This Is Not Goodbye

I wish I could put Israel in my front pocket and carry it with me where ever I go. Four weeks is not enough time to explore and study in Israel and you can be sure I will return soon. Now that I have a moment to stop and breath, I can hardly believe the places I have visited, the people and sites I’ve seen and the things I‘ve done.

I loved the moments in the Old City, especially David’s City and climbing in the tunnels! Israel’s historical vibe is exhilarating. The city, and Danny as well, have honestly made me consider archeology. Well, maybe. I also can’t forget to mention the amazing food! I think humus is officially part of my diet.

My mind is still in overload in regards to topics such as Israeli politics and society. This trip has provided the opportunity to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a light that could not have been portrayed through books. With the combination of trips, academic panels, and lectures by the various guest speakers from military commanders to every day citizens, this trip has provided a pretty well rounded perceptive of Israeli politics and society. I will even be honest and say I wasn’t looking forward to the class mock elections but I am extremely glad Professor Aronoff assigned the exercise. Not only was it fun but it also provided a further insight of the tension and complexities surrounding the coalition and the Israeli state as a whole. My mind is overall still processing it all.

            In regards to the recent peace negotiations, I hope that Israel and Palestine can come to a peace agreement, not just for the sake of the state but for the people too. Many are sympathetic towards the issue but few truly grasp the impact of the conflict on society. Having only visited for a little over four weeks I have had a taste of it and could not imagine being engulfed in it 24/7. I am optimistic about the peace agreement because it is better to live with hope then none all.  Good luck Israel and Palestine and we shall meet again!