Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 23

On the 9^th day we looked into the question how can we love our enemies? Loving our enemies as we discussed is very difficult but crucial for peace and friendship. We started our day by going to a settlement made from Jews who had to evacuate Gaza. We heard the story of man named Ariodes. He told us his story and that of many others like him who were forced to leave Gaza during the Disengagement in 2005. They started a settlement called Neta. His story was very compelling. We also had discussions and text study during this time.

After lunch we met with two women who are part of an organization called the Parents’ Circle, an organization supporting families who have lost a loved one in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They shared their story and the goals of the organization to try and create peace and friendship between Arabs and Israelis. We then listened to a Jewish women who makes clay pieces and puts them on the wall between Gaza and Israel. She tries to make the wall a more attractive and less hostile site. She also paints peace and peace signs towards Gaza so someone hopefully sees it in Gaza. With her, we all chose a clay piece and help decorate the wall between Gaza and Israel. We met some IDF soldiers and talked with them. We understood what it was really like to live on the border with Gaza, and how peace could really be an option. 

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 24

We started off at our home base in Quirat Gat, Youth Futures. Our first activity of the day was a group discussion of the weekly Torah portion, Parshat Devarim. We read a short summary of the portion, in which we learned that Moshe was speaking to the Children of Israel about their earlier journeys. We then discussed why Moshe might have felt the need to review previous events. Some fellows suggested that in order to understand one’s identity and predict one’s future, one must first know their pasts. This was a key idea explored by us Chicagoans in Kennes. Other interpretations were that he was trying to preserve the history that might have been forgotten by the new generation or warn them not to repeat a previous mistake.

The next activity of our Ma’agal Boker was a discussion of our goals for the Israeli Summer Seminar. The leaders of the day, Hili, Hillel, Elad, Adam, and Barb, helped facilitate dialogue by giving out clay for us to mold into shapes that represented our goals. We received four colors of clay. Yellow clay represented how we hope to grow as a result of Diller. Green clay represented the personal growth we wished to experience. Pink represented growth in relation to Israel and blue represented growth among our cohorts. I decided that I wanted to increase my leadership skills, step out of my comfort zone, strengthen my connection to Israel, and build long lasting friendships.

The third activity of the morning focused on the theme of the day, multiculturalism. We explored the history and rich cultures of various groups that have made Aliyah. We learned about Yemenite Jews, their Aliyah in Operation Wings of Eagles, and Ja’achnun, a delicious doughy dessert. We also learned about Russian and Moroccan immigrants.

We then broke for lunch and tried some authentic Ja’achnun made by Hili’s mother before leaving for a local Ethiopian cultural center, Hineni. There one of the organizations founders, Rabbi Moshe Selomon spoke to us about the organization’s goals and motivations. He described how after surviving the incredibly difficult and dangerous journey from Ethiopia to Israel, some older members of the community felt dejected and purposeless. The founders hoped that giving these members the opportunity to use their agricultural skills would lift up their spirits and bring them out of their isolation. Another member of the cultural center, Pini then put us to work building a traditional Jewish Ethiopian house, a Gojo, made out of mud and straw.  We learned that Ethiopian Jews deliberately did not building more permanent domiciles to show that they were ready at any moment to return to Jerusalem.  We then learned about Amharic, the language historically spoken in the Ethiopian Jewish community. Each of us had the opportunity to write our name in Amharic.  Finally, we finished the day with some delicious traditional Jewish Ethiopian bread and coffee.

-- Matan Cutler 

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 20

Today was a jam-packed day of content and fun in the North American Kennes. First thing after breakfast, we split up into our respective color groups (SILVER RULES) and began our first official unit. This first piece was on David Ben-Gurion and his role as a founding father of Israel. The teens learned some background history on the first Prime Minister. Then, we simulated the decisions that led to the formation of the State of Israel. The Fellows experienced the difficulty of making such large, historical choices as David Ben-Gurion and his equals. From this first activity, we learned that David Ben-Gurion was a strong leader because he was a man of action, albeit the difficulty of the 

choices he made.

