Abdel Lazreg, a Concordia University undergraduate student in Political Science with a minor in Israel Studies, spoke about his connections to Israel and Judaism and what this program meant to him from a personal and academic perspective.
Concordia-Bar-Ilan Partnership
This was my first trip to Israel, but it has always been in my heart. I wasn’t born Jewish, even though my great-grandmother on my mother’s side was Jewish, but I’ve always felt a connection to the country. I have also been very outspoken as an advocate for Israel so as soon as I got the opportunity to come here, I grabbed it.
It was interesting to see the cooperation between the two universities and how it could lead to something so enriching; how they were able to bring 11 students to Israel and experience everything we did in the country in such a short time. The trips were enriching, the answers to our questions insightful, and the anecdotes they shared were interesting. It was a remarkable experience and I hope it continues.
Being at Bar-Ilan University was great. We met many professors and fellow students, especially in the Archaeology Department. They were all interesting and fascinating, and we were shown many ancient pieces from excavations in the archaeology laboratory. I learned so much about archaeology, not only from the labs, but also from the field. We got to see and experience ancient life, and ancient structures. That to me was priceless. I never imagined I would one day do this.
The tour guides were so cultivated and they knew everything, almost. Many of them were professional tour guides and they were also studying. There were Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students from Bar-Ilan in our group. They were often impartial and always gave both sides to remain academic, while also sharing a bit of themselves by occasionally giving us their perspectives. They all had different political views, but they showed us that even though Israelis could have different opinions, they could still be friends. It was impressive to see; it was humanity. You don’t always see this anywhere else, so it really stood out.
I wish that the trip could’ve gone on longer. There really are no words to describe it. You have to experience Israel firsthand.
Highlights
There were many highlights during the trip: Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Independence Hall, and more, but Jerusalem… Jerusalem for me was THE city. I was speechless. I don’t know what to tell you… words would diminish what I felt there. My reaction the first time at the Wailing Wall (Western Wall) was as if I wasn’t there. I cried a lot. It was very emotional. I felt changed after that. I honestly did. I went back three times on the same day… in the morning, afternoon, and evening, just to see it over and over. Actually, it was one of the reasons I extended my trip for another two weeks, just so I could go back. I couldn’t just leave Israel after only three weeks.
There were many other highlights. We got to see so much of Israel in three weeks; our days were very condensed. We went to the Knesset to see democracy in action, and to witness Israel’s diversity, people of every persuasion, sexual orientation, race, and religion; everyone was represented. We even witnessed some of the protests, which is proof that democracy exists here.
It was magnificent to see the south from Sde Boker and Kiryat Gat to visit archaeological digs and see proof that King David was actually there 3000 years ago; it was incredible. And Masada? Wow, talk about impressive. Then going to the north…
The Israeli people are wonderful. I took a few classes in Hebrew, but my Hebrew is not that good; however, I could still manage to speak a little with everyone because Israelis are so open-minded. They speak with you, they help you, they make life easier for you. I feel bad about the image that Israel sometimes has abroad because people don’t see the true Israel, they don’t get to experience it.
If I had to summarize my trip? Mesmerizing, unforgettable, and life-changing. I feel different. This trip was amazing. It opened my eyes – about the Jewish people, about how the Israelis are open-minded and sincere. Now I’ve experienced Israel for myself, I can see it’s much more than everything we see on TV. Israel is a country like every other country; it’s so rich… especially if you have Jewish heritage.
