The Youth Exchange in Israel was a great success!

This year on 30 March 2023, several children left for beautiful Israel where they participated in the Youth Exchange for 6 days. The Youth Exchange represents an exchange of different cultures filled with cultural evenings, typical games from the respective country and, of course, a full immersion in Israeli culture.

In the six-day course, each culture was asked to give some different interpretations during the week. This was through a self-organised cultural evening and a group energizer. With Vitesse (Netherlands), Benfica (Portugal) and of course the children from Israel, there were plenty of different cultures to learn about. All this was enhanced by the children in Israel, because they were not all from Israel. Many came from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

During the six days, they stayed at a Boarding School in Netanya, a city an hour’s drive away from Tel Aviv. The first day was mainly about arriving at the right destination, due to the difference in arrival times.

The first official day was therefore dedicated to a team-building activity where all the children got to know each other through sports. After the activities, a stadium visit at Maccabi Netanya was scheduled. Finally, a first real cultural activity was scheduled, attending a service in a synagogue in the city of Netanya.

The next day kicked off with a group energizer, after which everyone was put to work making up their own country. This country had to meet certain values and this was the first time the groups were in groups together and had to leave the safe environment of their own language and people. This made for a variety of different countries and beautiful cultural variations.

Further on this day, there was a serious immersion into the Jewish faith in which everyone was taught knowledge about Jewish traditions. For instance, several videos were shown discussing information about Shabbat. For many children, this was one of their first experiences with the Jewish faith after yesterday’s activity.

The day ended with a cultural tour of Portugal, in which a lot of knowledge was shared about living customs in Portugal, the different areas of Portugal and people who have been important in Portugal’s history.

On the next day, participants had a busy programme planned. A trip through Israel with stops in Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea. Where most used the bus trip to get some extra rest, others could enjoy the beautiful scenery. After a brisk bus journey, arrival in Jerusalem was the first stop.

Here we were joined by a guide who was going to tell us more about the places to be visited during the day. Explanations were given about Jerusalem’s current situation and at various buildings we were told what they stood for and their importance for a city like Jerusalem. Finally, we closed Jerusalem at the Western Wall where people were given some personal time.

From Jerusalem, we left for Masada, an ancient city with a rich history lying in a beautiful natural park. Whereas for many it was a nature reserve that looked unfamiliar. The history of Masada stirred up a lot especially when combined with the guide’s good narration. After many photos on the heights in Masada, we set course for the Dead Sea.

Arriving at the Dead Sea was a unique experience for almost everyone, even the children in Israel who had not all been to the Dead Sea. Besides being a beautiful setting, the floating experience was magical.

The next day was the official last day, a day which was all about the beach. A great day where people surfed, played volleyball and enjoyed the weather. The day also showed how much the group had grown together. The different groups had become one and everyone mixed up.

Back at the Boarding School, it was time to hand out the Youth Passes and discuss the expectations at the beginning of the week. This was a wonderful way to see what the children had grown into in such a short period and what personal goals they had achieved.

After handing out the Youth Passes, it was time for a barbecue after which Vitesse took everyone on its cultural evening. An evening where everyone was introduced to real Dutch games. After the cultural evening, it was time for the closing party, after which it was really time to say goodbye. This was accompanied by a great aftermovie and the necessary tears. In short, the Youth Exchange was a great success.