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Tour of Israel changes senior’s perspective
July 13, 2007
Sitting on a bench perched on the edge of the Sea of Galilee, senior Brett Patterson quietly watched as the sun dipped below the horizon.
It was just a few days into his intensive 10-day tour of Israel, and he was beginning to realize the country was different from any other place he’d visited. Here, as a Jewish-American, Patterson felt a deep connection to the people and at home in the foreign land.
“That was when it really clicked; how special it was to me to be there,” Patterson said. “It taught me that as a Jew, there’s another home for me.”
From June 17 to 27, Patterson joined 40 Americans on an all-expense paid trip to Israel as part of the Taglit: Birthright Israel Program. Operated by the tour company Israelis of Oranim, the program is an opportunity for young adults, age 18 to 26 and who are at least half Jewish, to experience Israel.
Patterson documented his trip through photos and journaling, and he received academic credit for the program. The tour was part of an independent study course he’s taking this summer to complete his bachelor’s degree in history. He’ll graduate in August.
As a history major, most of Patterson’s research has focused on Israel and the Jewish people. On the tour, he was able to see historic sites and talk with the people firsthand. The program included visits to sites in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Tiberius and Masada, as well as lectures by local experts on Israel’s history and issues facing the contemporary society.
“The trip changed my life,” Patterson said. “It opened my eyes to be more involved and more connected to the state of Israel.”
Growing up, Patterson’s family was not religious, but that didn’t diminish the awe-inspiring power of the religious sites, he said. He found the Western Wall particularly remarkable. Located in the Old City in Jerusalem, it is the western supporting wall of the Temple Mount. The wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, has become the most sacred spot in the Jewish religion.
“You could sense an aura, a sort of spiritual connection,” he said. “It’s a place where history and religion come together.”
Religious beliefs have no bearing at the site, as people from all backgrounds pray together at the wall, he said. The wall was a commanding presence. It spans roughly the length of a football field and lacked religious symbols, he said.
The tour began just days after Hamas seized the Gaza Strip by force on June 14. While a definite tension hung in the air, the group was accompanied by at least one armed security guard at all times, so Patterson said he felt safe.
Patterson said he plans to return to Israel for an internship in the future.
Learn more about the tour group at www.jewishadventures.com.
“That was when it really clicked; how special it was to me to be there,” Patterson said. “It taught me that as a Jew, there’s another home for me.”
From June 17 to 27, Patterson joined 40 Americans on an all-expense paid trip to Israel as part of the Taglit: Birthright Israel Program. Operated by the tour company Israelis of Oranim, the program is an opportunity for young adults, age 18 to 26 and who are at least half Jewish, to experience Israel.
Patterson documented his trip through photos and journaling, and he received academic credit for the program. The tour was part of an independent study course he’s taking this summer to complete his bachelor’s degree in history. He’ll graduate in August.
As a history major, most of Patterson’s research has focused on Israel and the Jewish people. On the tour, he was able to see historic sites and talk with the people firsthand. The program included visits to sites in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Tiberius and Masada, as well as lectures by local experts on Israel’s history and issues facing the contemporary society.
“The trip changed my life,” Patterson said. “It opened my eyes to be more involved and more connected to the state of Israel.”
Growing up, Patterson’s family was not religious, but that didn’t diminish the awe-inspiring power of the religious sites, he said. He found the Western Wall particularly remarkable. Located in the Old City in Jerusalem, it is the western supporting wall of the Temple Mount. The wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, has become the most sacred spot in the Jewish religion.
“You could sense an aura, a sort of spiritual connection,” he said. “It’s a place where history and religion come together.”
Religious beliefs have no bearing at the site, as people from all backgrounds pray together at the wall, he said. The wall was a commanding presence. It spans roughly the length of a football field and lacked religious symbols, he said.
The tour began just days after Hamas seized the Gaza Strip by force on June 14. While a definite tension hung in the air, the group was accompanied by at least one armed security guard at all times, so Patterson said he felt safe.
Patterson said he plans to return to Israel for an internship in the future.
Learn more about the tour group at www.jewishadventures.com.