Falling Back into the Rhythm of Campus Life

After an incredibly meaningful week spent in Poland, our fall semester students are officially back in Israel and back on campus. The week was spent processing and reflecting on their time away and ultimately settling back into the familiar rhythm of home in Hod HaSharon.

Sunday was a particularly meaningful and emotional last full day in Poland. Students spent the day visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau. While it was a solemn part of the journey, our students had time to process all that they witnessed with a journaling session.

Monday marked the official final day in Poland. They group explored Krakow before catching their flight back to Israel and finally returning to campus.

After such a full week and full itinerary, Tuesday offered a welcome opportunity to rest. Students had a free day to recharge, get settled, and prepare to return to their regular routine. By Wednesday, students were once again ready to learn beyond the classroom. The day began on the beautiful beach at Neve Yam before students visited the former detention camp in Atlit to learn about Aliyah Bet. Moving from the beach to such a historic site allowed for a day mixed with both an appreciation for the land and an understanding of the past.

The day continued with a hike up and down Mount Carmel, and a delicious dinner in a Druze village. Between the beach, the history, the trail, and the food, our students seamlessly fell back into the rhythm of a full day of learning, exploration, and adventure.

By Thursday, it was back to school and campus life. This week made room for both extraordinary experiences and the everyday moments that help students settle back in. From journaling about their journey to sharing community meals together after a long day, there was space to reflect, reconnect, and bond together. We can't wait to see what next week will bring!