The second part of the David Ben-Gurion unit focused on how the Fellows could make similar 

changes within their local communities. We were introduced to the Alumni Impact Projects, which take Ben-Gurion's attitude of activism to the Diller communities. After a short presentation, we split into groups based on our interests. There was a group on environmentalism, education, gender equality, etc. Within the smaller groups, teens discussed pertinent issues that related to their local communities. The passion was palpable in all of the discussions, and it was clear that the teens are committed to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).

After many fascinating discussions, we had a quick lunch and reconvened in the auditorium. Liat Cohen-Raviv, the senior director of Diller, gave a detailed presentation on the history of the Jewish people. After, we met in our color groups for a discussion on Jewish roots within the Diaspora.

Our final unit for the day, Rak Po, was all about "belonging". The song by Hadag Nachash is about a sometimes irrational love for Israel – the singer loves his country, despite the many problems it faces. The Fellows wrote their own "Rak Po" about their homes, and shared with the rest of the group. Only a few verses, each poem packed a surprising punch. The Fellows proved to be future poets, as well as future leaders.

Molly Livingstone, an American-Israeli comedian, wrapped up a long day of content with humor. She insightfully joked about what life really is like for an immigrant to Israel. Some of the Fellows were also invited on-stage for some funny improv exercises.

After some laughs, we finally reunited with the Chicago cohort for our Ma'agal Lailah. Expertly led by our coordinator, Sam, we discussed some powerful Ben-Gurion quotes under a night sky dusted with stars. As we all learned, the unpolluted night sky of the Negev is unequalled in beauty. It was a beautiful, peaceful experience for the Chicago cohort, and a great way to finish a full day.

By: Amanda Jackson   

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 22

               When both the Chicago and Israeli fellows arrived, most of us were all exhausted from the previous night because of all the excitement of finally seeing each other again so most of us were up late and had to get up early in the morning for a full day of activities. To start the day, we Lachish to hike up Tel Lachish, a short mountain, the location of the second largest stronghold, only behind Jerusalem, where Guy acted as a tour guide for informing us about the history and pointing out significant rooms that were dug up by archaeologists. After that, we all went back down where Brian, Igal, Noah, Oriyah, and Shahar led the rest of the cohort in simulated IDF training activities, such as army crawling, eye tests, running, push-ups, and mental tests. At the end of this, everyone received fake dog tags representing that everyone passed.

               Following this, we all returned to Kiryat Gat for lunch. Once we finished lunch, Aaron Gertz, a Jewish history teacher who served in the IDF as a combat engineer. He told us his story about how he ended up making Aliyah to Israel, since he graduated college in the United States before making Aliyah to Israel, where he was a lone soldier, meaning he had family there so he received special benefits. He explained that he felt that since he thinks there is need for a Jewish country to exist and he felt it was his obligation to serve the country of Israel.

               After a short break, we had two more officers from the IDF, one of whom had just finished her 2 years of required service that day, come to speak to us, as well as put us through a few more minor physical exercises. They introduced themselves and explained what they did, one of them was involved in secret operations so he couldn’t tell us much because these were secret operations that he was involved in which were not allowed to be spoken about. The second one was involved in the education unit of the IDF, the only military that has an education unit. After this, they also did a simulation of some of the training that is done in the IDF, and had us run, do sit-ups, push-ups, as well as teaching us the proper way to stand, in the Hebrew letter het, with our feet forming a “v” and our hands behind our backs in the shape of a diamond.

               After they left, we had a Maagal Layla, which was led by Shahar, where we discussed dilemmas within the IDF, such as how many people don’t serve in the IDF, the conflicts within certain brigades and how we would feel in different situations, primarily what we would do if we had  to serve in the army according to a law.

               Following the conclusion of this discussion, everybody had family night. This was very exciting because of how fun the families were and all the things there were to do. Some of us went to different cities nearby to do some shopping, while others went out for dinner. Another group of us hung out together and just hung out at houses together. Overall, everyone enjoyed family night because of being able to spend quality time with our Israeli host and their families. What an exciting first full day with the Israelis and all of us can’t wait for what else is to come during Community Week.

