Being our first times in Israel we knew coming into it, Yerushalayim would be the most emotional and fulfilling stop that we would make all summer. the anxious excitement began the night before when we entered Yerushalayim and saw the “ברוכים הבאים״” sign for the first time. The first place we went to the next day was the ״טילת״ which overlooked the old city. Standing from above looking down on Yerushalayim was overwhelming and purely felt like a dream. After taking in all of the city’s beauty our next stop was the rova where all the participants were given vouchers to four different restaurants for lunch. Following lunch everyone split into two groups and while one group was at מכון מקדש the other group went to “the burnt house” which were both fascinating and thought provoking. After reuniting as a group, we split into many smaller groups of 6-8 participants with a counselor and did some touring on foot around the old city. After some touring we went and discovered the tunnel tours which were mind blowing and fascinating. Finally, after a long day we got to the place we were waiting for, the kotel. The emotions that arose when seeing the kotel were indescribable and gave us a feeling of being wholesome  The feeling of being home, united as one and a feeling we will never forget. This was the complete culmination of our excitement for our first time in Israel.
Shira Termechi and Eliana Slomnicki