In the summer after my freshman year, I participated in the Maccabiah games, which is a worldwide gathering of Jews, in an Olympic style competition, that happens every four years. It was a three week experience in Israel, in which we traveled, and then went to the competitions, which in my case was Track and Field. Even though I came in order to compete, the actual track meet was just another addition to my experience.
My first year of highschool was a rocky period in my life. I really had no identity. I felt ashamed at times of my Jewish heritage, and maybe left out. Soon after I embarked on my Maccabiah journey, something hit me strongly as I realized that everyone around me had all one common bond — we were all Jewish. A minority turned into a majority, it gave me a feeling of belonging. It was suddenly cool to be Jewish.
A part of the trip was a visit to Yad Vashem, which is the holocaust museum in Israel. Walking through the museum, I felt newfound feelings of anger, and unending sorrow. After this experience I began to get involved in holocaust studies, reading Elie Weisel, reading Anne Frank and entrenching myself in Judaic studies. I listened to Hebrew music, read Hebrew lyrics, taught myself to read and write, and really absorbed everything I could.
As the trip progressed we kept doing things that were unique to only the state of Israel. We went to the Dead Sea, the lowest sea in the world, where one can float on the water, and also it is said that the Dead Sea mud is the best skin treatment there is. We went to Masada, the place where the Jews withstood the Romans for years. We danced to Hebrew songs, belly danced with Bedouins, met Drews and kayaked down the Jordan River. We then ended our journey at the Western Wall. It was a strange sensation being at such a holy, world-renowned place. I didn’t know how I should have felt, but I did feel like I was at the heart of the world.
As the competitions began, we had an opening ceremony. And if I wasn’t feeling like a proud Jew before this, this experience sealed the deal. The USA team walked in and we were immediately met with a loud uproar of a 60,000 plus crowd, including the prime minister of Israel. I suddenly realized, “wow, this is a big deal.” I felt like I was home, I felt like the people in the crowd knew us already, as if it was the gathering of a people separated and then reunited. On the ground level, all the nations mingled, trading pins. I noticed Mexican Jews, Brazilian Jews, British Jews, etc. — any country, you name it. It didn’t even occur to me that they were even Jewish, but thinking back on it I now do realize that the people I befriended all had one common bond. Then came that one magical moment that I was expecting, the national anthem. Thousands upon thousands singing the national anthem, one harmonious sound. A sound of pride, yet sorrow. A sound of hope, yet pain. I no longer cared if people made fun of my Judaism. Nothing mattered anymore, the only thing in the world right there was Jews and our sense of victory.
In the actual track events, my relay team won a gold medal, beating out Venezuela and Great Britain, and defeating Israel because of a baton passing error. I had no idea a gold medal was such a big deal but when I went to my family in Israel, they treated me in awe.
When I got home, I was a different person. I can’t say this experience made me a totally different person, but I can say that it gave me so much confidence. I fell in love with my Jewish culture, and people fell in love with it as well. I embraced it, and followed it. And people actually respected me.
Everytime someone calls “the Jew,” I smile and say “that’s me.”
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Trip to Israel for Jewish Olympics”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
It sounds like a statement that emphasizes the importance of adults having access to things that are valuable. It could be interpreted as a reminder that adults should not be denied the opportunity to enjoy things that are considered precious or valuable. It’s a good reminder that everyone deserves to have access to things that bring them joy and happiness, regardless of their age.
Summer is a great time to plan a family vacation. There are many options to choose from, such as visiting national parks, theme parks, water parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group trips, or staycations. Happy travels!
Greek island cruises are a great way to explore the most alluring Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete and Paros. You can witness world-famous sights, charming seaside tavernas, and crystal-clear waters while island-hopping.
Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is a great way to enjoy scenic beauty and water adventures. You can explore the 1.25 million-acre geologic playground of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which straddles northern Arizona and southern Utah, while unwinding amid the comforts of home. Book your trip now and discover the ultimate vacation experience!
Cruise lines are offering more immersive experiences for kids, such as go-karting, ice skating, sushi making, and wine tasting, to name a few. These experiences are designed to draw in a wider audience and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Travel professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to handling travel disasters. They can provide you with tips and tools to help you prepare for any kind of travel disaster, whether it’s a canceled flight, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected, and travel professionals can help you do just that.
Family cruising experiences are a great way to bond with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. They offer good value, variety, entertainment, and all-inclusive amenities, and appeal to all ages. So, why not gift everyone an unforgettable experience?
This is a great travel destination ideas, although it seems outdated. Do you have a more updated travel guides, I believe some locations are not the same due to the pandemic
Nice post. This wasn’t what I was searching for but I still enjoyed reading it.
I think this content needs updating. I am interested in looking for new winter destinations after the pandemic hits.
Planning a winter getaway is an adventure in itself. The snowy landscapes add a magical touch to the family bonding experience. You nailed it. meticulous planning is key, and being ready for unexpected twists, like a surprise blizzard, keeps the excitement alive. Any memorable winter destinations you’d recommend?
Fantastic article post.Really thank you!
Thanks for finally talking about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My
Family Travels <Liked it!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
The Information your provides its very useful for making a trip.
Thanks for finally writing about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel
Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My Family Travels <Liked it!
I have no doubt about that.
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Great blog and terrific style and design.
Hi there, I found ykur web site by the use of Google while searching for a similar topic, your site came up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my googpe bookmarks.
Cheers!
This post is priceless. How can I find out more?
Hello.Thiis post wwas extremely interesting, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
Very good post! We will be linking tto this great content on our
site. Keep up the goood writing.
You got a very superb website, Glad I noticed it through yahoo.
Some really fantastc content on this site, thanks for contribution.
Thank you foor helping out, great information.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your
next write ups thank you once again.
You reported that exceptionally well!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as
long as I provide credit and sources back to
your website? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of
the information you provide here. Please let me know
if this alright with you. Appreciate it!
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having
problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
I take pleasure in, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Good post, I certainly love this website. Keep doing good things. 224034904
Thank you for this info
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
it’s time to be happy.
It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
Great place for kids. My 2 and 4 year old tried every water slide, pool, and toy. They loved the beach as well with the calm, warm waters. It was far from a relaxing trip but this one was all about the kids.
I was more than happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things on your web site.
I live in Jacksonville and there is no longer a ‘lively waterfront’. The shops and restaurants were demolished after a mass shooting at one of the establishments. Head to the beach not downtown!! There is a lovely historic district called Avondale/Riverside area. It is absolutely beautiful with shops and restaurants and a beautiful park with a kick a** playground! The neighborhoods sit on the St John’s River. The old homes are big and beautiful. I walk that area regularly and have lived there. Stunning!!!
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got right here on this post.
I am returning to your site for more soon.
I agree with every word in this blog, I tried to travel to Saudi Arabia with this topic in mind. I thought a lot about choosing a sustainable activity. So I texted Ootlah website to ask them about sustainable activities and they recommended enjoying the desert in Jeddah, which causes almost no harm to the environment. I booked and tried it and it was significant.
Thank you. We might get there, and we might not. Hope so.