We had such an incredible trip to Israel over winter break! My husband Avi's parents made aliyah this past summer and it was so fun for the kids (Noam, Grade 3; Liba, Grade 1; Orly) to see them living life as Israelis. It was our first time visiting Israel as a family and despite the war, we were able to tour around and experience many things. 

Being in Israel over Chanukah was also a special treat - we tried so many different kinds of gourmet sufganiyot and got to experience lighting chanukah candles at large outdoor gatherings in Jerusalem as well as in restaurants! 

Aside from touring, we had the opportunity to volunteer at an organization called Pantry Packers that packs and delivers food to poor families across the country. We also got to tour the Israel Parasport Center (thanks to CJDS Parent, Shaina Sugar). The Center has athletic programs for people with disabilities and has trained many Israeli Paralympic athletes. They also have programs for Nova survivors and people who have been injured in the war. 

One of the most fulfilling things was seeing the connections the kids made between what the kids had learned about Israel in school and what we experienced on the trip. Noam was able to confidently speak in Hebrew with Israelis. Liba referenced her "trip" to Israel in kindergarten throughout the trip: when hiking in Ein Gedi she told us about Ein Gedi at school where she climbed up and down the stairs of the building. She also proudly told our tour guide that "this was not her first time writing a note for the kotel" and explained how in kindergarten they made a kotel and got to do tefilah there. 

It was a difficult decision to take a trip in the middle of a war. In Jerusalem we were able to experience an almost regular life. We toured around and ate in restaurants like Avi and I had done on past trips. At the same time, there are signs about the hostages everywhere and we experienced two sirens while we were there. These constant reminders of the war didn't overshadow the trip but rather highlighted the importance of us being there. We were given a small glimpse into the challenges and sorrows Israelis have faced and were also able to experience and learn from their resiliency.