When I applied for the program previously known as AFUWOFI (currently known as icnext cohort 2), I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. At first, it was hard for me to connect with everyone, as I only knew a few people. I was scared to host an Israeli my age because I only knew how to say “shalom” and “masleg.” However, as the first year of this two year program comes to a close, I have grown much closer to everyone in my cohort, and I am extremely thankful that I had the chance to become great friends with Israeli teens. I definitely encourage anyone interested in this program to go for it; it’s an amazing experience.
The first year of this two year program prepares you for the ten day Israel trip. There is a monthly Sunday seminar that lasts about six wonderful hours. During these seminars, you will learn about the history of Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict, social issues in Israeli society, how to conduct an interview, and how to take the perfect photograph. After each seminar, you will have an assignment that will relate to what you’ve been learning about. For example, we all read a book by an Israeli author to grasp the culture of the country.
During the second year, you will not have as many meetings. However, this will be your year to engage other people with Israel. In addition to helping out with our major projects, I will be the president of the Israeli Culture Club at my high school. I hope to use what I’ve learned this past year to educate other high school students and make them want to understand and eventually engage themselves more in Israel. Together, our cohort will have a few projects. We will produce a traveling photo exhibit of this year’s theme, the Israeli family, and we will engage the Cleveland community with Israel on iDay, when will we mix learning with fun so that everyone can learn about Israel and have a great time doing it.
As I’m writing this blog, my first ever trip to Israel is nearing its end. I’ve always wanted to go to Israel, and the trip has definitely exceeded my expectations. Throughout our 10 day trip, I’ve learned so much about the Arab-Israeli conflict, the history of Israel, and Israeli families, all from multiple perspectives. I’ve realized how complicated the conflict truly is, how much adversity the Jews have faced to obtain a homeland in Israel, and how different and interesting Israeli families can be.
Without a doubt, my Israeli penpal, Ron Dalal, has made me feel the most connected to Israel. Tonight I had to say goodbye to Ron, not knowing if I will ever see him again. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Although I’ve only really spent about a week with Ron, I have grown extremely close to him. When I met Ron in Cleveland, the language difference was a little difficult to overcome, but thanks to staying in touch over the past two months, we’ve become much, much closer. I know that I’ll always remember how kind Ron and his family were and all the jokes we shared together.