A Challenging, Yet Meaningful Visit to Masada | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

A Challenging, Yet Meaningful Visit to Masada

Gabby Cohen

Yesterday was an incredibly powerful day for members of Birthright #Bus218. 

Personally, the highlight of the day was hiking Masada at sunrise.  Ever since I've been a child, I've wanted to make this climb.  It is more than just a hike; it's a journey.  Unfortunately, the day before this much anticipated climb, I received dreadful news.  My Papa (grandfather) had unexpectedly passed away back home in San Francisco.  My birthright friends comforted me throughout the day with unwavering support, as I made the decision to finish the rest of my first trip to Israel.  My ankle was sprained and swollen from a camel mishap in the Negev, only in Israel.

However, I wasn't going to let my injury stop me from making it to the top of Masada.  Each step I chose to take was a victory; they represented progress.  On the heels of my Papa's death, I realized that this journey was no longer about me.  It was about feeling the pain my Jewish ancestors endured, while they inched their way up continuous steep and rocky paths.  It was about witnessing the beautiful sun rise from the dark sky.  I was hiking for my Papa, while conquering my own self-imposed limits.