Reflections of a Proud JC

By: Gabi Herman

At the arrivals terminal in Ben Gurion airport, the signs pointing out the shelters are the first thing incoming travelers see. For Diller Toronto, that didn't seem to matter much. Despite the cancellation of every other city, all 19 Diller fellows rolled out their suitcases with the typical excitement of 15 and 16 year olds. Mixed in with the thrill of finally landing, there was a common refrain: "I'm so proud we came."

Diller Teen Fellows is a leadership development program for Jewish teens based on the pillars of leadership, Jewish identity, Israel, and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Our city, Toronto, is paired with Eilat. Nine other partnerships between North American Jews and Israelis exist. The first time the Eilatees and Torontonians met was at North American Seminar in April, and the 15 month long program climaxes now, with a trip to Israel.

The excited teens are my chanichim, campers. For the last two weeks I had been participating in the junior staff seminar. The rockets had started to fall just before my co-counselor, Sabrina, and I touched down on the runway. As the situation escalated, my mind returned again and again to the same question. Would my fellows come? Some cities had to drop out.

A few Israeli partnerships did not feel able to host and US travel advisories forced more cities to support their partnership communities from afar. But, here in Israel, Sabrina and I were safe, happy, and having one of the most valuable experiences of our lives. The cities that dropped out had valid reasons to do so, but I hoped Toronto's community could come.

A little more than a day before the flights were scheduled, 9/10 cohorts were no longer coming. We received a call from Toronto. Our coordinator, Daniel, was on the other end.
"Eilat families say that the best thing we could do to support them is come. We can ensure every fellow a safe and meaningful experience. Every one of them wants to go. Are you in?" Of course we were.

The pride I felt in my community when we learned that Toronto is coming was immeasurable. Now that we're here, we are trying to see through the eyes of Israelis, living in host homes. This "community week" is planned entirely by the fellows, who have worked together since April to put each day into reality. We've toured kibbutzim, learned about the Red Sea's coral reef, and spent a whole lot of time swimming.

 Of course, one of the pillars of Diller is tikkun olam. At the beginning of the trip, fellows were told they had a budget to spend on a community project. Together, they decided to support the soldiers working tirelessly at the Iron Dome. They purchased clean clothing for them, since the soldiers have not had time for laundry. Fellows also planned their own volunteer day, helping in community gardens and with children with special needs.

Teens have had many meaningful discussions about the current situation in Israel. The harsh reality of the conflict escapes none of them, but their conversations are insightful, respectful, and supportive. The profound relationship our partnership feels between Toronto and Eilat is only growing stronger through learning about realities of life in Israel. Despite the differences in culture, language, and weather, teens have a deep connection. One Torontonian said: "I want my children to be as connected to Eilat as I feel."

To me, it's plainer to see than ever before that through good times and bad, through thin and through thick, the connection between Jews inside and outside of Israel is vital. As the Diller Toronto and Eilat cohorts travel across Israel as one unit this week, learning and growing, I feel certain that each fellow knows the partnership's value too.

Note: This was written while in Israel. While the article may not be current, every sentiment within holds true, and the bond between the teens only grew stronger.