The wait is finally over. After months of anticipation, and weeks communicating online, our teens finally met in person. It is hard to believe this was only 24 hours ago, as so much has happened since. For the naked eye, watching who the teens sit next to on the bus, who they talk to when we walk the streets, who they share a meal with, it would be impossible to tell these are two groups of practically strangers.

I’ve been thinking of ways to describe our first day together in NYC, but nothing nothing could compare to the words of the teens themselves, so without further ado.

On our first day in New York, we went to Ellis Island, Battery Park, and then to a Shabbat service at Romemu, a liberal synagogue on West 103rd Street. At Ellis Island, through various activities, we learned what what we have in common, both in terms of daily life as well as in regards to our histories. We then hung out at Battery Park for a while before going to a Shabbat service at Romemu. It was very interesting to see both the similarities and the differences in the ways other liberal Jews practice. Additionally, the Rabbi’s sermon was tremendously powerful; he talked about the importance of confronting truths one may be uncomfortable with, and connected it with Dr. Ford and the Kavanaugh hearings. Overall, it was a very intense and fascinating first day, and it makes me very excited for the rest of the trip.
– Sofia R

The first day was super fun, we got to spend time with our new friends at Ellis Island, and later had dinner at a cool mexican restaurant and had lots of fun.
– Ethan G

I enjoyed the first day, it was fun. I am glad that I’m happy with the person that I was put with.
– Eli T

The past day was really fun we got to meet the Israelis for the first time in person and we went to some really nice places with them, as well as getting to play pool and ping pong with them when we got back to the hostel.
– Alex S

It was so exciting to finally meet everyone yesterday! I loved going on the ferry to Ellis Island and the Mexican restaurant where they played music live! I can’t wait for the rest of the trip and to spend more time with everyone!
– Amanda S

Yesterday we went to Ellis Island and quickly passed by the Statue of Liberty. At Ellis Island we played games to get to know each other better.
– Alexa K

I had a amazing time meeting all the Israelis! We had a great time together on the bus and on Elis Island!
Kristina D

i enjoyed the first day it was really exhausting though. I’m glad I get along with Guy and I am really excited for the rest of the trip!
– Drew C

I loved meeting everyone and making a bunch of new friends on Ellis Island and going on the boat. It was also super fun to eat with everyone and celebrate Sophia’s birthday at the Mexican Restaurant that had live music.
– Julia P

We went on a ferry to Ellis Island and it was really exciting because I got to make a bunch of new friends I will have for a lifetime!
– Kate S

I enjoyed the first day. I was very tired for a little part of it because I woke up at 5. The dinner at the Mexican place was the activity I liked most. –
– Eli G

Yesterday was a fun day… I was really excited to meet my American host and had great time with him
– Nadav C

The Mexican restaurant was great. Everyone was so happy and I loved the songs and food.
– Danielle S

yesterday was very good day because we met the Amricans at the first time and it was very cool. And I really liked the statue of liberty.
– Elad A

Yesterday was a very fun day, I enjoyed going on the furry and traveling around town, liked the temple and the restaurant.
– Yarin H

My experience from yesterday was amazing. The synagogue was special. The Mexican food was good, the music was cool and all the time the customers in the other table always cheers.
– Mika G

It’s amazing. The Americans and us have a special bond, we’re all together and we’re having so much fun. This is definitely something I will never forget.
– Noam S

.I liked the food and the cold weather as well as the ferry and the walk around the city
– Guy S

We immediately connected. they’re amazing and the experiences we share together will stay with me for life.
– Noa K