I was very privileged to be chosen by The David Project, a Boston-based Pro-Israel advocacy organization, to travel to Israel with other 31 campus leaders from different colleges from around the US. I have to say, out of all the places I have been to, Israel is my favorite - not only because the sights, per se, but also the stratifications of cultures that I encountered during my 10 days trip there. Israel taught me a lesson on the value of peace and co-existence.

I have to confess that out of all the places I’ve wanted to visit, Israel was not on my bucket list. Growing up in China for 15 years, I was never around any Jewish or Israeli culture at all. All of my knowledge and preconception about Israel were absorbed from the media. Ironically, the media tends to polarize stories, especially stories related to Middle East. I thought of Israel as a stereotypical Middle East country; words like bomb, terrorists, and war were something that I would correlate with Israel. My parents and relatives were worried about me going to Israel because they did not have any ideas on how safe it could be; I pretended to be calm and optimistic when I skyped them before heading to Israel. But honestly? I was scared. 

Israeli soldiers

Israeli Cat

Before we left for Israel, the David Project staff asked us to write down some questions we had about Israel. My first question was: Is it safe to go to Israel? Even though I wrote down some other politics-related questions, safety was my only concern. My 10-day trip in Israel gave me the best answer, and that is Yes! The trip also presented me with a country and a culture that fascinates me. I was enchanted by Israel!

The Dead Sea

The Mediterranean Sea

I have a hard time summarizing what exactly Israeli culture is, because all the perspectives of inclusiveness Israel showed me. We visited Tel Aviv on our first day in Israel, and I was shocked by how Americanized it was. Many people there spoke fluent English, and they have an exciting nightlife, just as we do in the U.S. I lived with a fairly inspiring Jewish girl, Jakie (from NYU), while I was there, who showed me Jewish culture from a very genuine and tangible perspective. She did Shabbat every week, and during Shabbat, she avoided using electricity. I could feel how patriotic she was to the land, and how much discipline and pride she had by being Jewish.

We met John McCain in Jerusalem!

My favorite place in Israel is Jerusalem. I remember a phrase I read before going to Israel: “Ten measures of beauty gave God to the world: nine to Jerusalem and one to the remainder.” Jerusalem has a unique splendor that gives me a different definition of beauty. It is a melting pot and a center for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Human beings with different religions, ethnicities, and races live peaceful daily lives in this diverse land. It is a powerful land that is integrated (and divided) by faith.

Jerusalem

We followed Christ’s path to where he was crucified; we worshiped in front of the Western Wall; no matter what religion we had, at that moment, I felt everyone was united by the power of humanity. Being a college student, often times, I have doubts on my religion and the existence of god; I try to convince myself through scientific theory that maybe god does not exist. However, when I stood in front of the Western Wall, seeing people from all over the world leaning their bodies toward the Western Wall, closing their eyes, praying, breathing, I chose to do the same. I thanked god and other religious figures to support us - whether they really exist or not. We sat in a circle singing Hallelujah.

Western Wall

We also heard speeches from peace activists who have the courage to strike for two states solution; we also heard peace activists convinced about maintaining the status quo. I always perceive the Palestinian-Israeli issue as an extremely sophisticated one. I appreciate how candid the David Project is by providing us insights from various perspectives, whether they are pro or against Israel. Honestly, I am still not confident enough to advocate if I am pro-Palestinian or Pro-Israeli, but I am confident to say I am pro-peace. 

Rabin Square, Tel Aviv

Now, I laugh at myself about those concerns and preconceptions I had before going to Israel. All of my questions were answered, and the knowledge of culture, conflict, and religion that I soaked up while I was there inspires me to explore more about Israel. My 10-day experience in Israel empowers me to advocate for peace and co-existence. I will see you in the near future, Israel!

Capernaum, Israel

A parrot in Jerusalem's Old City

Lin Yuhan is the Culture and Politics Editor at Wandering Educators, and a college student at the University of Pittsburgh