Home in Ashkelon

Dear Parents,

Wow. It is so hard to believe that we are starting our third and final week in Israel. The Israel Summer Seminar has completely flown by and everyone is doing extremely well and are happy!

I am updating the blog from my room in the hotel that I am staying at in Ashkelon and it is a very strange feeling not being around the best 20 teens and 2 staff anyone could ever ask for. I know understand how my parents feel whenever I leave them for some time. As much as I am looking forward to sleeping tonight... I already miss being with the teens and I look forward to seeing them and hearing about their adventures in the morning.

Here is a short update, and a few pictures, of the last few days from Leah Gold and Dani Dermer:

Keness was a great chance for us to meet and bond with the five other North American cohorts. The central focus of the Keness and Congress was the philosophy of a speaker named Avraham Infeld. Avraham came to speak to all the North Americans on the second day of Keness and he spoke to the Israelis earlier in the year. His speech focused on a five legged table of Jewish values: family, memory, covenant, Israel, and language. Avraham’s philosophy is that if every Jew picks at least 3 values from this table, then every Jewish person will have at least one value in common. His speech was very inspirational and opened many eyes. I know the second I heard his speech I wanted him to come and talk to my school. This five legged table set the foundation of topic for the International Congress. When the Israelis came, Givat Haviva resembled summer camp color wars with each partnership proudly cheering their names. The whole entire congress was filled with intense workshops and seminars focusing on the different legs, in addition to discussing our own Jewish Identities. We had a meaningful Shabbat with a white parade, we had “only the best” Israeli food, and we had very little sleep. Although we were exhausted each and every night, we managed to socialize with 200 other fellows at night in the very cool White Tent. In addition, we had an incredibly meaningful Tisha B’av where many of our fellows fasted for the first time. This morning we left Congress with new friendships, memories, and new perspectives. Although we are exhausted beyond belief, our bodies still shake with excitement as we begin our Community Week in Ashkelon.  As we speak, our partnership is mingling together in Ashkelon’s National Park. We are filled with delicious fruit and falafel and ready to meet our new families.

I have seen such tremendous growth in all of these teens over the last two weeks. They inspire me each and every day and you should all be so proud of them! Enjoy the pictures and we will hopefully post another update tomorrow. Good night!

-Megan

Everyone is having a good time at the Diller Youth Congress... a more formal update is coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures!

Phase Three of the ISS has begun!

For our final travel day we began with a tour around Neve Tzedek with the Israelis. We explored Tel Aviv’s progression as a city from the time of the Ottoman Empire to present day. Our morning tour ended at the Shuk in Tel Aviv where each pair had free time to eat and shop. Today was also a very special day as we celebrated Noah August’s 17^th birthday and made sure all of Tel Aviv knew it. With stomachs full and wallets empty, we headed to Yitchak Rabin Square (the sight where Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated) where Pauline told us her personal story of when the tragedy happened. It was so powerful to be standing in the exact spot where the assassination occurred. We got back on the bus and it was time to say goodbye to the Israelis…only for two days. However, we did have to say goodbye to our two favorite people, our tour guide Pauline and our bus driver Yaniv. As we took our final picture with these two people who taught us and influenced so much in so little time, Yaniv told us one final thing, “You are our future.” They will always be a part of our Diller family.

Everything was about to change as we arrived to Givat Haviva campus where our North American Kennes experience began. Despite intense heat and personal exhaustion, we went to opening ceremonies and gave Kennes their best performance yet. In addition, each of us were divided into separate color groups where we discuss and explore our Jewish History.  It truly amazes me that we are put on a campus surrounded by a hundred other teens from North America and everyone connects by talking about mutual friends. This person knows this person and that girl went to camp with my friend, this world or better yet this Jewish community throughout all of North America is amazing in that way.

-Leah Gold and Morgan Plant

Sunday - Tuesday by Rachel Orlinsky (and help by other girls: Noa Lipton, Lindsay Hurwitz)

Sunday marked the last day of only Americans. Early in the morning we left Jerusalem and started our journey to meet up with the Ashkelon teens. Once we were reunited it seemed as though no time had passed and we could pick up exactly where we left off in April. That morning both groups worked together on a variety of outdoor training activities. The activities were fun, but we were more focused on seeing each other and lunch was welcomed greatly as a chance for us all to catch up. After leaving the outdoor training facility we headed to Kibbutz Deganya Bet where we would be staying that evening. Upon arrival we got situated in our rooms and then quickly got changed for free time at the pool on the Kibbutz. The pool was gorgeous and everyone had a blast talking and playing games in the water. For dinner, we got the chance to go out in the city of Tiberias and buy our own dinners and enjoy some free time. As a special treat we got the opportunity to see a lovely light show on the water. It was very entertaining and we all enjoyed it a lot. Eventually we made our way back to the Kibbutz and were rewarded with some much needed sleep after our night circles.

