林維毅 Andre Lin
On my journey to Israel, besides gaining new insights about the country, I also brought back more questions and curiosity. When writing this article, I would consistently pick up the "itinerary book" that we used throughout our journey, only to realize how much we had done in this short two weeks.
Ben, who guided us through our exploration, is the first person I want to thank. Initially, I must admit I had some misunderstandings about him. When he first said "Bye!" to us, I thought he might be the type of guide who gets kind of awkward sometimes. However, much to my surprise, whenever he began telling stories, I realized I was wrong about him. Starting from history thousands of years ago and leading all the way to the modern developments in Israel's diplomacy, he brought us so many fascinating stories and joy. Calm and composed, he always made everyone feel at ease, and an occasional joke even lightened the atmosphere of the whole group. In Taiwan, many tour guides can bring about a lively atmosphere during the trip, but it is quite rare to find someone who can deliver comprehensive knowledge. Besides that, I could sense his sincerity, which made the entire trip comfortable and relaxed.
One of the major highlights of this trip was visiting innovative companies. After visiting so many companies in different fields, the most significant thing I can summarize is that failure is just a part of their journey. Entrepreneurship cannot always be smooth sailing; rather, ups and downs are the norm for startups. The so called failure is not really a failure; it marks the end of a plan and at the same time, the beginning of new attempts and opportunities. Asaaf, the workshop lecturer, even though not widely recognized, pointed out something crucial: "Consistency." Israelis continually seek success in failure and strive to find solutions in desperate situations. They don't linger in comfort but constantly question whether what they have done can be improved. This is one of the most important concepts I learned in this journey.
Another significant theme in Israel is conflict and integration. The four days spent in Jerusalem left an impression on me. I remember standing by the pillars of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, watching several girls sitting on the floor, silently weeping. At
that moment, apart from surprise, I was confused. What were they crying about? What does religion mean to them? How can religion possess such a powerful force that drives and comforts people's hearts? Standing below the Western Wall, I could see many people praying. I am not sure whether it was just me, standing there always made me feel a divine power gathering toward the wall. What's amazing is that despite many Islamic countries being in hostile relations, when Israelis talk to each other, they always use jokes to get over the topic. Despite this situation, residents of
the four regions in the old city of Jerusalem can harmoniously exist, as if they have found the answer to world peace!
Another example of conflict and integration is the Kibbutz we visited. In a country highly developed in innovation, micro societies still exist. Though not entirely the same as before, they have found their unique way of living in this era. The Jewish
Holocaust Museum narrated the cruel history, a place every Israeli soldier must visit to remember history. They seek peace amid conflicts, but they don't forget the past in times of peace. Taiwan has also made significant efforts in human rights, but do we have the courage to confront the scars in the past? Do all of us really know what happened in the past? This is where we can all learn from them.
What’s also unforgettable is the breathtaking landscapes and the clear blue sky in Israel. Although feeling hot, it was not uncomfortably humid. Watching the sunrise at Masada, floating in the super salty water of the Dead Sea, playing tag in the waters of the Sea of Galilee, lying on the stone table in the desert at night while we chat and watch shooting stars cross the sky, and finally staying up all night at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to witness the sunrise of the center of the world. Countless memories surge to mind, and I made a promise with friends to revisit these places someday. However, with time passing and situations changing, can we truly experience the same feelings again?
Lastly, the greatest harvest I gained in Israel is the friendships with like-minded individuals. Witnessing everyone transition from being hesitant to ask questions to actively raising their hands to speak was heartwarming. Growing together with everyone felt wonderful, and I found myself being influenced by the atmosphere, allowing me to speak up more confidently. I want to thank JTCA and the Office of International Affairs once again for giving us such an unforgettable journey (of course, if the flight tickets were bought earlier and cheaper, it would have been even more unforgettable). To us, this is not just the end of one wonderful journey, but the beginning of our next adventure.
