Virtual Israel Experience

Jason Mellman

Israel is an amazing place. Where else can a person see more than 2000 years of history? For me, Israel was the most incredible, mysterious, and historical place I had ever been.

Israel's history is the story of the Jewish people. The Hebrews were strong and determined from the time they made an Exodus from Egypt, to the destruction of the Temples (not only once but twice), to the diaspora, to the exile from Spain, to the Holocaust, and miraculously to the return to Israel.

When I visited Israel this past summer I learned about the history of the Jewish people, and more significantly about the history of my people. The land of Israel is an important place for Jews. It is the only place in the world where we are truly safe.

While in Israel I felt safe from danger and my way of thinking changed. I started to see the world differently. I also saw my religion differently. Everything I had learned in Sunday school had come alive: the stories, the history, and my beliefs. The places I saw were beautiful and never to be forgotten.

The first place I visited was the Kotel-the Western Wall. When I made my first visit it was not at all what I had expected. At the beginning of my trip I did not know a lot about the history of Israel. Our group leader, Tamar, however, was very knowledgeable. I learned more in one month's time than I could have ever dreamed possible.

During the first week I saw many unforgettable places. One such place was Mt. Herzl. Before my visit to Israel I had little or no knowledge about Theodor Herzl. I later learned that if he hadn't existed there probably would be no Zionist movement. And at the nearby IDF Cemetery I sadly learned that each soldier also had his or her own legacy left behind.

After my visit to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum) I truly understood how important it was to have a Jewish homeland. If the state of Israel had existed during the holocaust a great number of Jewish people would have survived that hellish nightmare.

I truly enjoyed being in the Negev and going to the Red Sea. While at the Red Sea, I sat and stared at the blue water and the vast hills surrounding it and I imagined the Hebrew people wandering in the desert. Another amazing place was Masada. When our counselors told us about the Zealots fighting the Romans, I imagined what it was like as I looked around at the ruins. I saw Roman citadels and remains of the fortress that Herod had built. And, although the ending of the story of Masada is tragic, I learned how inspirational it was for the soldiers of Israel who have since defended our homeland.

When I returned to Jerusalem for the last part of my four-week trip, I had a better sense of me-not only as a person but more importantly as a Jew. I realized that I had to return to Israel again; this would not be my final visit.

On my last day in Israel, I prayed at the Kotel. This time, I understood more clearly the significance of this holy place. This time I felt more spiritually and appreciated the place where I was standing. My trip to Israel and the knowledge I gained in just one month's time will always be a part of me for the rest of my life.

Jason Mellman is a junior at Sycamore High School where he currently studies Hebrew. He is a congregant at Wise Temple and a student at the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. He also is a member of NFTY.

Copyright 2008 The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise