I know I speak for the group when I say this opportunity has been one of the most intense emotional experiences of my life. After a long day at Yad Vashem, I wasn’t expecting to get a whole lot out of our trip to the Western Wall- and honestly, I didn’t even understand its significance until the bus ride on our way there. My good friend, Dor, clarified it for me bluntly when he turned to me and said, “this is the most holy place on earth.” With that, I nodded my head and continued to stare out the window, wondering what could possibly make this place so special. I followed in line as Maxxi, fearless as usual, led us to our destination. Eventually, we stopped in a long hallway lined with shops, “friends,” he said, “here, you must write your notes.” I sat down and stared at my notebook for a few minutes. When I finally started writing, the immense power of the situation began to hit me. Tears came to my eyes as I wrote three short notes to the ones I have lost.

I approached the wall slowly with my folded notes clenched tightly and instantly I felt something spiritual take over. As I pressed my forehead against the cold stone wall I opened each note individually and started to speak. I did not pray, I just spoke and it was if I was talking with these people I loved and lost entirely too early in life. For the first time since their death, I felt as if they heard me. I have no idea how long I stood there talking and crying with each person but it was a connection that I honestly cannot explain anymore than that.

Before I could get back to the group Dor grabbed me once again and gathered a small group of us. He asked Peter, Ben and I if we had said the proper prayer while we were there. We had not and again I found myself with my forehead pressed against the stone. Dor slowly recited the Sh’ma for me and I repeated. Reciting this prayer with the guidance of my new Israeli friend was an experience that I will never forget, it represented a new connection not only with Israel but also with a new friend who I know will be there for the rest my life.

On that note, I wanted to mention the importance and the impact of having our Israelis with us on this adventure. In seven days we bonded with them as if we had known them our whole lives. They have been there day after day more than willing to explain something we don’t understand, talk to us about their lives in the military, and just to confide in and joke with as friends. The new relationships we have formed with them have truly changed my life in a way I never thought was possible and I can honestly say that this trip would not have been anywhere near as powerful without them.

-Ben K.