Since I have been in Israel many people have asked, in my opinon, the million dollar questions of coming to Israel. Which are, whether I would one day make aaliyah and move to Israel, and while on Birthright if I felt a connection with the land and people. While making aaliyah is still on the table, I can definitely say I feel a very strong connection within me to the land of Israel. Birthright really showed me how deep of a connection I really do have. But while on Study Abroad, I have really gotten to explore the details on what makes Israel the land it is, and how everyday life works.
The first week of class and activites was great. It felt so nice to finally be able to unpack my suitcase and take a breath after 10 days of hiking and going from hostel to hotel and so on. I keep having to pinch myself that I am actually here in Israel studying. The classes Mendelsson and Aronoff are teaching are of huge interest to me and it is a perfect situation to be able to take them in Israel. I was really glad we got to go see Herzlyyia and the conference panel on Pillar of Defense. I have sat in on panels before like at AIPAC events in D.C, or smaller panels at MSU, but nothing can compare to hearing Israeli experts who were actually there working on the issue at the time. For me, that period when Pillar of Defense was happening was a turbulent time. I am involved with the pro-Israel group on MSU's campus so it was part of my job to be educated on the subject and updated while things were still happening, so to be able to sit in on the discussion was very appreciated.
Boy, oh boy, Thursday was a long day. It felt like birthright round two, waking up early and walking around all day into night. It was fantastic to see the holy sites of Christians and Muslims because we didn't get to on birthright. It is always very interesting to me to see how cultures are attached to such a historic place for so many people. My favorite part is always getting to go to the Western Wall, but I forgot the notes my mom and brother gave me! So I will have to go again (not like that is a bad thing). But this time, I'd have to say my favorite part of the day was the Jerusalem Film Festival. I absolutely loved Hunting Elephants and thought it was a perfect way to see and get a taste of Israeli culture and society. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a while, and was so similar to Western movies and American film that one wouldn't guess it was made in the Middle East.
This first week gave me a great idea of things to expect the rest of this month. I enjoy learning about politics and what makes Israel spin so I am especially looking forward to the project about a political party we get to choose. It should make for a great time getting to understand the people of Israel. This is also the first time I have traveled overseas, and what an adventure it has been. I even got to go to Budapest, Hungary this past weekend to visit my family who lives there. All in all, these are only a few of the words I have struggled to find to describe my time in Israel so far (which most of time has left me speechless), and I think maybe after another month I might be able to answer the first of the million dollar questions.
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