OK so I’m really nervous but I have a limited amount of time so I’ll try this out. So right now I’m going to talk about how Yad B’Yad is the best program and how it changed my relationships with others, but in truth, it’s crazy to try and understand how much of an impact Yad B’Yad has on each and every participant and staff before actually being on this program. I’ve been to many mesorah circle times, I’ve done many programs in school with my grade, and went on the Yachad 10th grade leadership Shabatton, but none of those could match even the slightest of things that people learn throughout Yad B’Yad. It’s about making people feel a part of the group. It’s not just saving a seat for bracha, it’s about including everyone into the conversation, catch up on what’s going on. It’s “where everyone belongs” right? Yeah it’s the “best summer ever.” But seriously, Yad B’Yad is all about everyone being together- B’Yachad. It’s stepping outside your comfort zone, just being friends with everyone, and caring about each of the 63 participants on this trip. We realize that each person has something to offer, and that one extra minute of awareness of those around us can go a long way.
A wise man once said, “Inclusion is not something you do at a set time, it’s an attitude.” This is extremely true. Inclusion is not something that you do for a little bit of time and then stop. Yad B’Yad is about constant inclusion, no matter what, where, or when. But obviously not after curfew because we have to be in our rooms. But really, we become conscious of being inclusive in our rooms too, as well as on the bus, during meals, and during activities.
Before going on this trip, I thought “Yeah inclusion, I’m good at that.” I didn’t understand that there are so many aspects of inclusion and that every single person, including everyone here, has to work hard on it. I thought I would have it all down no problem, but I learnt that there are always ways to improve. Inclusion is a continuous growth process with no limit and everyone should always be striving for more. Yad B’Yad has given me an amazing opportunity to meet lots of new, awesome people. The trip is so easy right? Just hang out with friends for 4 and a 1/2, 5 weeks and get to tour Israel? No. It’s a way to bond and make strong relationships in such a short amount of time. This summer, one of our counselors Tamar Nissel introduced these 36 questions, which are questions that help us bond more and learn more about each other on a deeper level. We created more deep rooted and meaningful conversations on the bus and everywhere we went. It was a unique way to help us connect to and learn about one another. This is one of the many ways that Yad B’Yad has taught me the importance of friendships and making meaningful connections. What Yad B’Yad also taught me is how to be more sensitive to people. It taught me to branch out and to just be me.
The summer is ending really soon, and it’s really sad, but you know what? These relationships are going to last a lifetime, and these memories will last forever. I hope that everyone always stays Yad B’Yad but obviously not E3. I hope that we can all stay B’Yachad, in the Yachad community, and spread inclusion throughout the world. And I’m sure that if this was during the rest of the year, this speech would be a lot more eloquent, but I’m really tired. But I’m going to wear my tiredness with pride because instead of all the hours that I should probably be sleeping, I’ve been using every moment to have a new conversation, to learn about others, to make new friends. And there’s no question that I’ll continue to do so for every moment that I have left on the trip with all of you. Thank you!
WE ARE BYAD, YAD BYAD