Hi, I’m Gal Nurick from Vancouver, BC! For three generations, members of my family have taken a gap year in Israel. So, for me, coming to Israel was a right of passage. While it was always obvious to me that I would be coming to Israel for a year after high school, the question was which program I would choose. I knew that I wanted an authentic experience and be able to live like a local, so when I saw that there was a program that gave me the opportunity to have a meaningful internship, travel the country, and live in the heart of both Tel – Aviv and Jerusalem, I knew that I had found the program for me!
I began my time in Israel in Tel – Aviv working at a startup company as a Data Analyst and Researcher, and absolutely loved being in the fast paced working environment of the high tech world. After the move to Jerusalem I began working at The Knesset for MK Avraham Neguise who is the Chairman of the Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee. During my time at the Knesset, I have learned the intricate ways in which the government functions and I’ve sat in on many conferences and meetings. Being able to work at the Knesset has been one of the best experiences of my life, and every day when I walk up the hill and see the flag flying on top of the building I am reminded of how truly lucky I am. Every moment of this program has been special in its own way, but I think my top highlights have been rolling down sand dunes during our overnight tiyul to Kibbutz Ketura, staying at a Bedouin’s tent in Mitzpe Ramon, Jet skiing on the Kinneret and staying in the ancient city of Akko. While all of these experiences were incredible, the true highlights have been the people I have met, and the friendships I have made that will last a lifetime. This year has, without a doubt, been the best year of my life, and I am beyond grateful for my parents, my amazing counselors who have taken care of me both semesters (shoutout to Sahar and Tally!), and to my friends who have made this year everything I hoped my gap year would be and more.
I began my time in Israel in Tel – Aviv working at a startup company as a Data Analyst and Researcher, and absolutely loved being in the fast paced working environment of the high tech world. After the move to Jerusalem I began working at The Knesset for MK Avraham Neguise who is the Chairman of the Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee. During my time at the Knesset, I have learned the intricate ways in which the government functions and I’ve sat in on many conferences and meetings. Being able to work at the Knesset has been one of the best experiences of my life, and every day when I walk up the hill and see the flag flying on top of the building I am reminded of how truly lucky I am. Every moment of this program has been special in its own way, but I think my top highlights have been rolling down sand dunes during our overnight tiyul to Kibbutz Ketura, staying at a Bedouin’s tent in Mitzpe Ramon, Jet skiing on the Kinneret and staying in the ancient city of Akko. While all of these experiences were incredible, the true highlights have been the people I have met, and the friendships I have made that will last a lifetime. This year has, without a doubt, been the best year of my life, and I am beyond grateful for my parents, my amazing counselors who have taken care of me both semesters (shoutout to Sahar and Tally!), and to my friends who have made this year everything I hoped my gap year would be and more.
