Hillel Foundation University of Wisconsin in Madison is gearing up for another exciting winter Taglit Birthright Israel trip, scheduled for next month.
Twenty-five UW students are weeks away from embarking on their free trip to Israel, and they will share a bus with 15 students from New York University.
UW-Hillel’s new Israel program coordinator Nilli Glick will be on staff for this trip. Nilli brings with her several years of experience as a tour guide in Israel.
This year, we asked a couple of students to participate in a pre-Israel trip questionnaire. We will follow up with the same students upon their return, to see if the trip met or exceeded their expectations.
• With your Taglit Birthright Israel trip a few weeks away, what excites you most about your coming trip?
I am most excited about experiencing Israel first-hand. Although I read about Israel in the newspaper, and have traveled to Israel once when I was much younger, I hope this trip will allow me to gain a more accurate and broader glimpse of Israeli life and culture.
I am most excited to experience the culture in Israel; from the food to the dancing. I can’t wait to be immersed in a new and exciting environment.
• What are you hoping to take away from your experience in Israel?
I hope to leave Israel more educated about Israel’s history and culture. I am also most excited about the friendships I hope to make on the trip. The group shares similarities that should make getting to know one another easier; we are all part of the UW-Madison community, we are all Jewish, and Israel holds some meaning to each of us (or we wouldn’t have signed up for the trip).
I am hoping to come back with a new perspective of Israel. Here in America, we watch the news and see Israel as such a dangerous place. I know I will be safe and have a great time during my stay in Israel. I look forward to being able to share my positive experience with my friends and family at home.
• Which sites are you most excited to visit and explore?
I am looking forward to the cuisine and leisure activities including window-shopping, people watching, and walking around Tel Aviv.
I am extremely excited to go to the Western Wall. Also, I am looking forward to the popular camel ride.
• What does Israel mean to you?
When I hear the word “Israel,” I automatically think of heritage, struggle and determination.
To me Israel is a place where I can really be myself. It is the place that was created for the Jewish people to be able to go and feel safe and comfortable. With that in mind, Israel to me cannot be compared to any other place. It is a safe and meaningful second home.
University of Wisconsin-Madison students ride camels during the January 2008 Birthright Israel trip. Photo from Hillel Foundation University of Wisconsin in Madison.
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