Asher E.: Today, we visited Hostages Square, where we had the opportunity to witness and grieve for the victims of October 7th. Walking through the tunnel evoked strong feelings of sadness and fear for those affected, as it recreated the sounds of that horrific event. Reflecting on our time there, I am left with a profound understanding of the immense tragedy and a deep sense of empathy for all those whose lives have been irrevocably changed.

Stella G.: These past two weeks were filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a deeper connection to my Jewish identity. The trip truly flew by, and Tiyul was everything I had dreamed it would be. During our final dinner, we all shared our favorite moments from the trip. One person mentioned how, when we are all together, even three-hour bus rides feel like nothing. We would blast music, sing the entire time, and dance together. This really highlights how close we are as a grade, having become each other's second family over the past eleven years. Even the seemingly small moments are truly memorable. This perfectly sums up the remarkable time we had on the trip and how we created memories that will last a lifetime.

Ella S.: They always say to finish strong, and that’s exactly how I would describe our last day in Israel. While all the days were filled with joy and laughter, the final day felt almost too good to be true. We started by visiting Hostages Square, where we gathered in a circle and talked about how the events of October 7th affected us. This truly demonstrated the empathy we share for all those suffering from its impact. I walked through a tunnel that recreated the sounds and darkness of what a hostage is currently enduring or is traumatized by. After dinner, we shared our key takeaways from the trip. Tears began to flow, not only because Tiyul was officially over but also because we realized we are one step closer to the end of a significant chapter. We tried to create some last-minute memories by singing our way to the beach. We jumped into the water and sang songs while swaying next to our closest friends. The night ended with tears, hugs, and laughter. Reflecting on our visit to Hostages Square, it reminded me how incredibly fortunate I am to have my friends. Last night showed me the depth of my love for our grade. I can proudly say that we finished Tiyul off strong, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.