Monday, we woke up extra early to load up the bus and have breakfast at the kibbutz. We headed off to the Golan Heights where we watched an interactive show all about the land and how it has shaped Israel as a whole. We could even feel the wind and the mist from the different experiences of the Golan. Lunch followed this cool experience where we ate delicious pizza in a reserve part of the Golan and even played on the playground there. Next, we travelled to Mount Bental where we saw Syria which was a stone throw away and the incredible view of the Kinneret and the surrounding green fields. We even had the opportunity to walk through a former military bunker and hear from Pauline about how the soldiers lived and what their lives were like when the bunker was active. From there, we met Liat (Director of the Diller program in Israel) on a mountain overlooking the town of Metulla. She told us the story of the town and the challenging history of its settlement and those who lived there. Emphasized in her story was the importance of keeping Jews in Metulla and never giving up the town to the Druids or Lebanese so that Metulla would forever stay a part of Israel. Liat also shared with us her personal experience of living in there during both Lebanese wars which was truly inspiring. She then welcomed us into her home for a discussion about a story we read together and for dinner. After surpassing the many disruptions caused by a neighbor’s rowdy dog, we finally expressed all of our ideas and filled our stomachs with a home-cooked meal. We then drove to our camp site where we slept for the night under the stars. Roasting marshmallows was especially delicious and we had the incredible opportunity to talk to a group of paratroopers doing their nightly patrols. They told us about their daily life and how happy they were to see our partnership and young Americans interested in Israel. We had our Ma’agal and settled in for the night in sleeping bags and makeshift pillows made from spare clothes. It may not have been the most comfortable arrangement but the shooting stars we caught sight of made it all worth it!

Tuesday, we began our day by rising with the sun and eating breakfast at our camp site. After packing up our belongings, we headed to Tsfat where two of the Israelis, Amit and Ofir, led us in an activity about the history of Tsvat and its Jewish occupation that our ancestors had to fight for to keep the holy city a part of Israel. We then visited a shul where a man showed us an impressive podium filled with necessary materials and supplies for Shabbat and all of the other Jewish holidays such as a Kiddush cup, seder plate, lulav holder, and Havdallah spice container. We visited two more synagogues whose histories and functions Pauline shared with us. Morgan and I (Rachel) then explained the rules for a picture scavenger hunt through Tsfat among which was the wax figures of the Penguins of Madagascar. After completing the scavenger hunt and having a little bit of free time, we set out for Jaffa where we got to visit the flea market. We were then split into groups and assigned one special monument or spot in Jaffa which we had to present to the group in various fashions including a musical, Disney movie, romantic comedy, and silent film. After our walking tour of Jaffa we headed to our hotel in Tel Aviv where we finally got to shower (thank goodness!) and had dinner at our hotel. We had a joint Ma’agal with the Israelis on the roof which overlooked the city and reflected on our time touring together before heading off to sleep. Lila Tov and goodnight!

An update about our time in Jerusalem from one of the amazing JCs - Danielle Gelber!

Despite the sometimes serious content of our recent programming, throughout our time in Jerusalem, the teens bonded and grew as individuals and as a cohort.  On Thursday, we went on a short hike to Ein Avdat, a natural spring in the desert, just underneath Sde Boker.  Because of the smoldering heat, we were not able to climb the neighboring steps to the reserve.  However, (since we are keeping the kiddos cool and minimally sweaty!) our tour guide, Pauline, led the group to the newly unrestricted side of the spring to enjoy the shade and beautiful view.   As the group chanted hydration cheers and supported each other during the hike, Megan and I smiled at each other, goofing that we are such proud mommies!  At Ben Gurion’s grave later that day, we engaged in conversation about what makes a good leader.  Again the teens showed their maturity and newfound understanding of the group dynamic, talking about stepping up and taking a step back, by using examples from their own lives, not just through the Diller program. 

Friday morning we visited two more solemn attractions: Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust Museum, and Mount Herzl, the national military cemetery and the pantheon of the great of the nation. Because only 4 fellows had never before visited the Holocaust Museum, I was nervous that the group would not be as attentive as they should be.  Not as a big surprise, I was wrong; the teens were interested, respectful and diligent students, asking mature and thought-provoking questions.  Upon leaving the Museum and thanking our tour guide for his engaging tour experience, he remarked that he rarely has such mature conversation with a group of the fellows’ age group and praised them for being special, genuine, and mature kids (as if we didn’t know this already!).  At the cemetery, Pauline shared the stories of Israeli and American soldiers alike, creating a relatable tour which the teens responded to emotionally and empathetically.  Next, the teens switched gears as they entered the mayhem that is Machane Yehuda.  There we split the teens up into groups of 4 and presented them with the challenge of trading with the vendors and convincing one vendor to let them sell behind the counter with them.  We left Ben Yehuda with colorful and exciting pictures and videos perfect for the first dinner when we’re back home and the teens are too tired to talk but you want to hear about the trip.

