Team Mensch takes flight to Israel!

On Sunday December 18, 2011 18 AMAZING participants with special needs plus 6 FABULOUS staff gathered at Tom Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles to embark on a very special 10 day trip to Israel. Fearless leader and organizer, Lee, told everyone involved that they all need to act like "mensches".

How do you do that exactly? Be Responsible and Respectful.

What is each participant responsible for during the trip? Treating each other with kindness, getting enough sleep, proper hygiene, eating healthy meals, drinking water, as well as taking medications at the right times. All of these participants are working towards living independant lives, and one can't do that without showing responsibility.

What can each participant do to show respect? During the trip participants are encouraged to help each other, listen to staff, and act appropriately when meeting new people.

After a massive photo shoot and tearful goodbyes with parents, Team Mensch boarded their El Al flight to Israel. During the 15 hour flight, the group was able to nosh, sleep, get up and walk around the cabin, visit friends, and make new ones!

Staff member Rachel overheard a beautiful conversation on the plane between participants Lauren and Andrew. They were talking about keeping journals of their experiences in Israel. Lauren told Andrew that she was doing it so that she wouldn't forget anything that happened. Andrew responded by saying that "all the participants will be able to share this experience with each other forever, because we're a community".

Next, it was time to grab luggage and head out to the tour bus and meet the Israeli staff that will be assisting the group for the next ten days. Our first stop was at an overlook where as a group we toasted over juice to a "sweet experience". Finally, the group checked into the hotel at Neve Ilan and enjoyed a delicious Israeli feast!

Time to get some rest, then Team Mensch will be on the move early tomorrow morning. Jerusalem here we come!