Karyn Ben-Gal

This summer, Israel was far from a place of peace and tranquility. Rockets rained from the sky due to the    conflict over the Gaza Strip, a region bordering Israel, spreading constant panic across the beloved nation until being stopped by the Iron Dome defense system. Everyone in the country was affected by the tragedies of the war, including sophomore Karyn Ben-Gal, who visited and traveled throughout Israel.

“For the first time in my life I felt what anti-Semitism was,” said Ben-Gal. “I felt unsafe and had my life endangered for no reason.”

Ben-Gal is used to feeling carefree while she is in Israel with her family and friends. However, this summer she was overwhelmed by the mourning of the nation and experienced a completely different sense of community within the country.

Growing up in a safe city, Ben-Gal was shocked to have to adapt to these hazardous surroundings. Without any warning, rockets would explode, and people were always prepared to run to a shelter and take cover, as Ben-Gal herself had to do at one point.

“This summer, I learned that ignorance can lead to hatred and that war doesn’t resolve conflicts,” said Ben-Gal.

Overall, while nobody would wish to be in this situation, Ben-Gal gained great knowledge from her experiences there that cannot be forgotten. As for the future, Ben-Gal has hope for the overall well being of Israel. She believes Israel will be at peace when they have a true alliance with surrounding countries and are no longer being attacked.

“If I could tell anything to the people of Israel, it would be to keep your head up high and stay safe and strong.”

As Israel fights to defend itself, this support of people in the country and throughout the world is exactly what it needs to persevere.

Written by Reni De La Nuez – Staff Writer

Tal Giron

During his summer in Israel, sophomore Tal Giron witnessed something he had never experienced before: multiple war machines flying above him. Although Giron had visited the country many times, encountering the Israeli conflict was an experience he will never be able to forget.

“I’d never heard a siren [before this summer] so it saddens me to think little kids are growing up during war, hearing these sirens everyday,” said Giron.

As Giron’s trip continued, he eventually became accustomed to the blaring sirens, and it was second nature for him to run to the nearest bomb shelter until he was told the area was safe.

Giron once had to experience a siren going off while he was in the ocean with friends. With too little time to run up the beach to find shelter, Giron and his friends were forced to stay in the ocean and watch rockets fly over their heads. Despite the fear Giron felt in that moment, he remained positive and made the best of his time in Israel.

Giron’s trip also opened his eyes to the influences of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Even though there had been issues in the past, Giron had never realized how directly they affect the lives of Israelis.

“My experience this year in Israel changed my life,” said Giron. “It is insane to think that I am one of the few people in this world that really experienced how life in Israel truly is and how people are so unaware of this issue. I feel special knowing that I can educate people on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

Although Giron’s trip was frightening at times, it also helped strengthen his admiration for Israel. He adored the sense of community he felt while he was there and plans on joining the Israeli Defense Force in the future to help protect the country he has grown to love.

Written by Danielle Klinenberg – Staff Writer