To bring in Shabbat, the Baltimore Cohort, together with Tal Gale, Co-Director of the Diller Program and Coordinator of Diller North America, enjoyed a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Kotel.  Going around in a circle, Morgan led us in his family’s tradition of sharing what we are thankful for while giving tzedakah.  Next, we expressed our hopes for the weeks to come.  After reflecting on our experiences during the week and our hopes for the rest of the trip, we were finally in the proper mindset for the Western Wall.  At the Wall, the teens reacted differently, some wanting to sit by themselves and think, while others joined groups from all over the world in song and dance.  Also at the Kotel, we ran into Diller cohorts from other North American cities.  It was thrilling to see the group excited to meet the other cohorts, as they ran up to peer groups with fingers crossed that they were a Diller group.  On the walk back to the hotel, I had the opportunity to talk with some of the teens about their reactions to the Kotel.  Whether they were impressed with the communal aspect of the Kotel, understanding the magnitude of the attraction, or just grappling with the large scale impact of the Western Wall throughout Jewish history, the teens comprehended the connection of Jews around the world.  Just as they are excited to learn more about international Jewish communities, I am excited to watch them engage in dialogue with other teens, hear opinions they would not otherwise hear, and marvel in the amazing opportunity which the Diller program offers.   

Let's back track... to Friday!

It is hard to describe the roller-coaster of emotions that the Diller Teens experienced on Friday. We began our day at 8 o'clock with breakfast and immediately boarded the buses to Yad Vashem. Almost everyone in our group had been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. but for many, this was a new experience. Walking to the entrance, it was hard to imagine that such a beautiful building with a gorgeous view of Jerusalem contained such horrifying information. One of the first things our tour guide told us when we met him was that he was going to try and give us the story of the people, not the perpetrators. I thought that this was a very interesting take on the subject because many of us have spent years in school learning about how Hitler came to power and the horrifying crimes that were committed, but very few of us had learned what individuals' lives were like before, during, and after. Most of the information and pictures in the museum I had seen before but what was different and what impacted me the most was the very last part of the museum. We entered a room that contained books of all of the known victims who were murdered, and there was empty shelf space for the names that are still unknown. As interesting as this was, the first thing in the room that grabs your attention is the middle; there isn't one. Our guide immediately brought us to the railing surrounding a hole with a reflection pool at the bottom. The guide explained that the room was designed this way so when you look down you see all of the books containing the names of people who perished but you also see your own reflection. This reflection symbolizes the future of the Jewish people and seeing that at the end of such a sad tour was extremely powerful.

We continued our morning with a quick ride to Har Herzl. Here we saw the graves of the leaders who did so much to ensure that the Jewish people have a safe state to call their own. Such people included Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir, and Yitzchak Rabin. Along with past presidents and prime ministers, soldiers are also buried here. The graves date back to soldiers who fought with the British in WWII such as Chana Senesh and are as current as soldiers who have died in the past few months. As we weaved our way through the cemetery were learned a lot about the sacrifices Israelis make for their country. However, we did not stop and have a sincere conversation about it until we reached the newest part of the cemetery. Here we saw Michael Levin's grave, a Philadelphia native who decided to enlist in the IDF after a trip to Israel. It was difficult to pass his grave because it was covered with Phillies hats, USA hats, pictures, and notes. As we walked to a patch of grass, we saw other graves where people only a year or two older than us our buried. Our tour guide, Pauline, sat us down and talked to us about what life is really like for Israelis when they know they must join the army and may never make it past their 18^th birthday. It is hard to summarize the speech she made but by the end everyone in our group was touched in a way that we cannot totally explain. Many of us cried as we thought about loved ones who risk their lives because they have joined either the Israeli or American military. Others cried just because of the severity of the situation in Israel and the reality that next year, our friends from Ashkelon will be enlisted in the IDF.

After such a sad morning, we transitioned into a happier mood by going to a market called Mahane Yehudah. Here we traded fruits and vegetables and some of us got to go behind a counter and sell items ourselves. After we ate and had embraced the Israeli market atmosphere we went back to the hotel to get ready for our first Shabbat in Israel, and for four of us, at the Kotel. We took the bus to the Kotel and gathered to light Shabbat candles and to give Tzedakah and say our favorite thing from the week thus far. Our group then walked to The Wall to pray and celebrate Shabbat. It was a surreal experience having your head touch the wall as you bowed during the Amidah. Many women from all over the world gathered in a circle with us and we sang songs to welcome Shabbat. We stayed for about an hour and then had an hour walk back to the hotel. It was the perfect night; about 70 degrees with a beautiful breeze as we walked through The Old City. When we arrived at the hotel we discussed our experiences and then everyone passed out because of such a busy day.

-Alex Green

Ashkemore together again!

Update from Megan:

We are back to being Ashkemore! Even though it was sad to leave Jerusalem, everyone is so excited to be back with their Ashkelon friends! I will have a few teens update this blog later tonight with what Jerusalem was like... but in the meantime, I wanted to share some pictures with you of everyone embracing each other. It was an amazing sight to see!

All of your teens are amazing -- everyone is having an incredible and life changing experience, even after only 5 days! I've seen so much growth in them this past week and I really hope that these three weeks go by slowly so we can cherish every moment together (sorry parents - I do not want to give them back to you!!)

I hope you enjoy these pictures... we will update later on today!