Claire's Winter Term Extravaganza Blog

Winter term is over, classes start tomorrow. But maybe I'll keep running this blog as just Israel stuff and thoughts and whatnot. It was a good time and I'm ready to start getting back to academic business.

Back in Ohio and waiting for the shuttle back to Oberlin. I'm pretty hungry and part of that is because I didn't eat lunch and part of that is because I watched food network the whole way here... Hopefully gonna see some friends, definitely gonna get some food.

Heading back to Oberlin today. The weather in Florida is absolutely beautiful and I'm going back to a lovely Midwestern winter. But nonetheless I've gotta go back eventually. I can't wait to tell my friends all about my trip to Israel, and I'm excited to start some cool new classes. I'm a little weary of the anti-Israel hype on campus but unfortunately I'm not in the boca raton bubble anymore. That being said I'm willing to have discussions about Israel and current sentiments toward Israel with those on campus provided these conversations are respectful and inclusive. Excluding pro-Israel voices has become a dilemma that's frankly disheartening if not threatening; college is supposed to be a time of discussion and growth that includes learning from multiple viewpoints. It's a place in which open respectful discussion in a safe environment should be encouraged. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that if you're on campus and pro-Israel - or dare I say Zionist - in any sense it's not as much of an open environment. Luckily I know there are people who share my opinions and thoughts and there are places on campus that real discussions can be held. We're about to take off so I have to stop ranting. Next stop Cleveland!

Had another dream involving Israel last night. I dreamt that I had stayed another week but all my family was with me. I'm not a huge believer of dreams being signs of things but having Israel related dreams 3 nights in a row is super weird. Although it's not like my subconscious is trying to hint at me, I know I'm thinking about going back 24/7. It's been a week since I got back (wow already?!?) and I haven't had a day go by in which I haven't thought about my time in Israel and going back. I am leaving Florida again tomorrow, I'm going back to Oberlin since classes start on Monday (yikes!) but part of my wishes I was going back to Israel for the next three months. For now I'll see if I dream of Israel again tonight. Fourth time's the charm?

I had a dream that involved a bunch of Hebrew writing and reading. That makes two nights in a row dreaming about Israel related things. Guess it's pretty clear what's on my mind.

Last night I had a dream I was back in Israel. Before I left for Israel I didn't think much about how much I would miss it afterwords. It's not that I don't like it in America because I do but Israel is just something else. I'm pretty sure there were cats everywhere in my dream which sounds crazy except that was probably the most realistic part. There are actually cats all of Israel. Cats are the Israeli squirrels (I don't think they even have squirrels in Israel...). Cats aside, I didn't think I would be missing it for this long; it's been almost a week since I left. The heart wants what the heart wants though.

Two things: one, my brain is still thinking a lot in (small and simple) Hebrew sentences on and off, two we're going to Epcot today which is weird after spending ten days in an actual foreign country. Also Disney is very tiring. Like birthright was tiring but Disney wipes you out in a day. How?!?

I feel like everything is a shopping center. Like Israel has malls and shopping centers but it still doesn't feel as commercialized or something. Or maybe more urban places that I haven't been to are like this? But everything here just seems loud and big. Ain't that America?

After a day of inaction I'm back in action (but not in Israel sadly). Saw my sister play tinkerbell in Peter Pan. She was very sassy and very cute. Now we're heading to Orlando to Disney world!

It's not even 7 am and I'm up. Maybe it's because I went to sleep at like 5 last night or maybe it's because my body is still 7 hours ahead? I don't know but this is weird...

It's pouring and I need a shower so badly. Also I'm still sad and miss Israel very much.

It's not quite the same as Israeli hummus but I'm trying

And I really miss Israel. America is my home country, and I'm happy here, but I feel like I left a part of my soul behind in Israel. I felt so comfortable there, for the first time I noticed how comfortable I was being Jewish in Israel. I knew I was surrounded by my people and that I was safe to be me. It's not that I don't feel safe being Jewish in America, but it's always something in the back of your mind: I'm different, I'm a minority. I miss my new friends already of course, but keeping in touch with people is something you can do from anywhere. Who knows what the future holds, maybe one day I'll be back in Israel for good. All I know is that the sooner I go back still won't be soon enough.

Selfie with our wonderful, knowledgable, and all around top notch tour guide Aidel. She really made this trip special and I'm going to miss her! Goodbyes are the worst yo

I don't wanna go :''''(