----Adam Gurin

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 21

Today the Kennes ended and community week began. We started the day by leaving Sde Boker at 4:30 am and driving to Masada. We were on a bus with the cohort from Johannesburg and it was a nice opportunity to get to know them better, although they did shame us with how efficient they are at counting off. When we arrived we hiked up the old Roman Ramp in our color groups from the Kennes. It was a nice short hike with a great view. Reaching the top of Masada was an amazing experience. We got to see ruins built thousands of years ago by Herod and could see all the way to Jordan across the valley. Once at the top we had a discussion about the Masada story and its significance to the Jewish people. We talked about the values inherent in the story and about how to properly teach the story of such a terrible event. Despite viewing very little of the ruins, It was fascinating to hear all the different opinions and perspectives brought from all the North American and South African cohorts. Once we finally got off the mountain we had a feedback session and drove to the Dead Sea.  It was quite a shock to go into the water expecting refreshing cool and instead find it bath water temperature at its coolest. We had a ton of fun floating around in the Dead Sea. It was my first time going and the experience certainly lived up to the hype. On the way back we saw our 107^th stray cat! Then we got on the bus on our way to meet with the Israelis and begin community week with our host families. It was a fabulous end to Kennes and a great beginning of community week. 

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 19

We woke up early to leave Jerusalem and head to Kennes. When we arrived we had a somber moment because we were leaving our body guard Yakov and our favorite bus driver Brent, but we knew they would return at the end of the trip. That feeling soon disappeared once the other cohorts from around North America and South Africa began to arrive. While waiting for lunch, a large meet and greet commenced. We got our first glimpse of the upcoming couple of days. Many kids in our cohort felt overwhelmed, myself included, but that feeling soon left us if we realized everyone else was in the same boat.

               After lunch we all piled into the auditorium for the opening ceremony which consisted of a 90 second intro in which each cohort did a song or dance or a combination of the two. It was a strange experience, but we survived. After the opening ceremony, we split up into “color groups” (smaller groups with two fellows from each of the eleven cohorts). Once we had gotten into the smaller group it was much easier to communicate with each person. I enjoyed the smaller groups because it gave me a more relaxed setting to meet Jews my age from all around the world. The ice breakers were followed by an hour long mingling session with everybody in Kennes. I decided to keep my worries to myself and talk to as many people as possible, so it was a great time!

               Finally, a much needed dinner was followed by the most engaging speaker of Kennes, Neil Lazarus. He spoke to us about the issues within the Middle East in as funny a way as possible. He kept everyone engaged and laughing, especially Colman. I learned a lot in a short period of time and I started brainstorming for the upcoming Impact Projects. We close out the jam packed day with our most in depth Ma’agal Lila of the year. The questions we answered spanned from our feelings about the day to some of our innermost secrets which helped bring our Chicago cohort closer than ever before. But… the night had one more surprise in store, the White tent! Where all the cohorts could go and dance the night away until curfew. Kennes was an unexpected new experience that brought even the most sociable out of their comfort zones and we all relished the great opportunity!

---- Noah Simon

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 18

Shabbat in Jerusalem is always such a unique, meaningful experience, but being with each other made it even more special. Starting off the day, we had to choose a synagogue we wanted to go to for Shabbat morning services. Considering we were in Jerusalem, we knew whichever one we went to would be a new, fun experience, but we were still given four options. Friday night we had all gone to a Reform service for Kabbalat Shabbat, so they were all either Conservative or Orthodox. At home, I usually go to a Conservative or Modern Orthodox synagogue but wanted a different experience, so my personal choice was to go to The Great Synagogue which is Orthodox. I heard that they had a choir and was really excited to hear that, but they turned out to not be there because of the nine days before Tisha B’Av. Even though the service ended earlier than I expected it to and there was no choir, it was really impactful to sit with just the women, hear all the prayers in Jerusalem, and admire how beautiful the space is. I’m so glad that I got to have this learning experience because it not only taught me things about a typical Shabbat in Jerusalem, but also new things about myself and what kind of Jewish life I’d like to live.

After the various services at our chosen synagogues, we spent time outside at a beautiful park, toured the historical neighborhoods in Nachlaot, rested, chanted havdalah and a song session at the Kotel, and ended the day with an exciting rehearsal of our song that some of our own Diller members wrote to introduce our group to the rest of the North American (and South African) groups this week at Kennes. Overall, I think this Shabbat was extremely meaningful because I was in the best city ever, Jerusalem, with such an amazing cohort.

