Hi!!! My name is Jules Cohen. I am a junior and I go to MAC (Miami Arts Charter) in Wynwood. I’m from Aventura, Florida. All my life I’ve always dreamed of living in Israel one day. Since I’m half Israeli, I’ve always wanted to celebrate and I’ve always been proud of that part of me. My mom is American and my dad is Israeli. So my grandparents, aunts/uncle and my cousins all live in Israel. I’m excited about many things on my oncoming experience in Israel. I’m excited to learn more about my Jewish identity and to get to know the Israeli part of me better. Whenever I go to Israel it’s only in the summer and I visit my family and go to Jerusalem. I’m so happy to learn more about Israel and visit so many important and exotic places. 

At first, I was super nervous (and still kinda am) to be leaving for such a long time and being away from my friends and family in Miami. However, I realized how grateful I am for such an amazing opportunity. I also got nervous because I’m super unorganized when it comes to packing and obviously I have to pack A LOT for Israel. I’m really happy that I like my Miami fellows on my trip to Israel and I’m so excited to share this journey with them. I’m also excited to see the Washington State kids and meet them as well. Even though I hate flying, I know that once I get to Israel it will be worth it. I’m ecstatic that I get to have this new change in my life and tell everyone about it when I get back. 

As much as I’m looking forward to every trip in Israel, I’m very interested on what exactly I’m going to be feeling when we visit Poland. My mom’s side of her family is Polish, so in a sense it’s like I’m learning about another part of me. I feel like on this trip I’m gonna learn more about my identity and have so many memories that will always stick with me. I have so many mixed emotions about this new journey in my life and I can’t wait to experience it!