Spring break truly felt like a literal break from “time” this year. It doesn’t seem real or possible that two months of school still linger ahead, especially now that the days are longer — thank you, daylight savings — and the birds are starting to chirp.
Yet this one-week long vacation transported me to an alternate universe in which the concept of time melted away, which may have had something to do with my spring break destination: the glorious land of Israel.
Israel is the type of place that can suddenly sweep you off your feet, a magical fairytale land of hope and perseverance, where passion never dies and strength lives on. That’s not to say that life in Israel is perfect, which it’s far from.
Life in Israel is a constant reminder we, as a Jewish people, are here to stay and fight for our right to exist in this world. In both conscious and subtle ways, Israelis continue to stand up for Jews across the world simply by living their lives as citizens of Israel, facing the daily hardships that come with handling such an immense responsibility.
Traveling to Israel for the second time was an eye-opening experience. Not because it was my second time, but because I went without a regimented schedule or routine, without any prior plans or previously booked tours.
This allowed me to experience Israel on my own terms, with the freedom I desperately wished I had on my first trip to Israel, which was a fully-guided tour across the country.
While that was an amazing introduction and gave me a rich understanding of the country’s prized history and religious significance, I left with a stronger urge than ever to come back and navigate life in Israel as a local would, staying put in one place and getting to know that area on a deeper level.
Fast forward two years later, and I finally returned, except for a much shorter time period than I had originally hoped. But it was the time I had, and I was determined to make the most of it.
The short week I spent in Israel might as well have been an eternity. The days seemed to last forever without a definitive ending — especially in the city of Tel Aviv, where I resided for the week. The arrival of nighttime is basically the equivalent of the second half of the day, as the city only shuts down around 4 a.m., even on weekdays, in the middle of the Israeli winter.
Life is vibrant at every hour, seeping into mundane daily activities. Grocery shopping feels equally as exciting as sipping a coffee in the afternoon on Dizengoff, the center of Tel Aviv. People go about their routines at a leisurely pace, making sure to enjoy the little things, which are crucial parts of their days rather than tedious chores.
Yet the people are tough, and they have to be. Every young Jewish Israeli citizen must serve in the military, the Israel Defense Forces, to protect and honor the sovereignty of their nation and their heritage, which is always at risk. A sad but true reality.
During the week I was there, two missiles were fired from Gaza toward Tel Aviv, the first time rockets reached Tel Aviv since 2014. I was napping when I was woken up to a phone call from a family friend, informing me of the sirens going off minutes before and the explosions nearby, indicating a code red alert. One missile exploded mid-air and another landed in the sea, according to Israeli news reports, and the entire city resumed life as normal.
Only in Israel is this type of reaction, or lack thereof, the norm. While I was in a complete and utter panic, with my mom calling in tears and hysteria, the Tel Aviv community remained calm and collected, another day in the life and the party must go on.
If this week taught me anything, it’s that I have so much more to learn and experience in this otherworldly place we call Israel, and I know I’ll be back again soon. It’s a place that Diaspora Jews keep coming back to for a reason, something indescribably special about it that could easily take a lifetime spent in Israel to truly understand.
Coffee is my lifeline, every morning, afternoon and night—and occasionally in between. Find me café hopping with my nose buried in a book and a cappuccino by my side for good company. I’ll never pass up a chance to explore this adventure-packed city and its unique, bustling yet mellow culture.
Are you aware that the rockets were reportedly a misfire and that 3 people died in Gaza as a result of Israel’s response this past week? Just saying that if you are going to talk about the military and seriousness involved please think beyond your own perspective.