After waking up at the time we were supposed to have our packed bags on the bus outside of our hotel, my roommates and I hurriedly stuffed our suitcases and ran outside to begin one of the most emotional days of our lives. Once all of our bags were loaded onto the bus, both cohorts gathered on the rooftop of the hotel for a discussion concerning Jewish values and our past. We then set off to south Tel-Aviv, where we discovered the incredibly unfortunate living conditions of all different types of people, and focused on the present problems within the Jewish state. Directly after this, we set off to a nearby park, where our final goodbyes would be said. We all walked around, giving each other hugs and remembering the amazing time that we had spent together. It wasn't until our tour guide shouted out: "Israelis will be leaving in five minutes!", that we realized the true immensity of the situation. We realized that there are some people here that we will never see again in our lives. We realized how important the friendships we had made actually were to us. And, with tears streaming down our faces, we realized that, unlike our previous goodbyes at NAS, these were indefinite. As our friends were pulled away from us, we sat together as we started, in a circle do 19 amazing fellows. We bused to the airport and hopped on a plane away from the place we had called home for three weeks. As we took off, sobbing could be heard from all around, and we could do nothing but comfort our friends.
Even as I write this, hearing the caption announce our descent into Pittsburgh, I cannot help but to reflect on my time in what is widely known as the 'holy land'. Throughout our trip I have heard my fellow Dillers explain how they've recently felt this overpowering connection to the land around us. I waited and waited to feel this amazing connection this but it never came. To me, Israel is not my second home or a place where I can always feel safe. I do not feel attached to it physically, spiritually, or religiously. To me Israel is the home of my best friends, and I would do almost anything to come back and see them for even a moment.
-Jeremy Olbum