A month prior to my flight to Israel, I still didn't quite understand that I was about to embark on a journey abroad for 5 months, away from the comfort of my D.C. apartment and the presence of my friends at GW. A week prior to my flight to Israel, I kept myself busy as I finalized the last details for GW's annual Welcome Week programming, organized the Student Association's Hurricane Harvey Fundraising Campaign, and coordinated the subletting process for my apartment. A day prior to my flight to Israel, I struggled to say goodbye to my friends, to delegate my work within the Student Association, and to prepare for the beginning of my study abroad program.
I had a hard time leaving GW, but rather than the fear of starting life in a new country, it was because of my hesitation to put a pause on what has been the best years of my life. At GW, I found my passion, my talents, and my community-- all the components that have helped me grow more than I could have ever imagined. In other words, I was afraid to miss my friends, my work, and my home.
Eventually, I boarded my flight to Israel, with a 12-hours layover in Belgium, before arriving in Jerusalem on Sunday, Sep. 3.
Today marked my 3rd week in Jerusalem, where the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is located. As I reflected on my first impressions, I find myself in a place of calm and peace, where I am able to miss my home, but ready to be in my best on this journey of unforeseen growth and discovery.
Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world and the reason for ongoing tensions between religious groups in the Middle East, is everything and nothing I imagined it to be. The city cloaks itself in Synagogues, falafel stores, quick coffee shops, and the long curvy hills. In the middle, Jerusalem's Old City separates itself from the rest of the world, both physically, and religiously. Orthodox Jews walk through life in their traditional Kippah (skullcap), Tichel (headscarf), and Tzitzit (knotted ritual tassels). To the east of the city, occupied by Palestinians towns and villages, women cover themselves in Thob (long dresses with sleeves) and Shambar (large veil), while men in their Jubbeh (long robe-like jackets). Despite extreme heat, Jerusalem's residents, both Palestinians and Jews, never dress differently due to their respect and identity in God and Allah.
Israel, with its long history tied into the Bible, or Torah, is home to important archaeological, historical, and biblical sites. From the North to the South, the East to the West, each mountain, valley, city, and village contains one of the world's oldest and holiest remains of the old societies. As I find my way to the Mount of Olives, walk through the streets of Bethlehem, or hike up King Herod's fortress at Masada, I am overwhelmed with the stories embed in every step I've taken. I am humbled at the sight of Jesus's birthplace, while saddened after witnessing a temporary camp for Palestinian refugees. Israel's significance bring together all people around the world, while also dividing families, siblings, and humanity.
In a recent interaction with a secular Israeli, I learned that "we all come to Jerusalem for a good story." So as my J(ou)rusalem begins, the stories of what, why, and how Israel becomes my home will also unfold.
Shalom Aleichem!