Day 42 - Darren Curtis

Final IST 2019 blog

Throughout the last amazing, emotional and inspirational 6 weeks, I have written daily journals which I send to my family. Every day I start the journal with ‘Today we...’, but today I get to share my final thoughts on our whole adventure and its conclusion with all of you.

We ended our journey the same way we started, at the Kotel and we gathered to sing Hatikva and shout ‘am Yisrael chai’. 5 weeks ago, I felt as if we were just a year group on a trip together, but as we came together today, one last time, I feel as if we are a family, all sharing one last beautiful moment in our home.

When I touched the Western Wall one last time, I reflected on my journey. I feel that, although Israel is so small, the warmth of its people, the beauty of its land and the uniqueness of its culture makes it feel like an infinite world within itself. It was emotional to say farewell to our many Israeli madrichim, who were integral in shaping our IST experience. Each of them have been like brothers and sisters to all of us. It is unimaginable what our experience would have been like without them.

After 5 weeks of touring and living in Israel, I can comfortably say that Israel feels like our home away from home. Although IST was not my first Israel experience, it has surprised me everyday with something new to offer. From riding donkeys and camels, climbing Mount Masada, visiting the Dead Sea or guiding a friend through a blindfolded shot at the Jerusalem basketball game, IST has opened my eyes to the truth of what it means to be a Jew, especially living in Israel.

In conclusion, IST has fulfilled dreams, created everlasting memories and inspired us all as Jews living in the Diaspora. Our ‘year group’ or now ‘family’ will forever be bonded through this life changing experience.

Darren Curtis - 29.12.2019