Eden Berke

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 17

Today was a day of many emotions. We began with a discussion concerning resistance during the Holocaust, preparing us for our upcoming visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial museum.  Also in preparation, we talked about some of the emotions we may or may not experience at Yad Vashem. We then headed off on the bus towards the museum. We started off visiting the children’s memorial. This memorial includes an exhibit in which you walk through a hall of mirrors reflecting the light of five candles, but due to the mirrors it looks like there are millions of lights. Meanwhile a voice reads off names of children, and their ages at which died in the Holocaust. This memorial was emotional and special to many because it revealed how these children’s lives were cut short at a very young age. We then continued to the museum where we learned about Jewish life in Europe before, during, and after the Holocaust.

After the museum we drove to the Shuk on Machane Yehuda to eat lunch, and to do some shopping. When I walked into the shuk I was overpowered with the smells, colorful food, and crowds of people. Many of us bought delicious pastries, fruits, and breads. We also learned how to bargain and push and shove ourselves through Israeli Friday afternoon crowds. Now we are preparing for Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!

-Colman Adams

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 16

Today was another fantastic day in Israel. To continue our venture, we drove to the community of Neve Shalom. The literal translation of Neve Shalom is Oasis of Peace, which is a perfect description of the atmosphere. In response to the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians in Israel, the founders of Neve Shalom created a society in which all people from both religions could learn to accept and love one another. A member of the community spoke to us about his journey at Neve Shalom, and inspired us to appreciate the success being accomplished there. Next, we drove to the Children’s Museum, where we experienced the “Invitation to Silence”. In this exhibit, we were given noise blocking headphones, and were restricted from speaking. We were given a glimpse into the life of the deaf as we pursued several activities with the help of a deaf guide. Post tour, we were able to ask our guide questions, which she responded to in sign language that was translated to us. This experience was extremely eye opening. Often we take for granted our natural senses, however this experience gave us a newfound appreciation.

Next, we drove to Jerusalem, the capital city and heart of Israel. To juxtapose our thus far modern view of Israel, the Old City has deep history of rich culture. We traveled through time and discovered the unique background of Jerusalem. Israel is the home of so many cultures, and we were able to see this through walking on historical land. To conclude our tour, we visited the Western Wall, the Kotel. This is a famously meaningful site. Finally, we went to Ben Yehuda Street and either shopped or met with visitors. Overall, this day was an amazing look into the history of diversity of Israel.

Spencer Schwartz

Diller Chicago Cohort 2 ISS, July 14 & 15

Most of us woke up today feeling ecstatic, happy, nervous, maybe even down-right afraid. But we were ready, and that’s all that mattered in the end. We met at the Starbucks in Terminal 2 for our goodbyes with our parents. Then we made our way to security for flight 1. I felt like something huge was happening to me, and when we landed in Philly I wouldn’t be able to turn back (not that I would have). 6 hours of layover later, we boarded and left for Israel. Not an exciting flight, but every 20 minutes or so I would have to remind myself that I was indeed going to Israel. It hadn’t sunk in yet that I was going to a country I had never been to before.

I was so, so excited to see the country I had heard about and prepared for for so long, and when we landed I could barely contain my excitement. Most of us could barely contain our excitement. We got our bags, went through customs, and met with Robby, Amanda, KaShLash coordinator Maya, and our tour Guide, Maya. We then took a bus to Yaffo and toured the old city, visiting sights such as The House of Simon, where the split between Christianity and Judaism formed, and the Mediterranean Sea. We ate dinner at Dr. Shakshuka, and ate, of course, shakshuka. Shakshuka, for those of you who don’t know, is a hot meal consisting of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It was amazing, and our table had two big pans full. We then went to our hostel at 10, doing our best by singing and playing games to stay awake during the ride, and concluded our day with a ma’agal Lailah. I was somewhat exhausted, but enthusiastic and couldn’t fall asleep easily. I mean, if you had heard about a country that was supposedly the best in the world, and for 9 months you were preparing for a trip to this very country, wouldn’t you stay awake just giddy with excitement? That was me. That was, actually, everybody! Most of us didn’t start hitting the beds until later in the night, and then sleeping was difficult. This might also be jet lag. I’m very tired this morning. But excited and ready for whatever happens next!

Jared Vergotine