Day 3: Shabbat with Families

July 26,2014
By: Jacqueline Winitsky

After spending my two first days in Israel, I still can't find the right words to describe how I feel about the scenery here. I have never been in a country where every direction you look you'll find something fascinating. The mountains in and around the dessert are one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!

Today was Shabbat, and I spent it in a very unique way with the three new sisters I am staying with. We walked to the beach after waking up (everything is SO nearby) and met up with a few of the other fellows. We were there until sundown! Seeing Jordan just across the water was also so cool for me. The weather was perfect, and not too hot! At night we all went to a Diller party hosted at a fellow's house. We were assigned different costumes to arrive in like soldiers, Tel Aviv hipsters, and kibbutzniks. They were used for activities throughout the night. The party also included night-time swimming!

Overall, today couldn't have been better. I am so happy with how our trip is going so far! I'm also beginning to learn Hebrew, which is sababa (cool). I can't wait to spend the next week and half in this beautiful country!

Day 2: Exploring Kibbutzim

July 25, 2014
By: Noah Guttman


Dear Parents and Friends,

Today, the 25th of July, our group traveled to Kibbutz Lotan, Kibbutz Ketora, and went to the desert to fly kites. At Kibbutz Lotan we had a tour, and they explained to us how they achieve sustainable gardening and living on the kibbutz. They make their lives on their kibbutz sustainable by using insulation from hay bales to decrease the need for heating or air conditioning. For sustainable gardening they use a “lasagna technique” to keep their soil fertile so they can continue to farm in the desert. After learning about how members keep their community running, they showed us another small community they have there. This community is for students and volunteers who come to Lotan to learn. The houses there looked like they came from the Star Wars world of Tatooine, and the kicker was  they even had a little R2-D2 in front. That made me sure they came from there.

After we left Kibbutz Lotan, we went to Kibbutz Ketora. At Kibbutz Ketora they take a different stance on what the job of a kibbutz is. Instead of being an agricultural kibbutz they focus on unique plants to grow in the desert and become more industrialized. One of the ways they have become more industrial is through an algae that can be fed to salmon to keep the fish healthy. They have created a solar farm to power their complex and are soon creating a new one which will be able to power one third of Eilat when operational. On their kibbutz they also grow endangered species and have a large collection of very rare plants. When we left Kibbutz Ketora we went flying kites. . . or most people did.  I had trouble getting my kite in the air and when I did, it hit another kite and both fell down. I didn’t get mine up again but it was still great!

Day 2: Kibbutzim, Kites, and Showing We Care (Emma Friedman)

July 25, 2014
By: Emma Friedman

As our group embarked on the second day of community week, my thoughts and feelings were definitely not passive. I was still suffering from jet lag, was paranoid I would permanently damage my fluorescent pale skin in the sun, and was still focused on the almost ironic rockets from the night before. However, if I had to sum up how I was, I would say ready. Ready to explore this city that Toronto knows so well, ready for all the questions that would be asked of us that would inevitably make me question my values, and ready for any more surprises to be thrown my way. Judging by the intriguing discussions that took place today, it seemed that every other Diller was just as ready as I was. But I shouldn't be surprised; both the Toronto and Eilat-Eilot fellows are so lucky to have each other as partners. And that is what today really highlighted. It seemed that the general theme for what we did today was "community."

Today we went to the Eilot area of Eilat-Eilot. There, we visited Kibbutz Lotan and Kibbutz Ketura. At Kibbutz Lotan we learned the importance of respecting nature and how to harmoniously live among it. We also learned what the kibbutz life is like. Basically, a kibbutz involves a group of people who are valued equally all working for their community. They share everything, ranging from equipment to responsibilities. Later, at Kibbutz Ketura, we learned about the kibbutz's ingenuity whether it be their algae farm, solar field, or orchard of endangered plant species. However, for me at least, the most impactful part of the visit was the discussion that we held there. We studied a scripture from the bible that related to Bnei Israel first coming to the land of Canaan. However, the main discussion that took place was how we could, or even if we could, truly support Israel from the Diaspora. This really made me reflect on my actions so far. I questioned whether I had done enough for this country and I wondered what more I could actually do, but I mostly wondered if I had earned the right to say that I really support Israel. Although actions speak louder than words, I believe that having these discussions does show our support. The next step is to apply it to our everyday lives back at home. We were asked the day before if we were a guest or a host when it came to Israel, and I feel that as long as we are in Canada, we are hosts. As hosts it is our job to to take care of what we are hosting. Whether it be advocating or giving tzedakah towards it, as young Zionistic leaders we hold the responsibility of showing Israel that it is strongly supported in the Diaspora and that it will not be abandoned.



