Israel Teen Trips and Taglit Birthright Israel

Experiences and memories

for a life time.

(This email is translated from Spanish to English)

Dear Diani, Marleny, Madrichim and organizors:

Every time I read one of the updates sent from Israel, I get goose bumps when I imagine our kids in such a spectacular stage and with the incredible activities that have been prepared for them.

I have not yet seen my daughter, but I I have never felt her tone of voice as happy as when we talk on the phone.

The program that they have participated in is really admirable You have managed to combine all that is essential: the religion, the Zionism, Jewish identity, getting to know Israel in every way, and fun.

I hope you will continue to provide our teenagers the opportunity of such a beautiful experience, forming them as Jews and as whole individuals of our community.

I have not had the opportunity to talk with you, how I would like to, but here is an update. Let me begin by saying that I am having a great time. Israel is incredibly beautiful. The girls are very good looking, but not one can match my girlfriend. I have slept in the desert under a dark yet star filled and brilliant sky… I never would have imagined and will never forget the beauty. Under this sky, I had the time to think about what one loves in life. I thought of you “my family.” I got goose bumps and teary eyed. It was spectacular.

I hope that some day our family can travel and experience all this together. It all has made me change the way I see what is around me.

I rode a camel. We were received by Bedouins( people that live in the desert). They served us coffee and tea, we slept in their tents. It was in incredible experience. To see how these nomads that camp in the desert have become more modern in their ways is interesting. We climbed Masada and learned its history. When we reached the top we saw the sun rise. The view was amazing. We visited Jerusalem and prayed next to hundreds of people. There were blacks, whites, Americans, Latin’s, Orientals, so much variety…This is another of those occasions I will never forget. To be together in one place united by “one thing” (our religion). We sang and danced while hugging each other. I felt something I have never felt before. I felt as though I knew everyone there. It is there I understood that in reality, we the Jews are brothers. I walked through the shuk and heard the loud voices of people asking for discounts. I took photographs everywhere so in the future I can remember this trip and hope it can be repeated.

I have become much closer to my friends. When I walk the streets, I find it difficult to believe how fortunate I am to be in this in this beautiful country. At the very same moment I think of how fortunate I am to have you as my parents, and my brothers.. It is thanks to you that I am able to see what I see and enjoy the way I do. I want to thank you for your support, love and help. It is incredible what the JCC has done to make this experience a reality. Anyhow, now I am in the “Gadna”. A three day military exercise where we will build tents next to Israeli soldiers and will train with them. The experience of an Israeli. I love you very much and G-d willing I will write you more often even if its short and simple like this. The gifts you have given me: your love and this trip. 100% worthwhile!

I miss you all. The best to all.