Day 8/9 - Zoe Simons
They say that you don’t realise how much you have until it is gone. This couldn’t be more true - as it became a feeling we temporarily experienced today. It was a day filled with excitement, discomfort and fulfilment. One of the best days so far.
Netzach visited the Blind and Deaf Museum this morning, an activity that many of us have been thoroughly looking forward to. Half of the group visited the Blind Museum and the other visited the Deaf Museum, both developing unforgettable experiences. The instant loss of an ability, such as sight and hearing, that many of us take for granted, was a unique feeling, that was both discomforting and somewhat awakening.
My group was able to experience ‘Dialogue in the Dark’ - The Blind Museum, where we were guided by a blind man through the experiential museum. Prior to entering the museum, I was filled with much excitement as this is something I have always wanted to do. However, as soon as I entered into the dark room, unable to see what was ahead of me, a large feeling of nerves and discomfort overcame me. I contemplated whether or not to leave the room out of fear, but now am so grateful I stayed.
As we walked through the museum, we were able to experience different activities and obstacles that blind people face on a daily basis. Throughout the Museum, we were given the opportunity to make use of our other senses, and as a result of not seeing, we could improve these faculties in order to complete everyday activities and understand our surroundings. We felt around the different rooms for objects and obstacles, whilst listening for sounds in order to grasp our surroundings. We went on a moving ‘boat’ and listened to music in the dark, being unique feelings without sight. We then were able to go to a shop and buy food in the dark, a much more difficult task than anticipated. Through this activity, I was given small insight into what life would be like without sight, and the difficulties faced daily by those who are blind. However, learning that through these obstacles, life can be seen from a completely different light.
Holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku z”l discusses the uplifting idea in his book ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’; ‘Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.’ Correlating with this idea, our guide explained his journey of losing his sight and explained the importance of staying positive throughout, allowing for growth and the ability to live the life he wished for, having a wife and three children, going to a regular school and getting a degree in university. Through meeting the guide in the light, after leaving the dark, his pure persona and kindness reminded me of the importance of what is on the inside of the person and not the superficial appearance that society has put upon on. It was up to the guide to make the most of what he has, rather than allowing his inability to see stop him in life. He made his life beautiful and through this unique experience of the Blind Museum, I was reminded of Eddie’s incredible idea, that it is up to us to make our life beautiful.
After going through this truly uplifting experience, the group ate lunch and went to Tel Aviv-Jaffa. We walked across the beach promenade and were able to take in the refreshing breeze and uplifting atmosphere. After getting ice-cream, the group was given time to relax, talk and appreciate the incredible place we are in.
I spent part of my time in Tel Aviv admiring the contrast to Jerusalem and how different they and unique in their own ways. I am so grateful to be able to experience both parts of Israel, both the culture and historical value of Jerusalem and uplifting atmosphere of Tel Aviv. After leaving Tel Aviv, we drove back to our Kfar Haroeh accomodation, where we ate dinner and got ready for the final part of this exciting day.
To end of the day, the IST Group were able to see family and friends in Israel. We met our family at a shopping centre in Ir Yamim Mall or otherwise were able to hang our with friends and do some shopping. My brother and I were able to see our close family-friends and have dinner together. It was amazing to be able to spend time with each other after not properly seeing them for many years. It is so special to see other people in the group reconnecting with family from Israel, catching up on the past few years.
This was truly one of the most special days on IST so far, with a unique balance of learning, appreciating and connecting through different activities, tochniot and experiences. Ultimately, continuing to fulfil this incredible journey that is IST, in which I am so grateful to be a part of.
