The JTS Israel Mission 2003

'By visiting Israel, you let Israelis know that they are not alone...'

By Stephanie Sokol
Sophomore

I was fortunate to visit Israel just a few months ago. As a member of the undergraduate program at JTS, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel on an ambassadors mission with 150 other college student representatives. We went to Israel because we believe that the best way to show solidarity and support the people of Israel is to visit them. We gave strength and were strengthened.

We stayed in Jerusalem and traveled the Galil and the West Bank, Gilo and the Gush Bloc. It was beautiful and peaceful. We visited with families and students and also had the chance to visit one of the major hospitals in Jerusalem, Shaare Zedek Medical Center. On each excursion we saw people going about their daily lives. Not only did I find it astonishing how alive the country is, but in return I was constantly thanked for coming to Israel during these difficult times. At Shaare Zedek I learned how they cope with the terror that Israelis sadly experience on a regular day. I felt a connection to these people and to the land. Walking through the streets of Jerusalem and seeing little children playing in the parks I was dumbfounded. I saw amazing things that I would never see in the States. By visiting Israel, you let Israelis know that they are not alone.

Being in Israel with a solidarity group provided emotional support to the people who live there. We saw other tourists, but it wasn't crowded. Ben Yehuda Street, a popular tourist attraction in Jerusalem, was empty. I was shocked seeing only shopkeepers in stores, and seeing other shops that I visited in the past not there anymore. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Israeli economy. It is one of the leading industries in the country. 200,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in tourism-related business in Israel. In the United States, we can show our support for Israel by buying Israeli products. For every four dollars that goes into tourism, Israelis get back eighteen. Tourism is down 60% plus. Last year there was a $2.5 billion loss of revenue as a direct result of decreased tourism.

I understand that many people are afraid to visit Israel. One way to think about it is somewhat negatively: after September 11, does anyone feel safe anywhere? We need to learn to feel relative safety and not live in fear. I feel as secure in Israel as I do in New York City, where I live and study. I wouldn't have gone if I didn't think that I would have been safe. Israel is a country where the importance of security is ingrained in the country. The majority of citizens have served in the army. People are aware. Unlike the US, if people see a bag unattended, they automatically bring it to someone's attention. The state of Israel, JTS, Mercaz USA and Masorti Olami would not be encouraging people to visit if they did not think they would be safe. It would not be good for the tourists and it would not be good for the Masorti movement or Israel.

Each individual person can make a difference.

I know I did.

[Posted 4/30/03]