Although the 2020-2021 trip schedule was drastically changed due to Covid-19 restrictions and Israel’s health guidelines, students were still able to enjoy two contrasting trips: to the Golan Heights, and to the beach at Caesarea.
November to March is the coldest season in Israel with snow occasionally falling in northern parts of the country, and this year was particularly exciting because there was heavy snow in February for the first time in a few years.
After another week of hard work, the second Covid vaccination for students and the end of an isolation period for everyone, the boarding team was able to quickly organize a trip to the Golan Heights in order for students to enjoy this unexpected snowfall. Everyone was excited and as soon as we got off the bus we started throwing snowballs at each other. When we calmed down a little we made snowmen.
For Liberian students Success and Roger, this was their first experience of snow. They described it as “A fantastic experience! It was one of the strangest feelings in the world, and we both felt the beauty and purity of nature.”
However, we all agreed that the most special thing of all was being able to share this rare experience with our tight-knit community and connect with each other.
On February 12, we enjoyed a trip to Caesarea Beach—a much needed and refreshing break for all members of the GHIS community after having endured four draining rounds of isolation. From the faculty who had the duty of staying strong for the students and managing the whole situation, to the students who went through a lot of stress and anxiety about being isolated—learning on Zoom, and not being able to socialize with their friends.
With time to relax at the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery, we were able to absorb the joyous feelings that came with finally being out of quarantine. Catching up with friends and enjoying a different environment was exactly the brilliant breather we needed before going back to our demanding schedules. and was a time to reflect as well as appreciating the gift of having shorter isolation periods.
We all appreciated the efforts of the faculty in organizing such outings for the community.