This trip wasn’t only about sports. I met so many new people and learned new things about them and their cultures. One of the highlights of my trip was the opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony, each country was introduced to a huge stadium with tons of cheering fans. In conclusion, everybody sang the Israeli national anthem.
One part of the trip that really stood out to me was when we did our chesed project. Although the area where we stayed was rather wealthy, we visited a poor area where some Jewish families lived. It was humbling to see how these people lived, in makeshift huts, and stray sick dogs running around - it was very sad. I appreciated my time there, being able to talk to some of the kids and make them feel good. It made me take a step back and realize and be thankful for what I have here at home in New York. On the basketball court, our team went undefeated and ultimately won the gold medal. I really enjoyed bonding with my teammates from all over the country on and off the court. This trip was an amazing experience, and something that I will never forget!
~Abie Rosow, Class of 2017