Reflections on a Trip

Nechama H. participated in a free Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors and Rutgers Hillel this past winter. Thanks for sharing Nechama and Rutgers Hillel!

When the plane began the descent into Israel, the sun was rising over Tel Aviv, and it was the most incredible sunset I had ever seen. The clouds were smoky dark, unfurling spectacularly over the deep red skyline. As we descended further, the sky turned burnt orange, a rich combination of pink and purple, and then a bright sunny blue. I sat on the edge of my seat in anticipation, so thrilled to finally be in Israel.

The trip surpassed my already-high expectations. We saw the most breathtaking views of Israel on our hikes, and we shopped and ate our way through the markets. We stargazed and rode camels in the desert, and we floated in the Dead Sea. We learned stirring stories of some of our heroes in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) at Mount Herzl and remembered those who suffered in the Holocaust at Yad Vashem. We became close friends with the Israelis who joined us and created some outstanding memories with them. Hanging out with them showed me a side of Israeli culture and life in the IDF that I did not know about, which I am so grateful for. I am still in touch with some of the soldiers, and I have plans to meet with them again in Israel and in America. Read More!