While standing at baggage claim in the Ben Gurion airport, I had no idea how much this 10 day trip would impact me and my future. As we were all talking in groups about our excitements and worries, a loud shout came over us saying, “Welcome home!!!” It was our guide Gabby who is Canadian born, but raised in Israel. At this time I only considered the small town of Bethel, Connecticut to be my home, and possibly the University of Rhode Island, but an entire nation? I wasn’t so sure. After arrival, we were herded onto our bus like a bunch of happy go lucky Americans. We headed down to Masada, slept, and hiked the mountain for sunrise. This was my favorite hiking experience, and definitely a great way to start off the trip. The sunrise was beautiful and it became surreal that we were actually in a different part of the world, and experiencing thousands of years of history. The next night we stayed in Bedouin tents in the Negev, the desert. This was quite the cultural experience, but even more than that, it was a bonding experience. We all stayed up that night playing Egyptian Rat Screw, and other card games, and teaching our Israeli medics these games too. One of our medics introduced us to the game Jungle Speed. This game involved up to 8 people, fast card matching skills, and some light hand to hand combat. The next day we picked up our 8 Israeli soldiers from a random street corner, and we welcomed them onto the “red carpet” also known as the bus aisle. Getting to know the Israeli soldiers was a main highlight of the trip. It was a shock to most of us how much we had in common with these men and women from a different part of the world. Being Jewish was our common denominator, and they showed us how there are many ways to express Judaism: through prayer, through the culture, and also by fighting for the country. While travelling all around with this group we all became very close and still communicate almost daily. This trip introduced me to a new family, and a new home, and I’m very thankful for it. This summer I’ll be returning to Israel for a two month internship program, and I could not be more excited. If I could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about going on this trip it would be to sign up yesterday. Don’t sit and wait on this experience! If I could give one piece of advice to those signed up to go this summer it would be to keep an open mind and allow yourself to be open with others. Birthright is way more than a free trip, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Stephanie is a senior studying psychology and human development and family studies at the University of Rhode Island. She has been a gymnast for 13 years!
Stephanie is a senior studying psychology and human development and family studies at the University of Rhode Island. She has been a gymnast for 13 years!