I can't believe it's been over a month since I've arrived in Israel.

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've arrived in Israel. So much has happened! We spent the first two weeks in quarantine in capsules of 5. While in quarantine, you could only see the people in your capsule without a mask on. It is very different now that I have had two weeks on campus with everyone, there is much more social interaction which has been great. Now I am living in a room with 3 other girls and we all get along so well! I spend most of my time with some amazing friends I met from LA. I just know we are all going to be friends for life. I came into this program knowing quite a few people and I have managed to make even more friends from new places! If I never took the chance to come to Israel and be on this program I might have never met the amazing friends I have now. We are currently in a lockdown that could potentially be extended to even longer than three weeks but hopefully we will be able to go on some trips.

I’ve been really impressed with the teachers and the classes so far. I can talk with any of my teachers and ask questions. They are helpful and very knowledgeable. My favorite class is the Israeli Studies class. I’ve learned so much already about my culture and heritage. I like that the teachers don’t have a specific agenda, but they are just trying to teach us and they are doing a really good job. Many of my friends at home in Seattle are having a hard time because their school is all online and there is little interaction. 

While we can’t go eat at restaurants during the lockdown, I have ordered some amazing Israeli food and have had such fun experiences going out into town with friends to go grocery shopping. I am so thankful that I can be in Israel and have in person classes with amazing teachers. I love all the new people I’ve met and I can’t wait for many more amazing experiences! This trip and experience would not have been possible with so much support. I’m so grateful to my parents and brother. I miss them but we stay in good contact and with all my friends I’ve made I am having the time of my life. Huge thanks to the Samis Foundation and the Impact Fellowship. I am also very grateful for the support from the federation HNT and JNF. I am excited to get back to Seattle and educate kids at my synagogue about what I have experienced and learned.