By Joshua D. Abrams

Prior to diving into an amazing 10-day trip to Israel, I wish to thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis for this opportunity. With the help of so many individuals, this was one of the greatest trips I've have ever experienced. For me, Israel has become the place I wish to vacation to, at every chance I get! Writing about this trip would take weeks, so in an effort to be concise and brief, I have selected four values that seemed to be of great importance to Israelis, and to me. While delayed 2 years by the novel Coronavirus, the Prystowsky ATID V trip to Israel embodied the importance of Pride, Resilience, Life, and Community.

Throughout this trip, I had asked questions of the Israelis and one value that kept coming up was the pride of being Israeli. While Israeli Jews may identify as Israeli before Jewish (unlike America where Jews identify as being Jewish before identifying as American), the pride that instilled in them from birth is outstanding. There is a reason that Israel shuts down the streets on their Independence Day. Nothing can stop them, even if one is hearing a mosques' microphone saying prayer five times a day across a city. The sense of pride is so strong, it's as if David is beating Goliath over and over again.

Looking at the United States, several generations of people have not had to experience a draft or a large-scale war. In Israel, the fighting hasn't stopped since their independence was declared in 1948. The resilience to survive is unmatched. The Israeli mentality to thrive at the highest level possible has led to decades of innovation and stability for the country. While living in a country that is surrounded by enemies and with having limited resources, the sheer will to never back down and to defy all the critics, is inspiring!

Life. It is sacred in Israel and on Yom HaZikaron, we experienced something that is unknown to the rest of the world. At 8 p.m., on the dot, a siren screamed across the country and it was as if the world had stopped. Everything and everyone stood still for a full two minutes to recognize the fallen soldiers over the last seven decades. Unlike the United States, every Israeli is connected to someone that has given their life for the country and the Day of Remembrance isn't a day for partying. It's a day to remember the sacredness of life. 

As American Jews, we know what it is like to build a Jewish community. In Israel, it is similar, yet it contains unique differences. As we know, citizens are to serve in the army after they graduate high school. One thing that may go unnoticed is the appreciation and understanding from those who have served. I'm talking about the falafel or coffee that is given to soldiers as a "thank you, I understand what you are doing" gesture. The simple nod of the head to let the youngsters know they are appreciated. Israelis stick together and come to help one another, whenever someone is in need. Whether it's a complete stranger or someone you know, you can always count on the Jewish community of Israel to be there for you. 

From the bumpin' beaches of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem's holiest land in the world, and everything in between, there was no shortage of education and unforgettable experiences. Whether it be the partnership program in northern Israel or playing Jewish geography with a random gentleman in a coffee shop, any Jewish individual would be able to find their connection to Israel. 

In the words of our amazing travel guide Hadara, “They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat.”