We're here! | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

We're here!

By Kory Geller

What happens in Israel does not stay in Israel. How could it?! 

You just want to look out over the Sea of Galilei and shout out how amazing everything is! Oh, wait, I did that!! Getting to this beautiful country was much quicker than I had expected.

Although we experienced a flight delay, it gave us more time to meet our fellow participants and leaders Kara and Rebecca (who are not only intelligent and awesome, but always look rested and ready even though you know they were up all night planning). Once our flight took off, the ascent was met with applause from a (double decker!!) plane full of people heading to the holy land for the first time, a return visit, and some who call it home. In the air, we were already all united in our excitement for where we were headed, and our consumption of what was the best airplane meal ever. Once landing in Israel, we were met by our Israelis, a group of citizens who are accompanying us on the tour, as well as our leader Omer, who is not only extremely knowledgeable, but rocks a mean pashmina shawl. After some singing and introductions, we traveled to our Kibbutz (which included a pit stop to say the shecheheyanu), had a wonderful meal, and took in our new home. This home includes beautifully groomed lawns, interesting trees, and more dogs than I can count, including my new best friend Soukarya (which means "lollipop", look ma, I'm learning Hebrew!).

After getting no sleep due to excitement and a confused inner clock, it was time for our first hike! This was no leisurely stroll. In fact, I felt like an Olympian, and after avodiing tripping no less than 10 times, I felt very accomplished. Fortunately, we were rewarded with a swim in the most beautiful pond, complete with a waterfall and perfect water temperature. This left me breathless, not only because I was doggy paddling for my life, but it was truly stunning. All I could say was "this must be paradise".

After drying off and hiking back, we got food from the happiest falafel maker ever (you would be too if you got that many shekels from a group as hungry as us!), and then traveled to Mt. Bental, where we looked out over a vast landscape towards Syria.

We were reminded of current events and how important having the Golan Heights is, because so much was sacrificed to win the land. The pride that Israelis have in their country and this land is very moving. Also, hearing about current events and world politics while looking towards the land in discussion was exhilarating, stark, and something I will never forget.

Rounding out our busy first day was rafting down the Jordan river, after which we headed back to our kibbutz and ate a scrumptious dinner while continuing to bond.

Don't worry, we all made sure to get a ton of sleep so that we were completely rested for the next day. And yes Dad, we have been wearing sunscreen and hydrating, drinking what we learned is 80% recycled water (no wonder it tastes so familiar...). Every sight we have seen has a story, every step has significance. The history is so tangible, especially having our new Israeli friends infuse our adventures with their personal stories and authentic touch. I may still be unsure of everyone's name, but I am sure that this is a trip and a group of people that I will never forget. But in the meantime, I have to go hike down Mt. Arbel. I hope I don't get lost, or else I'll have to sleep outside, but with the beautiful weather and stars, even that would be magical. Shalom!

Photo credits: Emily Belowich, Sapir Taib, Kara Kimmel, Kory Geller, Riayn Rosenstock, and Rebecca Gold