On December 29th 2015 I found myself sitting on a plane at JFK International Airport with a one way ticket in my hand. Destination - Israel. Moreover, every single face on that plane was one of a stranger. I knew no one but I was not alone. I was with a group of 40 beautiful like-minded people that were also headed to Israel to experience something truly amazing.
Over the summer of 2015 I decided to apply for Taglit Birthright for a chance to take a free 10 day trip to Israel in order to experience the beauty, history, connection of the country and most importantly to re-align the internal compass we all have deep inside.
So, here I was sitting on this plane headed to the Holy land not knowing anyone. Just as fast as I sat down into my seat, I got called over by a group of complete strangers to sit with them. These five people would become my "Squaaa" for the next 10 days. Squaaa was comprised of four girls, one guy and myself. Its hard to describe the feeling of connection and love I felt for them throughout the trip but all I can really say is I am so thankful for them calling me over that first day.
We landed in Tel Aviv and quickly boarded a bus headed to god knows where in this foreign land trusting the people in charge with leading us on an adventure of our lives. Thankfully we had a blessing of a tour guide who's name is Benny Powers. If anyone ever travels to Israel and wants to experience it with a hip unique twist, I recommend no one else other than Benny. Our first night was topped off by a game of Durak with Squaaa in a rickety hostel room with army bunk beds and a shower half the size of my body. But we didn't care because we were together, and being together made us happy.
Happiness ended up following us throughout the whole trip, never leaving our side even when hangovers, headaches and sleeping through lectures were our main concerns. I can safely speak for the whole group when I say that everyone felt happiness in one way or another.
Benny took us on adventures through mountains, down shooks filled with spices, stinky fish and cheap jewelry, into museums and memorials for the fallen soldiers of the IDF and the Holocaust, and even took us snorkeling in the Red Sea where we saw an octopus! We accomplished so much thanks to peoples connection and a common feeling of happiness.
This first 10 days of my 2+ years trip were the best 10 days of my life.
Gud Shabos
1/9/2016