Did you know there are organized trips to Israel that include both volunteering and touring that are specifically for the Syrian community?
I participated in such a life-changing experience over this past winter break, led by Eddie Zeitoune, in partnership with Mitnadev Israel, Taglit-Birthright, and Israel Outdoors. Over sixty young adults from our community participated. We had the incredible opportunity to explore the land of Israel, to provide much-needed assistance, to share in meaningful experiences, and have a wonderful time along the way. Group members reported that the combination of volunteering, meeting Israelis from different walks of life, and exploring Israel made the trip both meaningful, enjoyable, and truly memorable.
On the Ground
Our volunteer stints took us to different locations throughout Israel. We visited and volunteered at kibbutzim in the north and the south. One day, we put on a fantastic carnival for the children of a kibbutz, with face-painting, games, and other fun activities. The laughter and smiles of the children was the best reward. But we didn’t just volunteer with the fun stuff. We also rolled up our sleeves. One day, we helped clear out water from a flooded gymnasium and cafeteria that were damaged by rockets. Through these and other similar activities, we felt like we were helping Israel to rebuild.
We also spent time doing agricultural work. We picked crops, raked leaves, and planted trees. We had a chance to build – helping to craft benches and assist in the work of putting in roads. We felt our contributions were highly meaningful, and also helped the group bond over the good that we were doing.
In the evenings we had a chance to recharge. .On our first night, some of us fought off the jetlag to attend a wonderful Omer Adam concert. He is a popular Israeli singer who infuses elements of both Mizrachi and Western pop instrumentation. Those who went loved it. On many evenings different groups went out for dinner and hung out together, getting to know each other better. This helped to make us a tight knit group, in addition to bonding with the meaningful volunteer work.
Some of the group members visited family members, including siblings in yeshiva or seminary for the year. Those who had learned in Isarel for a year got the chance to reconnect with their yeshivot and their rabbis.
We experienced an amazing Shabbat in Jerusalem. Friday afternoon we left the Royal Wing Hotel, where we stayed for the bulk of our trip, and headed to the Kotel. We first went to a stunning viewpoint, where we could take in the entire Kotel and the area surrounding it. Our trip leaders inspired us with words about the importance of Shabbat. Then, we headed down to the Kotel to bring in Shabbat and pray. Afterwards, we walked back together to our hotel for Friday night dinner.
Visiting the Nova Site
No one came away from the Nova Festival site unaffected. It was especially significant that we were there on the fast of the 10th of Tevet, which commemorates the start of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. This marked the beginning of the end for the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian exile. Upon arrival at the Nova site, our group members, always talkative and energetic, went silent. For most, it was our first time there.
At Nova, hundreds of photos of the approximately 364 victims killed and dozens taken hostage are displayed on wooden posts forming a “forest” or images. The victims’ smiling faces were on the walls, on posters, on giant boards. There were also individual shrines in an area covered with personal notes, candles, flowers, and items left by families and visitors. A large mural of faces stood in the center. We felt those beautiful souls were all looking at us, with their sparkly eyes and wide smiles.
We knew what happened to these happy-looking people on the posters. We saw scorched and bullet-riddled cars belonging to festival attendees, along with damaged personal belongings like a jumble of beach chairs and broken coolers, which we felt could have belonged to any of us. We felt in our hearts that the reason we came to Israel was because of these people, and what happened to them on October 7th.
Also at the Nova site are thousands of ceramic red anemone sculptures, created by hundreds of artists across Israel. They have become a powerful symbol of the Nova festival massacre. The flowers (kalaniyot in Hebrew, a beautiful red wildflower that blooms across the country) represent the young lives lost, and they also serve as a metaphor for resilience, hope, and the renewal of life despite tragedy.
Before leaving, we gathered to say a silent farewell and to sing Hatikvah. We continued on to our next volunteer site, now with an increased sense of purpose.
Conclusion
From beginning to end, this was a truly amazing trip. Not only did we see Israel, but we also contributed in our own small way. We built close bonds as a group, built meaningful friendships, and a commitment to Israel that will last a lifetime.