Week 1 review
It’s only been a few days and we have already experienced so many highlights. Yesterday we visited Chevron and heard from a resident of the city the incredible history. We davened at ma’arat hamachpeila where Avraham & Sara, Yitzchak & Rivka, Yaakov & Leah are all buried. It was moving and inspiring to see how connected your children felt as they held their siddurim and prayed. From Chevron we traveled to Oz Va’goan where we volunteered to clean a park in memory of the three boys killed a few summers ago. Soldiers trained us in medical assistance in the field and krav maga. From there we went back to the hotel for a delicious dinner.
Today we experienced what Friday is like in Jerusalem. The shuk in Machaneh Yehuda was bursting with all different types of Jews. The excitement and preparation for Shabbos was palpable and real. But it wasn’t just the rush of pre-shabbos that made us more Israeli, we ate falafel for lunch, in a laffa! Yum!
After a week of fun, it is time to reflect. To reflect how each and every one of us are incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, the opportunity to spend a summer in Israel. From the moment we landed, every day has been filled with excitement and inspiration. From the Kotel and the Old city to the holy city of Chevron. From the water tunnels to army training, there is no time to waste. With our busy weekdays, we enter Shabbos prepared for some relaxation and time to slow things down and really connect with one another. We are so looking forward to Shabbos in Jerusalem, the beautiful city Yerushalayim.
Shabbat Shalom and Good Shabbos!
Yoni Pollock
Director, NCSY Israel ID
Day 3 – Our past, our present and our future
Hi! My name is Maddie Kasztl and I’m from Denver, Colorado. I decided that I want to come on Israel ID because I feel that it is the program that allows everyone to come and find inspiration. On Israel ID were able to experience personal growth as a Jew through everything we do. Today we traveled to Chevron and visited Maarat HaMachpelah which really stuck out from the whole day. It was the first time that many of us were able to visit, and it was very impactful. I felt a special connection to my Jewish ancestors and the whole Jewish nation that could never be compared. This experience is truly something that I will never forget. Today we also went to Oz VeGaon. Oz VeGaon is park and education center which was created in memory for the 3 boys who were kidnapped and killed just a few years ago. There we were able to gain a deeper understanding of how the IDF functions. We practiced army training such as carrying a stretcher filled with First Aid materials, learned Krav Mga self defense, and practiced shooting positions. Afterwards we were able to work the fields surrounding Oz VeGaon in order to help them continue building. The entire experience at Oz VeGaon was really meaningful. I have never actually spent time trying to learn and focus so much on the IDF and how it works before this. Afterwards we went back to the hotel, ate dinner, and just chilled. It was the best third day!
Day 2 – Exploring the Old City
Hello, I am Kikira Goldstein from Hollywood, Florida. I chose NCSY Israel ID because I have never been to Israel and I want to strengthen my connection with God through the holy Land. In addition I felt it to be a good opportunity to meet many new people and hopefully make life long friendships. Today we explored the Hizkyahu water tunnels, spent time in the old City, went to Aish and lastly we went in the Kotel tunnels. Near the Kotel were restaurants where we were able to walk around on our own and try new foods. Today was actually my birthday! To many times to count people sang “happy birthday” to me all day long. It was very sweet and it made me realize how much of a family NCSY really is. So far, I am having an amazing time and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Day1 – Welcome to Jerusalem!
Hi my name is Yermi Van Sickle, I’m from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania!
I chose to go on Israel ID because I wanted to explore all of Israel, to connect closer with GD, as well as make many new friends.
Coming to Israel on this program is my first time leaving the United States as well as going on a plane. It was really exciting going on a plane for my first time and surprisingly I didn’t get sick at all and I had a great time!
When I first saw Jerusalem I was amazed at how beautiful it was, I’ve only seen pictures of it until now and nothing compares to how beautiful it is in person. I’m so happy I’m having this experience and I’m excited for more. #NCSYSUMMER #BestSummerEver #IsraelID