Our Final Day | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Our Final Day

Lily Frank

Today, we visited the cemetery at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. It was the most beautiful cemetery I have ever seen, with graves dedicated to various Israelis, soldiers, and those killed as a result of terrorism. The grounds were so big that we found ourselves hiking to get to and from different parts. What got to me the most was that there is space for future graves.

It was an incredibly emotional morning. These grave "pillows" rested over grass, nature, and the remains of soldiers who died for OUR country, for the country of the Jewish people. Life in America is easy.

Today Lilach said: "When we turn 18, we don't want to go to the army. We want to live normal lives that 18 year olds should live, but we must because if we don't, who will? Who will protect our independence."

I have so much respect for Israelis, and I am embarrassed that I was afraid to visit Israel before this trip. I was so close minded, and today I can only feel pride and gratefulness for the time that every Israeli puts in to protecting the Jewish people. At the end of the day, we went to the Haas Promenade and saw the beautiful panorama view of Jerusalem.

It was one of those "Wow, we're in Israel" moments.I will never forget this day. I will never forget the impact that this trip has had on my life. This trip has been life changing. I fell in love with Israel and with the members of Bus 525. It feels like I've known these people my entire life, and I fully plan to embrace the strong bonds that we all have. Shorashim has opened my eyes and heart to Israel and to embracing Judaism. I am so proud to be Jewish.

To the Israeli members of Bus 525, thank you for everything. You made this trip amazing. I am so grateful that Shorashim has Israeli members on each trip for the entire trip.

To everyone else that I have spent the past 10 incredible days with, this trip was one of the best experiences of my life because of you and Israel. I cannot wait to visit Israel again, but I will never forget my first time exploring Israel. This country will always have a special place in my heart.