March 15-Day 1
At last the day had come that we were finally able to meet the Israelis! We were all in the JCC getting ready for them to come and when we heard them coming, we got so nervous and so excited that it was finally the moment we all have been waiting for. As the Israelis came in we all just started to hug like we were already family and like we had known each other for years; it was an amazing moment. We did some group bonding games and then headed to Capital Camps Retreat Center. The bus was a blast, especially with the “awesome” bus games, and just being able to socialize and to talk to the Israelis to get to know them. Later that night, we had a great Shabbat service, especially because it was the first Shabbat gathering of all 39 of us. We played the first international game of lap tag to end the great, long, exciting day :)
March 16-Day 2
Although we have only known the Israelis for less than two days it feels like we have known them for much longer. We started our first full day together with breakfast and morning Shabbat speed dating, and then we learned how Israelis play capture the flag. The most surprising part was probably seeing two of my new Israeli friends, Peleg (who we have nicknamed Peg leg) and Yaron, emerge out of the woods covered in mud and with their shirts full of straw. Although the effectiveness of their tactic was limited, it was memorable none the less. Then we had an afternoon break followed by lunch. After lunch we had fellow-lead activity (lead by Li, Danielle, Alon, and Henry). In this activity we discussed historical events in our lifetimes that have shaped who we have become. Adam Hoffman claims that the great depression shaped who has become, this makes me doubt whether or not he is really 17. Overall, the second day has been a great opportunity to get to know our Israeli counterparts on a much deeper level. And now let the dance party begin!
Li Milch and Henry Cohen