The Prystowsky ATID V cohort concluded their year-long leadership development program with a trip to Israel from April 28-May 8.

The group started in Tel Aviv with a stop at the beach and celebrated Shabbat. They walked through the historic neighborhoods of Neve Tzedek , the old Tel Aviv train station, and Old Jaffa. Before a free evening they were treated to a primer on Israels’ democracy and political process by Hebrew University professor Reuven Y. Hazan. 

The next day was a long drive to northern Israel – Golan Heights’ Mount Bental, which overlooks Syria. While there, LTC. (ret) Eyal Dror shared his stories about the “Good Neighbor” unit that facilitated medical treatment in Israel for Syrians injured during their civil war. After that, the cohort toured Kibbutz Rosh Hanikra with Partnership 2Gether volunteer Idan Zakkai, learning about life on the border with Lebanon.

The group reunited with more Partnership2Gether friends in Akko/Western Galilee. They toured the Urban Kibbutz and learned about the complexities of living within a “mixed” city made up of Jews, Arabs, and other minorities. After touring the Akko prison in Nahariya, they went to Kibbutz Yechiam and met with refugees settling in from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Dinner was a facilitated conversation with members of the Young Adults group at the Partnership Center and the next morning a tour of Galilee Medical Center. On the way to Jerusalem, the group joined Leket Israel, an organization that rescues and re-distributes surplus food to the needy. The group harvested Kohlrabi (a cabbage family vegetable) in the fields.

The first stop in Jerusalem was a lookout at Hebrew University where they enjoyed the first sights of the Old City and shared a moving “shehechiyanu” prayer. After dinner, the group gathered outside Jerusalem’s Municipal buildings to usher in Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. Here they watched Israeli life come to a standstill at the sounds of the siren and shared in a solemn concert reflecting on the fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.

The next day was a tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, stopping in the Hurva Square for the 11 a.m. memorial siren. The group enjoyed a tour of David’s tunnel, putting notes into the Kotel, Western Wall and some shopping.  Later that evening, sadness then turned to joy as the sun set and Yom HaAtzmaut – the celebration of Israel’s Independence Day – began. Downtown Jerusalem’s streets turned into a sea of people and mosh pit of music and joy. There were outdoor concerts and the requisite celebratory fireworks. 

They then ascended to Masada to look at the amazing views and learn the story of the Masada fortress. After lunch and shopping at the Ahava factory, most everyone floated in the Dead Sea. That evening they learned from Retired Colonel Miri Eisen, who spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in downtown Jerusalem. The evening became somber as news of a terrorist attack came out, another real life learning opportunity for the group. 

Friday began with a walk-through Mt. Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery and to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to victims of the Holocaust. It was a powerful morning, followed by a hectic and joyful visit to the Machane Yehuda market. 

Shabbat was a restful opportunity. After a Kabbalat Shabbat visit to the Western Wall, Friday dinner was shared with guests, including Hoosiers now living in Israel and past emissaries. The group learned from Josh Swatez about his experiences as a lone soldier. The group heard from one last speaker, Pola Barkan, an activist on behalf of the over one million Russian speaking Israelis. After one last meal, the group prepared to say L’hitraot to Israel- until we meet again. Some on the trip extended their stay while the others made the long flight home. Each member gained valuable connections to Israel, to each other and some are already planning their return.

For a video recap of the Prystowsky ATID V experience, visit https://bit.ly/ATID-V