Jewish students explore heritage

Media Credit: Courtesy of SIENNA GIRGENTI Students from American, George Washington, Georgetown and the University of Maryland visited Tel-Aviv over winter break.

This winter break, 13 AU students in the ATID Campus Fellowship traversed Israel on a mission. Their two-and-a-half week endeavor shed light on the historical and contemporary nature of Israel and complement their Jewish backgrounds.

The ATID Campus Fellowship, led by Rabbi Hirsh Chinn, has brought together groups of impassioned Jewish students for seven years. In Hebrew, "ATID" translates into "future." Organized for sophomore and junior applicants only, the yearlong program allows students to examine the traditions and values of Jewish life and to connect with them on a personal level.

The trip to Israel is only one part of the program, but it is perhaps the most essential in terms of cultural exploration. The mission allows ATID campus fellows from AU, George Washington University, Georgetown University and the University of Maryland to embark on activities together, many of which go beyond the typical tourist's itinerary.

Among their excursions was a mountain hike in the Negev, a desert region of southern Israel, on the second day of their mission.

"The hike was really significant for a lot of people because it was the first thing that brought us together as a group," Sienna Girgenti, a sophomore in the School of International Service, said. "Before the trip, we all had our own cliques since everyone was from different schools, but it was an activity that really got everyone together, talking and mingling."

Girgenti also said the hike had a more personal impact.

"There was a very powerful moment when I just kind of sat back down and said, 'This is Israel. This is the land of my ancestors,'" Girgenti said. "As cheesy as that sounds, it was such a privilege to have that kind of experience. It was one of those moments where you take a step back and reflect."

Beyond the desert, the students traveled to cities of religious and historical importance, including Jerusalem, the City of David, Tel-Aviv and Zefat. They visited sites such as The Kotel, or Western Wall, located in Jerusalem. The Kotel, where Jewish men and women gather to pray, is one of the most significant sites for Jewish people because it is the last remnant of Jerusalem's holy temple.

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