It was already bright, the time was 6:45 am and we had arrived; Eretz Yisrael, home. The first steps in Ben Gurion was like entering into a new world, the world of the Jews. The sights and smells of early morning Israel—the instant coffee (questionable choice), the palm trees, and the morning traffic rush—all transform our homeland from ancient to new. Tel Aviv: Tel meaning old, Aviv meaning new. There is a shul in the airport! Baruch Hashem this is my fourth time in Israel, yet each time is as fresh and invigorating as the first. The early afternoon light at the Kotel, inspiring and meaningful as always, the hustle and bustle of Tzfat during lunch rush, and the beautiful mountain range of the Golan. The ancient city of Akko, and the even older city of Caesarea. The beautiful views of the Mediterranean from these ancient cities, as well Rosh Hanikra and Tel Aviv. Hostage Square and Yad Vashem brought tears to my eyes. The Yeshivot we visited- Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, and this upcoming Shabbat at Yeshivat HaKotel. Walking through the shuks in Tel Aviv and Yerushaliyim was exciting and fun, as was exploring the many malls. Instagram Teen Takeover was a blast. While Tisha B’av at the Kotel cannot be topped, the rest of the summer will give it a try. I have had a blast on NCSY Derech and it wouldn’t be the same without all the relationships that have been built through the summer.
— Zachy Maron
West Orange, New Jersey
