connection was obvious as we said a tearful goodbye to our friends, but were already planning our next reunion.