Officially been in Israel for 9 weeks, what a journey it has been so far! Over these two months, I have traveled to various Israeli cities and landmarks with the same kids and same teachers. The idea of going back to Seattle is quite overwhelming. I am excited to continue this experience and get to know each person better. This past week, we completed Yam le Yam (which means Sea to Sea). This is when we spend four days hiking the width of Israel; from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret. This was probably the hardest four days of my life. We began our days at 6AM and would not end our day until 10PM that night. Each day was filled with hardships in terms of hiking and in intellectual processing. I had previously written that I was blessed to live in a country where I am accepted as a woman and as a Jew. Looking back at this statement in Yam le Yam made me realize how women and Jews are dehumanized in America. At times I do not feel safe in my own city because of the comments that I receive at school and through social media regarding my Jewish Identity. This is not merely towards me, but towards everyone that does not follow the societal norms of Americans. In America, I never truly feel accepted as a Jew neither do I think I ever will. In events dating back to the Jewish immigration time period, Americans have always been cruel to Jews. In the past 5 years this situation has become worse and worse. We are heading towards a downwards spiral in being able to express our Jewish Identities. In the past week, we visited Rehovot with an orange orchard. It was a different type of Tiyul because we were not in one place the entire day learning about one specific event. We were simply enjoying the outdoors together and learning how the Jews immigrated to Israel while eating some oranges! Personally, the Tiyuls are my favorite part of the trip because it is where we are truly immersed into Israeli culture. Besides leaving campus to get dinner, that is one of the only times we leave Hod Hasharon. Another Tiyul that I really enjoyed was going to the Israel museum. We spent the entire day learning about the old city. So far, Jerusalem has been my favorite city to visit. It is one of the more religious places and has helped me to reflect on my Jewish identity. The different Tiyuls have contributed to my understanding of who I truly want to be and how I want to lead as a Jew in my community. Between all the different times we pray at the Kotel and all of the different people I meet, I have become a religious and aware person.