Shalom Parents, Students, and Partners,
As we wrap up another remarkable semester, our hearts are full of pride and gratitude. December has been a month of profound experiences, meaningful connections, and incredible growth for our students. From the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv to the ancient stones of Jerusalem, our participants have embraced every opportunity to learn, explore, and grow together.
Faces of Israel:
Each week, our students participated in “Faces of Israel,” an enriching activity that gave them the opportunity to encounter different societies within our culturally diverse state. This past month, students chose from various tracks to deepen their exploration. One track focused on Israeli art culture, featuring a graffiti tour through Florentin that revealed the neighborhood’s incredible stories and history. Another track included a workshop at a deli established by a reserve soldier, followed by tours through the streets of Bnei Brak, one of Israel’s significant religious cities in the central region. We’re delighted to share that our students gained profound insights into the many faces of Israeli society.
Overnight Trip:
On December 16-17, our beloved overnight trip took place at Kibbutz Kramim. Students could choose from several exciting tracks: exploring Yatir Forest, exploring the Negev Visitor Center, hiking in Lahav Forest, or touring Kibbutz Hazerim and Tel Beer Sheva to learn about ancient Jewish life in the Land of Israel.
After the tracks, we regrouped at Kibbutz Kramim where everyone settled into their rooms. Following a short break, students showcased their talents through various student-led workshops, including Improv Theater, Frisbee skills, Equestrian education, and a UN debate. These workshops offered wonderful insights into our students’ diverse interests and passions.
The evening culminated in an energetic Color War between our communities to determine the semester’s ultimate champions. The Ofek community represented Team Red, the Eitan community flew the Blue flag, and the Barak community donned Green. Each community brought their A-game, demonstrating unique talents, exceptional teamwork, and outstanding spirit! While every group showed incredible enthusiasm, there could only be one winner – and our judges crowned the Eitan community as the official Color War champions!
The second day began with breakfast before our communities embarked on different hiking adventures throughout the Negev. The Eitan community visited Ben-Gurion University to experience Israeli student life and explore cultural differences in academic perspectives, followed by a visit to Abraham’s Well in Be’er Sheva to learn about the city’s rich history. The Barak community traveled to Ein Ovdat near Sde Boker, where they enjoyed breathtaking views of the Negev, while the Ofek community explored Tel Arad.
Student Spotlight: A First-Timer’s Jerusalem Journey
Our Jerusalem community continues to create meaningful experiences for our students, as beautifully captured in a recent blog post by Adin from Maryland. As one of the few participants who had never visited Israel before joining Aardvark Israel, Adin’s journey offers a unique perspective on discovering Israeli life and culture for the first time.
“I can’t quite put into words how my time in Israel and this community has had an enduringly positive impact on my life,” Adin reflects. Despite initial challenges with canceled flights and concerning headlines, he found himself quickly adapting to life in Jerusalem. The intimate setting of the Barak community, where all students live in one building, has fostered strong bonds and a supportive environment among participants.
One of Adin’s most transformative experiences has been his connection to Jewish traditions. After attending his first Friday night service at an Orthodox synagogue, he was “hooked” and hasn’t missed a Shabbat service or dinner since arriving. His internship at Gazelle Valley was also a highlight, where he was entrusted with building a footbridge, showcasing the real-world impact our students can make in their host communities.
Want to read more about Adin’s inspiring journey and see the footbridge he built at Gazelle Valley? Visit our website to read his full blog post and discover how Aardvark Israel is shaping transformative experiences for students from around the world!
Final Ceremonies: Reflecting on Growth and Looking Forward
As the semester drew to a close, we held two meaningful ceremonies to honor our students’ journeys. The Final Ceremony celebrated those completing their time with Aardvark Israel, while the Transitional Ceremony focused on students continuing their adventure into the next semester.
During the Final Ceremony, our departing students shared powerful reflections about their transformative experiences in Israel. One particularly moving speech came from a student who hadn’t initially planned to come to Israel this year. “This country is everything, all at once,” she reflected, describing how her perspective evolved throughout the semester. Her journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing Israeli culture resonated deeply with many: “Fast forward to the end of the semester and I can order a coffee in Hebrew, I only push in line at Marzipan on a Friday afternoon,” she shared with humor.
Her words captured the essence of what makes Aardvark Israel special, from celebrating Shabbat independently for the first time to embracing the diversity of Israeli society. As she beautifully put it, “How can I not be joyful? I get to walk the streets of Jerusalem freely, with my friends, a three thousand year old dream.”
The Transitional Ceremony took on a different tone, focusing on future aspirations. Students continuing their journey set personal goals for the upcoming semester, reflecting on their growth so far and identifying areas where they hope to challenge themselves further. They shared their wishes for deeper connections with Israeli society, enhanced language skills, and new adventures ahead.
Want to relive the memorable moments from this incredible semester? Watch our semester recap video below and see the amazing journey our students experienced!
This semester has been filled with unprecedented challenges and extraordinary moments of growth, learning, and connection. Our students have not only adapted to life in Israel but have truly embraced it, creating lasting memories and forging deep bonds with the land and its people. As we bid farewell to some and welcome others to continue their journey, we remain committed to providing meaningful experiences that shape our students’ understanding of Israel and their Jewish identity.
We look forward to sharing more stories of growth, adventure, and discovery in the months ahead. From all of us at Aardvark Israel, we wish you and your families a peaceful winter break.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Aardvark Israel.
