Israel - My Experience

Before I begin, I would like to let everyone know that I am no expert on what is going on in the Middle East. In fact, before I visited Israel I probably couldn't have said five facts about the issues taking place because I am a shallow American girl who cares more about the amount of likes she gets on Instagram than what is actually going on around the world. Wish I was joking... Anyway, while I probably just demolished any kind of credibility you thought I had, I will confidently say that I now have more knowledge on the issues taking place in Israel because I saw first hand what is actually happening over there.

It can be determined that my birthright trip was without a doubt different from the ideal birthright experience. There was drinking, hiking, camel riding, and many selflies that stemmed from there, but it was also followed by Israel's plan of a ground invasion in Gaza. I was hoping for a 10 day vacation, but it really became a 10 day learning experience. The whole "situation" didn't become real until I found myself running into a bomb shelter while missiles were fired into Eilat, just a few hundred feet away from my hotel. Emotions were running high, not because I was scared (even though the sound and feeling of a bomb dropping is a bit frightening), but because seeing people who were at once complete strangers come together to comfort each other was overwhelmingly touching. Adversity truly brought us closer.

There is nothing I want less than to come off biased, but after seeing what I saw, and hearing stories from Israeli soldiers, I felt inspired to go home and do my research to further help the state of Israel. Even saying I want to help the state of Israel makes me sound biased... I mean how ridiculous is that? Just in case you didn't know, I am Jewish. I was raised conservative, I had a Bat Mitzvah, and I still observe on religious holidays. This shouldn't be a shocking statement considering literally everyone knows I'm Jewish. I think we can all agree that it is heartbreaking to see thousands of Palestinian and Israeli citizens killed. My main issue is the hate, propaganda, and side taking on the news and social media. After experiencing what I did in Eilat, I could finally say that I got a taste of what is really going on in the Middle East. In the rare times I had wifi, I was eager to see what the world had to say about what was going on. To my surprise, I found tons of negative posts towards Israeli's. Anger is an understatement. I will not go on a rant about why I was angry because that doesn't really matter at this point. The only thing that matters is that one day both Arabs and Israeli's will find a sense of peace in one way or another. The lack of knowledge I saw online, however, was just hurtful. Y'all really have no idea what is going on. This issue is so simple, yet so complicated all at the same time. Peace is the goal here, friends... Not slaughter.

Let me make one thing clear, going to Israel on Mayanot Birthright was easily the best decision I've ever made. I learned about the history of Israel, I heard stories from amazing individuals, and I found my new family of 50+ strong. There were sirens and missiles going off in every other direction, but that never took away from my experience. It actually added to it. I could go into extreme detail and tell y'all about every excursion, every conversation, even every feeling I had in those 10 days, but you wouldn't understand. No offense, but it's one of those "you had to be there" type of situations. Everyone told me I would have the experience of a lifetime the second I stepped off that plane, but I didn't quite understand what they meant until I actually submerged myself into the Israeli culture. I could attempt to explain what I experienced in one word or sentence, but it just wouldn't be enough. All I can do is beg you to go make an experience for yourself. When you do that, you will understand exactly what I am talking about.

I was told by one of the Israeli soldiers who joined my birthright trip to be a "little ambassador" for the state of Israel. That is what I am trying to do here. If you know me, you know I am a lover, not a fighter. I hate what is going on in the Middle East... But I will always support the state of Israel because it is my home. I used to make the joke that I am JewISH, emphasis on the "ish." But if Israel has taught me anything it is to be proud of my faith. This issue is far too controversial for a 20 year old girl's random blog to become relevant, but I just wanted to make it clear that is it scary over there, for both sides. All we can hope for as bystanders is for some kind of settlement to be made. Peace, in my opinion, is a bit unrealistic at this point, but I hope that both sides are looking for compromise, not a blood bath.

Pray for the people in the Middle East y'all. Sending all my love to my friends either living, vacationing, or fighting in Israel. I love you all endlessly and hope I am spreading the word in the most loving way possible. Hope y'all enjoyed this post and enjoy a few pictures from 10 of the best days my life has ever known.