July 24, 2011

Good afternoon parents,

     Today was an invigorating and challenging final day of the Diller International Congress.  We woke up at 7:00, bright and early, in order to prepare our luggage for the bus ride.  After a hearty breakfast of french toast, eggs, and cottage cheese (the latter two seeming to be a common theme in Israel) we attended our final Congress session in our color groups.  We entered into deep discussions about our connections to Israel, the land and state, which often erupted into arguments between Israelis and Americans over the importance of each community's role.  A general conclusion was that Israeli Jews serve as protectors of the Jewish homeland while Diaspora Jews serve as advocates to the international community about the Israel's perspective.  

     Next, we had a crucial feedback session in which we worked with the Junior Staff of Diller to provide constructive criticism about our Congress experiences.  After lunch, we attended a session about Diller follow-up opportunities, such as becoming a Junior Staff member or enrolling in a Massah program (Massah means Journey in Hebrew).  For all interested parents, these programs include gap year, half year, and semester abroad sessions with focus on hands on connection to Judaism and involve studying topics related to your area of career interest.  

     Afterwards, we took a look at our memories from Congress with a special presentation shared by the Junior staff and said goodbye to our new friends from the other ten cohorts.  It took us approximately an hour bus ride to reach our next destination, Misgav, where we took a tour of the village Ya'ad.  Ya'ad is the oldest modern village in Misgav and is where the Israeli fellow Shir Ribon lives.  Next we took a tour of Karmiel itself, led by Noy Fridman.  

   

     Finally, we made our way to the Rayman's, Karmiel's version of the JCC, and had an amazing welcome ceremony.  All of the host families arrived while we were discussing our day in a Maagal (which also involved an activity prepared by us.  Go friendship bracelets!).  After the most unique dinner most of us have probably ever had, consisting of ethnic foods provided by each host family, we listened to welcoming speeches from Partnership Together (the new name of P2K), the Youth Committee of the aforementioned organization, Ilai Cohen, who represented the Israeli fellows, Hila, Steve, and us (Lizzie and Alex). 

     Ultimately, we were whisked away to our respective hosts' homes, exhausted but satisfied, and so here we are now.  And as respresentatives of the group as a whole, it is safe to say that we definitely feel at home.

With much love and much excitement, Diller Home Hospitality Week begins!

Lizzie Shackney and Alex Josowitz