Back to Israel

This past week was one of the most emotional and meaningful experiences of the semester. Our journey in Poland came to a close, and we returned to Israel with a deep sense of reflection and gratitude. 

Shabbat in Kraków was an inspiring and uplifting experience, bringing us together as a community before one of the most solemn days of the trip. On Sunday, we visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, a visit that was both challenging and essential. Walking through the remnants of the camp, we confronted the harsh realities of history, supporting one another as we processed the enormity of what we had learned. 

Our final day in Poland took us to Lodz and back to Warsaw, where we connected many of the stories we had followed throughout our journey. We concluded the trip with a powerful ceremony before making our way back home to Israel. 

After a much-needed day of rest, we continued our learning by tracing the stories of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Eretz Israel. That evening, we had the privilege of meeting Basma, a Druze woman who lost her husband and, in his memory, opened a kosher restaurant serving soldiers from his unit and beyond. Her resilience and generosity were truly inspiring. 

On Thursday, we traveled to Tel Aviv to explore Israel’s first Hebrew city—its history, culture, and vibrant energy. After two intense weeks filled with profound experiences, we’re looking forward to a well-earned Shabbat to recharge before the next chapter of our journey begins!