My expectations of the tour and the country itself were full of mixed emotion; upon arrival, this all changed. Hearing and seeing the language of the Jews everywhere was just a start. The impression of patriotism for the country was immense; Israeli flags, stickers and signs were everywhere.
Our travelling started from the minute of arrival, and didn't stop for ten jam-packed days! This of course had the effect of sleep deprivation, but that didn't dampen our spirits and emotions. Two hours of sleep was plenty in order for us to tackle Massada with no thought of failing!
Our travels didn't stop and this is because there was so much to take in of the amazing country. We experienced many diverse things such as; a crystal clear pool the size of a house in the middle of the desert; camel rides as the sun was setting over the sand dunes; making bricks out of natural resources in Kibbutz Lotan; enjoying Bedouin hospitality; and busking on Ben Yehuda Street dressed as sleazy Israelis.
One part of the trip that was the most meaningful to me was experiencing Shabbat in Jerusalem. The electricity going through me at that time was phenomenal. Knowing all Jews were facing where we were on this day and that so many people were striving to be where we were, this itself was amazing.
If anyone of us were to ask any Israeli what they want from their country and the goals and visions they see for their country all their answers will be the same, they are such a patriotic country and would do anything for their country and state.
One discussion I had on camp, in December with one of our amazing Israeli friends, was on the topic of serving the country through the army. This topic for us young South Africans was not one that we often thought about, but for Israelis is was a reality.
We asked her how she felt about serving the army, expecting an answer full of worry and maybe a topic that one shouldn't have brought up, yet she responded extremely positively, stating it was her duty and she wanted to go. Being a bit shocked from her answer we then asked her, if it was optional to go to the army would she still go, and her response shocked us more, with an adamant yes!
Being in Israel I often thought about this topic and how I felt about it, Israel felt like home to me and thinking about her answer I realised why she had made this decision! Israel is not just a country, it a state of belonging and a country with a future that is looking so good.
My visions of going on a gap year programme called Shnat in Israel changed from about a 10% chance to an 80% chance, all because I have seen and experienced the amazing country, a country that is no bigger than the Kruger National Park, a country that has a heart bigger than its land a country that represents us and is home to our faith.
It is so small yet so proud!"
Jarred Durbach, 17, another Netzer madrich in Johannesburg, tells us