At the end of the day we traveled to the sand dunes and flew kites until we were all dripping in sweat. After a long bus ride home we all said goodbye to each other for now and went home with our host fellows for Shabbat. I am getting ready for Shabbat now and I don't know what to expect. Will my Hebrew be almost laughable tonight? Will another siren end up going off? Will I have to wake up at 6:15 am again tomorrow? I don't know. But that's okay because, like I said, I'm ready.

Day 1: Journey to Israel (Naomi Benmergui)

July 24, 2014
By: Naomi Benmergui


Dear Diller Friends and Family,

We began our day early this morning as we met at the airport to board our flight to Israel. Our parents wished us safe travels as we went through ELAL's enhanced security procedures. As we were waiting to board, we participated in the custom of Shaliach Mitzvah (literally: "messenger of good deed") where travellers carry some tzedakah with them so that the journey has a genuinely just and righteous purpose. The custom suggests that this promotes safe travels and I would like to thank our anonymous donor who ensured that we could all partake in such a beautiful custom!

After just a few short (at least they felt short) hours on the plane, we landed safely in Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. From the moment we landed, I noticed that here in Israel, the colours are brighter, the sun shines brighter and the the people have all been warm and welcoming.

As for what is being heard in the media, have have seen signs supporting the soliders in the Golani unit, which Richard, the Diller Supervisor in Eilat explained beautifully: in Israel there is such a strong connection with the army because each and every soldier is like a brother or sister to one another and the rest of the country. Some families are now living in a situation that is not average for life in Israel and the country prays for each soldier like he/she is a member of their immediate family.

We are very fortunate as a cohort to have the opportunity to be in Israel now. Showing our support, and more importantly, lending a helping hand where needed is crucial at this time. I would also like to thank the Eilat-Eilot group for their warm welcome and their year-round commitment to our partnership.


As I am writing this by the poolside in Eilat, I keep everyone in Israel in my thoughts, and in my prayers. I'm certain that all my peers and those reading this share the same hope that the situation normalizes speedily. 

ISS 2014: Day 1 - Arrival in Israel (Leora Nash)

July 24, 2014

By: LEORA NASH

Thursday morning, at around 7 a.m, Diller Toronto landed in Tel Aviv. After a long flight we were all tired, but eager to arrive in Eilat and meet up with our Israeli counterpart. Prior to loading and boarding the bus, we had a short security briefing with our Israel Experience Staff. Once all of the fellows and staff were comfortable on the bus we began our drive to Eilat. As the bus moved along, we all looked out the windows to see the breathtaking Israeli scenery. We made a short pit stop for washroom breaks before stopping at a gas station to eat lunch. We enjoyed our sandwiches outdoors and relaxed before getting back on the bus. The remainder of the bus ride was exciting as we listened to music and talked about the upcoming two weeks.

When we arrived at the Eilat municipal library we were greeted with huge signs and lots of hugs. Now that we were all together again community week could officially begin! We played a few rounds of different icebreakers and then launched straight into our first coordinator-run program. During the program we discussed what it means to be a host and studied a text that explored different opinions on the subject. We then went to the Eilat museum where we learned about Israel's 1949 Ovda mission that secured Eilat as part of the Jewish state. Later we went to a pool were we were able to cool down and enjoy the water. The final event of the day was the welcome dinner for the Toronto fellows and Eilat-Eilot host families. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and meeting their new Israeli families.

The first day of community week was amazing and we are all looking forward to an incredible week!

