Volume 28 Issue 7 15 Mar 2019 8 Adar II 5779

Youth 2 Israel (Y2i)

On Sunday 10 March, supporters of Y2i and their commitment, through generous funding, to make it possible for Jewish teens to experience Israel, gathered to hear from this year’s cohort of students who visited Israel as part of their school program.

For more information on Y21, please see below*.

We are happy and proud to share Asha Friedman’s speech, as a representative of Emanuel School.

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

 

Asha Friedman

Speech for Y2i event in Sydney

Good Afternoon, I’m Asha Friedman. I am in year 11 at Emanuel School, and have very recently completed the Chavayah program with Y2i.

I am here to tell you that I feel sad. But for the best possible reason. I feel sad because I am no longer waking up to the sounds, the smells and the feeling of being embraced by the land of Israel.

Israel is full of texture. Its grooves have been worn by religion, history, culture and politics, but perhaps, most of all, the country has been built on faith and passion by Jews in the Holy Land and in the diaspora. My peers and I were lucky enough to be able to experience this extraordinary country in November and December last year, most of us for the first time, through the Chavayah program made possible by all of you, Y2i.

If I sit with a little sadness, it is simply because I have just had the most incredible experience of my life, leaving me with a store of memories that are bursting with happiness, meaning and gratitude. I wanted to pick out some of the highlights for you, but I had such a hard time deciding which to share, as when we were there, one highlight rolled into the next. I have never felt so inspired.

One very beautiful moment was a Shabbat service we attended in Tel Aviv. We were in a modest synagogue, and it was raining outside, and I was standing with the assembled Australian and Israeli congregation as if under one large umbrella. I felt so connected to my Judaism, truly comfortable in a spiritual place I had never been before.

I really enjoyed our visits to various archaeological sites. And the Kotel, of course, was a profoundly moving experience. As was our time spent at Masada, where the courageous struggles of our ancestors come so alive. The formations of what were once homes are preserved for posterity.

There were many beautiful and special moments with the people around me. I connected with my peers on a level I had not experienced previously. Our group of wonderful Emanuel students were absolutely amazed during the trip. I was so thrilled to be learning and experiencing such an important journey with other very engaged and enthusiastic people.

The Israel-based educators of the program were very passionate and well-informed. They provided me with perspectives on the different issues facing Israel today and in the past in ways I had not thought about before. The teachers from Emanuel who accompanied us, were likewise very engaged and open, allowing us to learn, to debate, to absorb in a warm and safe environment.   

I have returned from the Chavayah program, as a young and proud Jew who feels confidently educated to make intelligent and mature decisions in relation to Israel. I can now clearly understand the importance of the country, not only for the benefit of Israelis but for the benefit of all Jews around the world. My ties to my Jewish heritage have also been strengthened, allowing me to connect to my Judaism in a spiritual way. I am very pleased to be able to say that I have embraced these new thoughts and feelings.

My Israel experience has cemented a powerful connection to Israel within me. It has ignited a life long journey for my Jewish self. An opening up of curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Thank you so much for providing this wonderful opportunity, for which I am deeply grateful.

*Y2i is led by a group of experienced communal leaders and dynamic young people who are united by their passion, to ensure all Year 10 students are given the opportunity to participate in an educational program in Israel.

 Their 2018 Annual report states:

There are now 253 Year 10 students in Israel, who have all been given a $5,000 voucher by Youth 2 Israel (Y2i) to help cover the costs of their five-week or longer program.