Fifty-Six High school seniors from the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union spent an amazing, inspirational, fun-filled week in Ofakim with Israeli high school students.
Throughout the week the group discussed different issues facing American/Israeli Jews. Jewish identity, the relationship between Jewish people in the Diaspora and Israeli Jews were some of the topics that were discussed between the groups. "It was great hear the Israeli perspective and I appreciated the honesty," says Matt Kandel from SSDS. "It gave me the chance to get to know Israelis in depth and touch on topics that aren't normally discussed."
Ofakim and Metro-West New Jersey work together with Partnership 2000. The week allowed for both the Israeli and American students to realize that although there are cultural, social and political differences there is the one strongest common bond, that they are all Jewish.
The Americans students spent the week in the homes of their Israeli peers. It gave the students an opportunity to experience what goes on in an Israeli house and the family dynamics. "This past week has been amazing. The family is so welcoming and giving," says Miriam Langer, from SSDS. "I was introduced to Israeli culture and the diversity that exists within Israel."
The events of the week happened because of the joint effort between Metro West and Ofakim. Cookie Abuharon from Partnership 2000 and Rabbi David Ebstein the Director, N.J. Schechter Program, worked together to make the week a success. The students made real, lasting friendships. Miriam Langer from SSDS is already making plans to come back to Ofakim to visit and spend time with her new friend/host sister Cindi Demri.
During the final day there was a visit to a high school for a music concert for the students. Everyone sang along to the Beatles. There was a discussion/visit to the look out point between Gaza and the Negev and what will happen with the disengagement. The week concluded with students swimming at a nearby kibbutz and taking in the Israeli sunshine.