Reflections on the trip by Noah Stapleton

I knew going into the JCA trip that I would have an amazing experience in Israel and I also knew that the nature of my experience was not something I could have foreseen. Now, having spent nearly two weeks in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem and their neighboring regions, I can say that my humility regarding what I could expect was appropriate.

From my first afternoon in Israel I tried to concentrate on learning, absorbing my surroundings. While I have lived and travelled in Europe and other parts of the world, Israel proved to be profoundly more complex and culturally rewarding than any destination it has been my privilege to visit. The peoples, religions, cultures and practices were myriad and unique. I was exposed to the politics and faiths of Arab peoples, Westerners, Christians, Muslims, and of course Jews from all walks of life.

One particular memory that will stay with me was a ride past the west bank on our way to Jerusalem. We had just passed a portion of the security wall and a guard tower and a bus of Orthodox Jews passed us on the highway. As it passed a young girl smiled brightly and waved to us. I was struck by the complexity of that moment. In an instant, I became aware of the danger of that region, the profile of the conflict from an international perspective, and the simple humanity of the citizens of Israel.

I intended to visit Israel to observe and experience in some small way the politics of the country but came away with a larger picture of lifestyles, both secular and religious. Out trip was packed with insightful speakers, amazing sights, and strong opinions. To be honest I fear that I still am grappling with some our collective experiences in Israel, which in time I will digest after further thought. Without a doubt this trip was an enormous treat for me and my mother (my travelling companion) and taught me much about a part of the world I have spent a lot of time thinking about over the course of the past ten years. It was a life changing experience.