August 1: International Congress (Ilana Golzman)

August 1, 2013

Blog Author: Ilana Golzman

Starting the first official full day of International Congress 2013 was like opening the first page to a chapter of a book after getting past the prologue. You get a brief introduction to the characters and the story that is about to unfold but now you finally dive into the intriguing plot. After a great breakfast we began our day with a continuation to the activity called ‘Journey of a People - Part B’. After exploring the history of the Jewish people from centuries ago (yesterday), Part B of this unit focused on more recent history of the Jewish people. This really helped our tribe notice repetitive patterns in the experiences of our people, understand why Jews are dispersed the way they are today, and made what seemed to be ancient and unfamiliar history much more relatable. Next we were fortunate enough to listen to an incredible guest speaker, Avraham Infeld, about Jewish peoplehood, the 5 legs that hold the table of Judaism up, and their importance (presented to us in a very interesting and humorous manner). We got time to process the strong points and rich material that Avraham Infeld gave us during our lunch break and relaxing pool time. 

The day continued with an activity called ‘Looking Kadima’ (literally, 'looking forward') lead by two junior counsellors which helped us reflect on the lecture and learn how to further apply this information and use it for deeper analysis of our life and what being Jewish means to each one of us. Later on, all of the Jewish Diller Teen Fellow teens from eight different North American cities had the pleasure to be the audience of an artistic, musical, and meaningful cultural evening with Robbie Gingrass. This talented individual was able to communicate to us the concept of Israel’s flaws and why people decide to live ‘b'eretz Israel’ through live music, story telling, and impersonations. After this amusing event we split into our tribes to discuss one of the songs called ‘Rak Po’ (also known as ‘Only here’) that was sung to us by Robbie Gingrass (originally by Hadag Nachash). This lead us into an interesting discussion about the meaning of the cultural evening and what we find special about the place we live in. To end the day off, each city cohort met for their ma'agal lilah (night circle) and we then got to go meet with one another and experience different North American Jewish life face to face under the famous Diller White Tent.

July 31: North American Kennes (Karin Kazakevich)

July 31, 2013

Blog Author: Karin Kazakevich

Think back to when you were an exuberant and curious child. Do you remember the shrill of excitement that ran down your spine the night before Hanukkah? Or can you recall checking each day on the calendar before Purim because you were eager to wear your costume and celebrate? Well, while the end of the North American Kennes would seem presumably upsetting, it is undeniable that this morning there was no greater force felt than the sheer power of anticipation that filled the air of Givat Haviva. After an early breakfast the North American cohorts sat waiting anxiously for their Israeli counterparts to come the same way you would wait for a close relative at the Arrivals section of the airport. Indeed, the yelling, cheering, hugs, tears of joy, and more that all the Diller Teen Fellows felt was parallel to finally spotting dear “Saba and Safta” as they come through those familiar doors ready for their usual visit. Although it has only been [barely] two days without the Israelis, the feelings in our Toronto cohort were unanimous; we missed them more than a child misses their favourite toy. Indeed, having finally reunited with our other half was incredible and what was just North American Keenness had magically transformed overnight to the Diller International Congress. Perhaps that’s a major part that I haven’t yet touched on, the incredible fact that there are currently Diller Teen Fellows from 16 Israeli and North American cities and that have finally all been united. Right down to the roots, we’ve been on the same journey and with the opening ceremony led by Tal Gale and Liat Cohen-Raviv, it is impossible to ignore the overwhelming sense of community and even more importantly, the true sensation of unity between the fellows.

After the opening ceremony, a handful of Israelis from all over Israel (including places like Upper Galilee, Haifa, Bash Banash, and more!) joined our respectfully named tribes as we started another round of [literal] “icebreakers” (No really, one of our “Getting to know you” games including breaking a huge block of ice, and it was totally awesome) After this we started into what I can now call the beginning of our intellectual journey on the topic of Jewry and looking back on it, we had no idea how stimulating and eye-opening the next couple of discussions were going to be. As mentioned in the previous blog, the incredible speaker Avraham Infeld mentioned the 5 legs of the Jewish table and our next few units including looking at the legs in depth. Over the course of the afternoon and evening we studied two in specific detail, Family and Covenant, and what they meant to the world of Jewry and more importantly, to ourselves. From sharing rich family history to debating the story of Mt. Sinai the discussions that were led today were streamlined through a highly intellectual and thought provoking process that I see as very unique to Diller itself. Nothing about these units seems prescribed but rather, the fellows are free to interpret them as they please which is perhaps one of the most valuable facets of the program. After the nightly “Magal Laila” with the Toronto team, it was time to have fun and let loose at White Tent after such an exhausting [mentally just as much as physically] day. Congress itself is like nothing we could have imagined but equally, we really can’t imagine ourselves anywhere but here.