The Prodigal Daughter

I’ve been so touched at how many people have said they were worried about me whilst I was in Israel. I didn’t think many people would notice I was away, let alone remember where I was. I think it becomes that way when you travel a lot – people get used to you disappearing and reappearing. I also didn’t realise how worrying the situation looked from outside of Israel. Though people in Israel were understandably anxious, it was easy to be lulled by their sincere reassurances of safety, and the fact that they do ‘just get on with it’ even in times of conflict. The Birthright trip was intensely packed, barely giving us time to stop and get worried about the escalating conflict. Then again, having six young soldiers from the Israeli army with us was a constant reminder of the reality of the war. It was wonderful to get to know them and hear their perspective on the situation, but it was also humbling, knowing that after ten days, we’d be leaving it all behind. For them, it’s their life.

Tomer, Ma’ayan and Gili – photo by Guy Stern

Each night we’d watch the news updates as the troops began their ground attack in Gaza. Many of our soldiers had close friends on the front lines and each news report would provoke fresh tears and frantic attempts to call them – though they knew that all soldiers in Gaza had been forced to give up their mobile phones for security reasons. They accompanied us in all of our activities, from riding camels in the desert, to touring the Old City of Jerusalem, and it was humbling to see how they put on a brave face for our sake. Many were apologetic that we were in Israel at such a turbulent time – they just wanted us to see their country in a positive light. I’m not if they understood one of the most positive aspects of being there, was seeing their mature and spirited way of dealing with such difficulty.

L-R: Maya, Tomer, Gili, Natalie, Ma’ayan, Sivan and Niv (he was the only boy, as the others got called back to fight before they could join us.)

Then again, I sometimes wondered about the lasting effects that these circumstances have on Israeli youth. After spending even a short time with the soldiers, I feel convinced that the compulsory army service in Israel gives young Israelis a maturity and strength that surpasses many from other countries. However the stress levels during these times of greater conflict must also have a negative effect.

One girl told me that one of the reasons so many young Israelis travel to India, is that it allows them to leave the stresses of the army behind and represents a level of peace and spirituality that is so far from the war fuelling religion of their homeland. Whether that’s really true is debatable, but it’s a fact that Israelis flock to India in droves every year.

Maya, who celebrated her last day in the army the day before we left.

There’s so much more I want to write, in fact, I had planned to report everything we did in Israel. It was a short trip, but we covered nearly the entire length and breadth of Israel, learning about so much of the history and culture along the way. I found the trip enjoyable but also a great challenge. Travelling in groups is always demanding at times, but it felt particularly difficult sometimes to be the only person who admittedly practised a religion other than Judaism. Surprisingly, even though the trip is aimed to provide Jewish youth with an opportunity to get in touch with their heritage, not one of the participants was very religious, with many being openly atheist or apathetic. Anyway, too much to say, too little time. Essays to write and projects to plan – roll on graduation!

Collecting shells on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) – Photo by Guy Stern