Cultural differences

Today we experienced many things. We went to a town called Ramallah to look at a  beautiful YMCA that is still under construction, we visited the East Jerusalem YMCA and met some of their staff, and went to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. While all of the sight seeing was incredible the one thing that I really found fascinating was the Jerusalem youth choir at the JIY that we had the privilege  to watch. 

There were maybe 25 teens all lead by one young talented musician Mica. He is from America but is fluent in both Hebrew and Arabic. He went to Yale university and said his life long dream was to start a choir at the Y in Jerusalem to bring Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, Christian, etc teens together without any tension. They sang 3 songs for us- one in English, and 2 in Arabic and Hebrew dialects. They were incredible singers and they all harmonized together. The music in Israel is much different than what is it in America. 

We were able to openly ask questions to the teens (almost all of them were fluent in English). I raised my hand and asked what a day in the life of a teen in Jerusalem is like. The answers I got in response were astounding. A girl answered mr by saying that she wakes up for school in the morning and thinks about which route she would take to school so that she could dress accordingly. She said if she passed a village/settlement with extreme religious people then she would have to wear pants or a long skirt to  keep from getting called a prostitute or getting spit on. Another girl said she is sometimes afraid of getting on the bus because she knew that there could be a chance that it could be bombed by terrorists attacks. 

My mouth literally hung wide open because these were people who are my age. I never had the thought of my bus blowing up or getting spit on because of wearing shorts. And these are fears that they have everyday. As an American I take simple things, like wearing whatever I want, for advantage. I don't think I will ever be able to wrap my head around the position that youths in Jerusalem are put in on a daily basis. 

Written by: Katie Taylor 

A Bit Overwhelmed

"Wow!"

This was probably the word that has most frequently crossed The lips of all eight members of our group since we stepped onto the plane leaving Newark for Tel Aviv and we first became immersed in this culture. This was especially true this morning as we walked through the old city of Jerusalem for hours taking in the sights, smells, and experiences that were completely new to all members of the group. As we walked from place to place seeing the Church of The Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the Wailing Wall, our group found that the only way that we could respond was with a simple "wow." 

But this wonderful sensory overload did not stop there. After stopping at one of the most famous hummus restaurants in the city for lunch with our excellent host, Forsan, we proceeded to tour the almost-completed, state of the art sports center and the preschool that are part of the Jerusalem International YMCA. The cherry on top of our packed day was dinner with staff members of the JIY. We were served traditional and delicious dishes on the outdoor patio of the Y's restaurant as we reveled in the perfect weather and fascinating company of our new friends. 

It will probably be years before I have fully processed and fully understood the gravity of all that I have experienced and will experience during this trip. However, for the next few days, I am content to take it all in and simply respond with "wow."

Written by Katey Calhoun 

Day 1: Old City of Jerusalem

This morning we had the incredible opportunity to take a tour around the Old City in Jerusalem. Our tour guide, Avnar, a legendary archeologist, met us at around 7 am to tell us all about the Old City. He took us around the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish quarters where many shops of extravagant carpets, scarfs, jewelry, and small trinkets were set up. The most amazing thing that we saw was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In this we were able to see the stone that (is said to be where) the cross that Jesus was crucified on, we were able to touch the stone which was a very moving experience. We also got to see the stone that Jesus was laid on after his crucifixion, and the Tomb where Jesus was buried. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go inside because of the 100 plus people in line to go inside. The architecture was unbelievably beautiful to say the least. 

Written by: Katie Taylor

Moonlight view from the tower at the Jerusalem International YMCA

Jerusalem International YMCA

Established in 1878, operated by YMCA of the USA since 1920, the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) is a safe haven for religious, cultural and intellectual freedom for the people of Jerusalem. Jewish, Muslim and Christians of all ages come to JIY to enjoy the atmosphere of understanding and unity.

Like YMCAs in the United States, JIY serves the needs of its local community through programs focused on the holistic development of children and youth, health and well-being for all and family strengthening. In an effort to end the cycle of prejudice and violence, JIY offers a variety of programs designed to stimulate positive connections among people of all faiths and backgrounds. From the integrated Peace Preschool to coexistence programs for young adults, JIY is helping to impact a generation of future leaders who will have the tools to advocate for and secure peace in the region.