IBC was the most fun, challenging, incredible 10 months I could have imagined packed with memorable experiences and amazing people.

Between living & studying in Jerusalem, hiking up North & in the Negev, army week, independent living in Yerucham and trips to Tel Aviv, Tsfat, Eilat and more, in a few months we were given the chance to explore so many different places and aspects of Israel. Being there, surrounded by other Jewish kids and meeting, learning from, and living with Israelis & Jews from around the world gave me a connection to Israel and Judaism like I never could have expected.

The structured freedom of the programme allowed us to personalise our experience and choose what was meaningful to us, from Israel Advocacy to Midrasha to volunteering, as well as the further opportunities of Marva, MDA and Mechina. The options provided by the different tracks and our committees where we ran programmes and organised group activities provided choice & responsibility that gave me a sense of ownership over my year, and helped me developed initiative and teamwork & hadracha skills that have already been so useful to me in my personal life & community leadership now that I am back at home.

The mix of participants from different countries, cities, communities, and youth movements meant that we challenged one another & were introduced to different perspectives- I learnt from the other participants just as much as from the amazing teachers and madrichim we had over the programme.

Last but not least, as well as the Zionism, Judaism, Hebrew, leadership and teamwork I gained over IBC, most important were the friends I have returned home with. I could not have imagined how fast people who were almost strangers to me on the first day of the programme turned into life-long friends, living together, learning together, and exploring together; creating the best bonding experiences and friendships you can wish for, and I could not be more grateful that I went on IBC & gained a whole community of friends from around the world.

Israel has always held a special place in my heart, as a young Australian Jew I always associated Israel with family and my Jewish roots, and although I had been lucky enough to visit Israel numerous times before IBC, I never quite felt the same personal connection as the one that IBC was able to give me. Through 8 months in Israel as part of IBC and Mechina I was able to build a personal connection to Israel, to the people, the places, the sights and the sounds.

It is extremely hard to put into words the concept of going on a gap year to end up at a Mechina, or “Pre – Army Academy”. Whilst, yes, it is an obvious conversation starter and question raiser of, what is Mechina? Why IBC? What did you learn? Did you go to the army? I can now reflect that IBC and Mechina specifically are much more than the grand sum of all their parts, they are experiences that will never be forgotten.

Growing up I was always a passionate Zionist, and had a deep connection to Israel, but that connection was not one on a personal level, but instead built upon connections that are taught and learned through growing up in a Jewish environment.

Mechina provided the space for me to explore Israel, and to find my own, personal connection. Nothing can compare to your own lived experiences, days spent deep in discussion and nights spent laughing with friends. Whilst Mechina might be hard to explain to someone unfamiliar with it, the universal language of friendship speaks to everyone.

To describe Mechina in one word it is friendship. The feeling of brotherhood that is created throughout 3 months is unlike any other. Whilst the experiences can be described, relived and put into words, the feeling of sleeping under the stars, the nights of laughter and the days of debate are experiences that are a truly individual journey that is unique to every Chanich.

Leaving Israel after my gap year, I could leave happily, knowing that at any time when I return to Israel I am returning to a place full of memories and experiences that I will forever cherish.

After attending a Modern orthodox Jewish school throughout my entire education as well as doing a 5 week Israel study tour in year 10, I assumed that I knew all there was to know about my Jewish identity and Israel. IBC has taught me that the more you learn, the more you realise how much you don`t know, which was a confronting reality. This realisty has driven me to further explore and seek this knowledge, both skills that I've learnt on IBC. Over the course of 5 months, we were immersed in Israeli society, which exposed us to all the profound issues which exist in the Jewish State. We would often have speakers or activities which showcased the differing perspectives on relevant topics such as the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, the complications surrounding the Jewish integrity of Israel, the role of the Ultra-Orthodox and many other talking points. The fact that we were exposed to opposing viewpoints, allowing us to reach our own conclusions is in essence the beauty of IBC and what separates it from other gap year programmes. This learning experience was accompanied by plenty of opportunities for socialising as we hiked in the north, swam in the Dead Sea, climbed Masada. All of these amazing opportunties have lead to amazing adventures with people whom I now consider some of my closest friends. Despite Corona Virus impeding on the original IBC plan for the year, they were able to improvise and adapt, allowing myself and the rest of the group to have the most unforgettable 5 months.

To put it simply, IBC has provided me with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Along with 70 other IBC 2019 participants, we were all able to foster a connection and deep-rooted love for Judaism and Zionism. Whether our connection was founded on our enjoyment for Chagim or Shabbas, we will never be able to forget our experiences in Israel. Purim was our first encounter with chagim in Israel, the rush of the entire country getting their costume ready was a really exciting shock for many of us. From there we experienced being in Yerushalayim on Yom Yerushalayim and Shavuot, whereby we stayed up all night as we learnt from one another as we held our own, ‘Tikkun Leil,’ which was certainly a night to remember. However, the highlight of most of our weeks was Shabbat. After a hectic week, full of fun, volunteering and learning, we were able to welcome Shabbat, a day of rest, with open arms. Our Shabbas’ were a highlight for many. Most weeks saw us either holding our own Kabbalat Shabbat service or whilst we were living in Yerushalayim, we would attend different Shule’s each Shabbas, which was definitely an experience none of us will forget. Shabbas also brought much needed sleep-in and as we sat all together for Shabbas lunch, we found ourselves reflecting and discussing a wide range of topics. we were able to reflect on the week we had and discussing controversial topics. Ultimately, IBC was able to cultivate the most beautiful memories and friendships; I wish I could do it all again!

Where to begin? One fine day in February 2020: Our son Jared leaves from Sydney airport for the experience of his life - Israel By Choice! And then one crazy day in March 2020: COVID is a real thing and the group of about 35 school graduates from all over Australia and New Zealand are faced with a real life dilemma: To stay or to go? By no means an easy decision. And by no means a right or wrong answer! Roughly half the group decide to stay and the balance remains. Emotions are high as goodbyes are said to new and close friends only recently established. For those that remained, the next 5 months would be the most amazing adventure that these young adults would ever experience. Under the amazing guidance of Jason Blumenthal, the group engaged in life-changing learning experiences. Life-long friendships were forged amongst the backdrops of historic Jerusalem and vibrant Tel Aviv. Life-time memories were etched on the beaches of Eilat and cobbled stones of Tzfat. No doubt grand-children of the future will hear many happy tales from this wisened group about the good old days of IBC 2020! On behalf of all the parents-who equally have forged great friendships with fellow parents- we say a massive thank you to all the organisers, especially Jason and Noam for your dedication, commitment and gracious care that you have shown to our children. Toda Raba and L’hitraot!