Many Jewish students have enjoyed trips to Israel that provide lifelong memories.
“I always want to go back because it’s very beautiful and brings me closer to my religion,” said sophomore Avi Golubitsky.
However, the war in Gaza has significantly reduced the number of people traveling to Israel, and some Beachwood students are among those not traveling to Israel this summer.
“While I loved my time in Israel and wish to go back, I recognize the difficulty involved with returning and feel for everyone struggling because of [the war],” junior Griffin Priesler said. “I already see examples even when simply trying to visit, my summer camp had to cancel the annual trip that I went on for the year below us, so I can’t even imagine how hard it must be for people trying to return home.”
The war in Gaza has increased the risks of these trips. In addition, some parts of Israel are off limits to travelers.
Junior Jake Tannebaum, who went on a memorable trip last summer, is concerned that the conflict is likely to impact the experiences of people traveling this summer.
“I think for people who plan to visit this summer they probably won’t be able to go to some of the places I was able to go to because of the conflict down south [near Gaza] and maybe a little up north [near the border with Lebanon],” he said.
While I loved my time in Israel and wish to go back, I recognize the difficulty involved with returning and feel for everyone struggling because of [the war].
— Junior Griffin Priesler
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel and clashing with Israeli forces in recent months, making Israel’s northern border unsafe to visit.
Junior Isaac Gorodeski is not calling off his planned trip to Israel this summer.
“Well, it’s impacted visiting some areas in Israel; for example, the north near Lebanon,” he said. “It’s not safe to really visit any more, although people still live there, but it’s attacked every other day basically.”
“Also, around the south where Hamas are sending rockets to Gaza, it’s sometimes not safe, but Israel has an air defense system called the Iron Dome which protects from that, but when there’s drone or terror attacks–that are rare—they could possibly be avoided, but there’s always a chance of danger,” he said.
The Iron Dome is an advanced missile defense system designed to shoot down incoming rockets.
Many students recognize the dangers but feel like it’s still possible to go back to the country.
“I would go back now because I love Israel and I feel safe there even with the war,” freshman Ido Rub said. “My sister is in the IDF and is fighting every day, and I hear about the work they do, which makes me feel safe.”
“I don’t feel uncomfortable going back, but it’s a very scary situation and definitely presents some fear,” Golubitsky said.
In spite of the dangers, these students are drawn to Israel because of the memories they have created on previous trips.
“My favorite moment when I went to Israel was probably when we went white water rafting in the north,” Gorodeski said. “The stream itself wasn’t that strong, but it was through the Jordan River, and it was really fun.”
“My favorite moment was when we stayed with a host family for a few nights in a little village,” Tannenbaum said. “I got to meet a bunch of people my age and do what they do throughout the day, and it was really cool to see their culture.”
I would go back now because I love Israel and I feel safe there even with the war. My sister is in the IDF and is fighting every day, and I hear about the work they do, which makes me feel safe. — Freshman Ido Rub
Students appreciate the exposure to Israel’s unique culture, and also enjoy visiting the country’s cosmopolitan cities.
“My favorite city was Tel Aviv because it was really modern and the beaches were very nice,” Tannenbaum said.
“The people are a lot different than the people here,” Tannenbaum said. “They seem really rude, but it’s just how they are, and the people are really funny. They look tougher than Americans, but they are very nice on the inside.”
Whatever the impact on travel plans, students are saddened by the tragedy of the situation and the impact on innocent people.
“I dont think it’s a good thing,” Gorodeski said. “Everyone hopes that all innocent [people] are safe, but what happened was horrible on Oct. 7, so what Israel is trying to do right now is eliminate the [Hamas terrorist organization] and basically have peace in the long run while in the short term there might be fighting.”
