In the middle of 2019, I applied for the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program for Australian Educators. I was so over the moon when I was accepted and I felt a whole range of emotions about heading over to the Middle East, for what I knew would be an unforgettable experience.
In 26 days I travelled over 70 hours, attended 18 days of study at Yad Vashem International School for Holocaust Studies, went to my first Shabbat dinner, attended the synagogue, ate delicious food, saw more pomegranates than I thought could exist in one place, explored Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, swam in the Dead Sea, saw the Syrian and Jordan border, visited Masada, stared in awe at the Sea of Galilee, got goosebumps watching people pray at the Western Wall, went to the grave of Oscar Schindler and met a women he saved, met six Holocaust survivors, learnt more than I could have ever imagined about Jewish History and the Holocaust from the wisest of people and marvelled at the interactions of cultures and religions that make up Israel. I also hopped on another plane and explored Jordan – The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Petra.
I am still processing my time in the Middle East, so right now I can just be thankful for the opportunity, for the people I met, for the friendships I made and for being bettered as an educator of the Holocaust and of young people. Thank you Barbara and Bruce Solomon (my generous donars) & the Yad Vashem staff Yael, Ephraim and Dorit (and so many others) for gifting us with the best experience in your country. I only hope I will see Jerusalem again.
Thank you also to my incredible husband Angus, who supported me every step of the way.
History and Memory in the Holy Land 