SH-22-548's blog

Shalom from the desert! Today so far, we’ve done more than I usually do on any given Monday. As usual, we woke up super early, ate breakfast, and hit the road by 8:30am. On the ride to our hike, we played “That Camel is Mine!,” a thrilling game in which we Shorashim-ers claim as many camels as we can find. So far, Erik is winning with two spotted. Some have also claimed Ibexes and Donkeys.

The history here is something I find the most amazing about this country. Today we climbed through a tunnel that water came out of that was around 4,500 years old. Each day we turn on the faucet and never stop to think where this water is even coming from. Taking the time to go through a tunnel that was crafted specifically for the purpose of receiving water really makes me think how easy we have it. Besides all of that, it was a REALLY cool experience.

“The Golan Heights got me to appreciate the sacrifice and hard work that went into building this country“ - Aaron Baskin

“I realized that I have other brothers from another mother… and country.” - Liran Moalem

“I have become really close with all my Israeli friends, and I love it, because they’re just like us but live such intense lives.” - Julia Klairmont

“Israel is really chill. I have never been surrounded by such authentic Jews before. Back home, I am only 1 of 3.5 Jews at my school, so it is great to see my real roots.” - David Katz

So here we are on Delta Airlines flight 268 en route to Tel Aviv, Israel. After 12 great hours of bonding with our group mates at the airport and on the plane, we arrive in the birth place of our heritage. As we step off the plane, we are met by our Shorashim Israeli guides for an opening ceremony. The feeling is apprehensive at first but we soon become enthralled with the realization that we are in the land of our ancestors. Walking out of the airport, we are met by Joby, our bus driver, and a man to change our money into sheckels.