For many people growing up in the Jewish community, Israel Tour at the end of Year 11 is a rite of passage - and something motivational to think about when GCSE revision becomes increasingly laborious. I was told that it would be an experience that would stay with me forever, and it did not disappoint.
This summer, I was lucky enough to go on Tour with Noam, the Masorti youth movement. Having never been involved with Noam before, I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I quickly became familiar with the madrichim (leaders) chanichim (participants) and Noam's egalitarian ideologies.
I've been asked multiple times what the highlight of my trip was. Each time, I surprise myself with my reply. As someone who has always hidden in the corner of PE class, I was not expecting to love the more physical activities - but I really did! Snorkeling in the Red Sea was an amazing (although very short) experience, and kayaking in the Jordan river was the ideal balance of being extremely fun and enjoyable, but also strenuous and challenging. I think the fact that I enjoyed the activities I was so sure I wouldn't sums up Israel Tour; it is a journey of self-discovery, and, on the flight home, nobody is exactly who they were on the flight there.
There is so much learning to be done. Not just learning about the Arab-Israeli conflict (of which we did a lot) but also finding out about yourself, your friends, strangers who become friends and learning new perspectives on a wide variety of topics. I found it extremely insightful.
I also learnt a lot about living harmoniously in a big group, being tolerant of opinions you don't necessarily agree with and being accepting of all. I'm so lucky to have met a truly great group of people - no misbehaviour with a snake on my tour!
It cannot be understated that Israel Tour is a bonding experience. Yes, it is good to go with friends, but it is not vital. Suddenly being in this crazy, intense environment is enough to make any strangers friends! Through sharing rooms, being put into groups for Peulot (programmes) or discovering that other person who is also ALWAYS at the back of hikes, you will bond with people you didn't necessarily expect to, and find common ground and shared opinions with people. It may take a short while to warm up and get comfortable - but that's perfectly natural, and there's plenty of time for that!
Three and a half weeks is a long time to be away from home and I think it's extremely important for any participant to admit to themselves before going that the trip will not be perfect 100 per cent of the time. Managing your expectations is vital; your tour will have ups and downs, but that's natural and to be expected.
However, overall I did have an absolutely amazing time. I love Israel. I feel so grateful to have been able to tour around the country, learning and experiencing new and interesting things about the culture, the history and the incredible sights. I had never seen Israel in this light before, and it was such an enlightening and truly brilliant experience. The friends you make, the places you visit, the knowledge you gain - I cannot recommend it enough.
