This is not goodbye, just see you later

Dear family and friends,

We are currently packed and waiting to board the bus with our bags, filled with dirty laundry, gifts for loved ones, and new snacks. Today was an incredibly powerful day. The day began with a special opportunity to join members from Kiryat Gat, JUF's partnership region with Chicago, There we were able to learn about the Ethiopian immigration to Israel, an incredible and heroic tale. There we helped to prepare mud sided huts called Gojos. From there we returned to Jerusalem to eat and shop on Ben Yehuda (so much shopping!!)

After lunch, we continued our powerful day by finishing our tour of Jerusalem at Har Herzl, the military cemetary. Here we were able to share and hear stories from each other about serving in the army, losing loved ones, and the personal impact war and violence can have on people. Today was not only the last of being in Jerusalem for many of us, it is also our last day in Israel. After sharing about our experiences, it was apparent that we had an amazing experience that can never be recreated, but we have created amazing connections with one another and with Israel that will keep us bonded far beyond today.

As your staff, we want to thank each and every one of you for helping to make this a great experience: we all agree that you were a special, insightful, and fantastic group of young adults.

Love Aliza, Jody, and Tzach aka #jodalitzach