Ethiopia, the Gaza Envelope, and an Opportunity to Save a Life: Semester Highlights
Dear Aardvark Israel Family,
So far, this semester has been an example of the values that guide our daily work: continuous support and guidance, a deep connection to Israel, and loving your neighbor as yourself (V’Ahavta L’reacha Kamocha).
Over the past month, we experienced a series of meaningful moments, including our first international semester trip, an emotional tour to the Gaza Envelope, a feature in Israeli Week newspaper, and a moving life-saving discovery by one of our alumni.
Ethiopia: The First (But Not the Last!) International Trip of the Semester
Over 30 students joined our first international trip for the fall semester to Ethiopia. During the trip, we explored Ethiopia’s unique culture, cuisine, people, and deep Jewish connections.
We enjoyed authentic Ethiopian meals with dancing and a traditional coffee ritual (Buna), visited the Beta Israel community and Chabad in Addis Ababa, and saw monkeys in the Simien Mountains.
One of the highlights was visiting the UN building as honored guests on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, where our guide Tal shared the heroic story of his grandfather during World War II.
Tour to the Gaza Envelope
Every semester, we organize a tour to the Gaza Envelope, but this time was especially moving – it was the first tour after the return of all our hostages to Israel.
The day began with a joint ceremony with members of the local communities, continued to the Nova Music Festival site and the burned car field, and concluded with a group processing activity.
Students were moved, emotional, and asked deep questions, all under the guidance of our staff who provided close emotional support throughout the day.
“You go image by image, story by story. It’s hard to grasp how many lives were stopped here on that terrible day.” Dov, Ofek Community
“I think the message from here is that life is stronger than everything. We need to honor the fallen and remember them through their love of life and joy.” Cande, Ofek Community
Guess who just got featured in "Israeli Week"
Alumni Spotlight: How one small swab saved a life 5 years later
Moshe Goldsmith, one of our alumni from 2019-2020, took part in a bone marrow matching drive organized by Aardvark Israel together with Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Five years later, now living in Jerusalem, Moshe was found to be a match for a patient who needed bone marrow, and he successfully donated at Hadassah Hospital.
“Not everyone gets the chance to save a life. I had this opportunity, and the woman I donated to gets a new life.” Moshe, alum 2020
