Israel experience

Forty-three high school students spent three weeks this summer in Israel as part of the Shirley Barish Memorial Israel Experience. While there, military conflicts became tense, and they arrived home in Houston safely, to their families’ tremendous relief. Bellaire High School seniors Adam and Jason Gerlich said that despite the conflict and some itinerary adjustments, they both enjoyed the experience. The highlight of the trip for Adam was watching the sun rise after climbing Masada. He also appreciated the strong sense of community. Jason said students got a true example of the realities of everyday Israeli life. He said he never felt unsafe, especially because of how the group leaders handled the situation. Mom Diane felt comfortable, she said, because of the frequent communication, including multiple emails per day, and since the students and leaders had known each other for years from religious school at Congregation Emanu El. Both boys say they can’t wait to return to Israel again in the future. Pictured (from left) are Jason, Diane, and Adam reuniting in Houston after the trip.

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