Our day started with an intense, emotional trip to Yad Vashem, which is the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem. Our, Swedish-born, Israeli tour guide began our tour with the history leading up to the Shoa and highlighted personal stories and accounts of victims.

"After just seven short days, the group mentality and energy is a strong one, proving to me that the bond of religion or of a shared history is a powerful one that draws us together, in times of need and in times of leisure too.  Now, as I sit under the stars at our kibbutz under Masada, writing this blog post as my friends lay near me looking up at the sky, I understand the purpose of this Birthright trip. This is a lasting camaraderie."

We enjoyed a guided tour of the museum, but we wrestled with emotions as we made our way through graphic and powerful exhibits. Our tour concluded with a debrief and reflection period where, in small groups, we shared our feelings of grief, sorrow, hope and optimism.

"We got the chance to swim in the Mediterranean, eat gelato, and see an incredible off Broadway show that is originally from Israel. The show was so funny and awesome it kept us laughing the whole time."

"Yad Vashem was an experience that leaves you speechless. So many emotions, so much to be grateful for. #NeverForget"

Beautiful views and new friends! #Shorashim #Birthright