August 5 2010
I remember sitting in chemistry class one afternoon in February, writing a countdown in my daily planner until the day I went to Israel. I never thought that day would come, let alone the day I would leave. But, well, I suppose here it is.
For me, the farewell began last night at the HaDag Nachash concert. (HaDag Nachash, one of Israel’s most popular bands, plays upbeat music with a hip-hop, Middle Eastern flavor.)The concert’s venue was the International Arts and Culture Festival right next to Jerusalem’s Old City, and we first meandered through various art booths from around the world. I kept thinking about my falafel’s being the last one, and I kept trying to soak in the swirl of laughter and Hebrew and the assertive yet kind way of life that defines Israeli culture.
When the concert finally started, we ran from our grandstand seats into an incredible mob of people that seemed to become a new organism ruled by the music. During one song called Shirat HaSticker, which is essentially a list of Israeli bumper stickers put to music, I watched the Israelis around me sing the lines “No peace with the Arabs/Don't give them guns/Combat's where it's at, bro,” and I finally realized just how immutably connected Israeli culture and politics are. The concert filled me with delight, and the band was so incredible.
This morning, we visited the Knesset and saw where the Prime Minister sits. Then we relaxed at a park, basking in each other’s presence for one of the last times while in Israel. Then we went to the Supreme Court, which was surprisingly small, maybe about the size of two JRFcabins. When a person asked about the size, our tour guide replied, “You are Americans. I guess everything is bigger there, even the hamburgers.” I loved how there was a Jewish menorah on the wall, a ceiling like a Christain basilica, and a wall like an Islamic wall divider.
Then, we headed on to Mt. Herzl, a military cemetery. Maya told us the story of a few of the graves and the incredible and courageous stories behind them. Then we went to the Herzl museum, where we learned the story of Theodore Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, and the abridged, propagandized, story of Israel from the Dreyfus Affair to our trip today.
Next, we have our final banquet at a goat farm. Our night’s entertainment will include plate awards (like superlatives), skits, and a roast which will give us the opportunity to “roast” our beloved counselors.
At midnight tonight, we will fly out of Israel, leaving Ortal, Maya, and Hanan behind. I’m so not ready to leave them or the country. This trip has reaffirmed my Jewish identity (no, I’m not just saying that) and given me much more insight into the Palestinean/Israeli conflict, especially the difference between the media and reality. I’ve made and strengthened so many incredible friendships; learned so much; tasted, smelled, seen so much. I can’t wait to return to camp and see old friends and meet new, but I’m also so despondent to be leaving Israel. I can’t wait to return, although nothing will ever quite parallel the No’ar Hadash 2010 Israel Experience.