Seeing the Dead Sea, visiting Jerusalem, Negev, Tzfat or Masada are not opportunities generally afforded to the average UO student. But for students involved in Oregon Hillel the opportunity to travel to Israel for free was a dream come true this past winter. Students spent ten days in Israel and participated in various activities at no cost as part of TAGLIT Birthright Israel, which pays for youth aged 18-26 with at least one Jewish parent to make the trip.
“I love going to Israel even though we go to similar places,” Oregon Hillel Director of Student Engagement Amanda Weiss said. “I love being able to see the students develop and grow their sense of identity and it’s a rewarding experience.”
For sophomore Matt London traveling to Israel was an unforgettable experience. London went through an application process followed by an interview with Weiss before being approved for the trip — along with three of his fraternity brothers from Alpha Epsilon Pi. The trip was London’s first time visiting Israel.
“You hear a lot about Israel and when you experience it yourself it’s not what you see on the news,” London said. “You’d be a fool if you have this opportunity and you don’t take it. This trip enhanced my beliefs by physically experiencing it.”
While on the trip London and others were able to hike mountains of southern Israel that contained ancient Roman ruins. London had the opportunity to see the Dead Sea, which is unique in its high salt water composition. While on his trip he was able to interact with Israeli soldiers similar to his age and learn about their lives and experiences as soldiers.
“In Israel when students graduate from high school they don’t go to college like we do,” London said. “They go straight into the military and while we were there they were on vacation from service. Being able to talk with the army was my favorite part from the trip. They got to relax with us.”
During the trip students stayed at various hotels and ate traditional Jewish food like falafel. Although London only spent ten days in Israel he couldn’t be more happy than to have spent it with friends.
After the trip, London is excited for a two month internship he’ll be completing in Israel this summer.
“I look forward to actually seeing Israeli life because when we went we were just tourists,” London said. “When I go this summer I’ll be living in central Jerusalem and see what everyday life is like and experience it.”
Senior Cory Cullen will be taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to Israel this summer as well.
“I’m really excited. I’ve never been to Israel and this will be my first time experiencing it,” Cullen said.