Our Last Day in Israel!

July 23, 2017
By: Amanda Fruman

Coming to you live from Ben Gurion Airport: We woke up this morning, finished our last minute packing, and weighed everyone's suitcases to make sure no one broke the 50lb limit. Once everyone had redistributed their things to other suitcases and everyone's bags zipped, we headed to breakfast. You could tell it was the end of the trip when Jeremy ran out of clean shorts and came to breakfast with a shirt wrapped around his legs as makeshift pants; "the t-short". We then packed up the bus and headed to Haifa. We saw the Baha'i Gardens. It is one of the holiest shrines for the Baha'i people (the youngest monotheistic religion in the world), and where their first prophet is burried. In Haifa we also explored a culturally diverse minority in Israel, the Druze. It was so cool to listen to them speak and learn about such a small population of Israel. Did you know that Druze only make up less than 1% of the Israeli people? They served us a traditional lunch and it was very tasty! We ate rice, tahini covered meat, and We then hopped back on the bus to go rock climbing. This was such a fun way to end the trip, and I was so impressed that everyone who was able to tried even if it was scary. At this point it began to hit me how close I was to leaving Israel, and these amazing 18 people who have become family to me. We all made promises to hang out after Diller. We jumped back on the bus, picked up a quick dinner, and headed straight for the airport. We said an emotional goodbye and safe travels to Emily our JC as she is on her way to Greece, and to Talia Ilana Miller, and Abigal who extend their trip in Israel. Going through customs and baggage was as smooth as possible and now we are hanging out waiting for our flight to board. I am so thankful for Diller and this amazing opportunity. I have truly realized how once in a lifetime it was been for me. Not only has it connected me to Jews from all corners of the world, but it has allowed me to feel comfortable bringing my Jewish values and traditions home to my everyday life. We miss all of our families so much and we can't wait to see you in a few short hours!!