This past week, we were are Gadna. Personally, I found this experience to be particularly difficult because I was not used to such strict rules. It also made me appreciate and respect Israeli kids our age, because kids are not planning for college like kids in America would be.
From the moment we got off the bus, we learned to stand in Akshev, with out water bottles touching our left foot, our hands behind our backs, and feet in a V shape. Although it was incredibly hard to understand because they were yelling at us in Hebrew. From there, we were split up into our different groups - Tzevet for the week. We changed out of our normal clothes and into the exact same uniform, and began to look somewhat like soldiers. We were taught to stand in a Chet shape, but it needed much help, the lines were uneven, there wasn’t enough space between people, and we didn’t do in the time given to us, which was 10 seconds. We then had a ceremony welcoming us to the Gadna program, which was also in Hebrew, and many of us did not understand it so it was translated to English. (Thank you to our wonderful translator Gali) By the end of the first night everyone was exhausted from standing on their feet and running around while being yelled at in a different language, and when we went to bed, it was freezing. Many of us were upset, some scared, and others just uncomfortable because they were so far from their comfort zones.
The second day, my group was on kitchen duty, we woke up earlier than everyone else to serve, clean and organize breakfast and lunch. We cleaned for about 3 hours. This was one of the most fun parts for me, because although we were doing disgusting jobs, like cleaning the trash outside the dumpsters, and washing dishes, we had music playing and we bonded as a group and made it fun! We then learned about the gun, and how to shoot it. I personally was not afraid of the gun, but rather conflicted because I do not support guns, but was debating whether or not to shoot that week or not. It was a hard decision for me, and everyone else to make, even if we were just going to be shooting targets.
On field day, we painted our faces with mud, crawled around in the sand, and ran and took cover from fake bombs, making us feel like we were soldiers that were actually in combat. Additionally, we learned how to shoot in which directions depending on where the enemy is coming from. My group learned to work together, and protect ourselves from the fake enemies that were coming to attack us.
By wednesday, my group was doing extremely well with the 2 lines, and standing correctly, making proportional Chets, and doing it all within the 10 seconds given to us. It was amazing to see how far we’d come, because at the beginning we were quite dysfunctional. On this day, we got to go to the gun range and shoot, I decided to shoot after all, because I figure I wouldn’t have another chance to in life. For me, shooting was very powerful, I felt very in control, and empowered.
On the last day we had our closing ceremony, where we “graduated” from Gadna. We watched as our friends won awards for being the best soldiers of their groups this week, and congratulated them. Later, our commander finally took off her hat, and talked with us casually so we could get to know her. It was interesting, she did not know much English. She was not just not translating to English during the week because she wanted to be tough, she just didn’t know enough English to translate. She told us she was 19 years old, so not much older than any of us. I found that to be so interesting, as I plan to be in college when I’m 19, but she is a commander in Gadna, as her service in the army. It allowed me to see how real going to the IDF is, because I was pretending to be in it for 5 days, and I do not think that I could do it for 2-3 years like kids our age in Israel have to do. It was an overall rewarding, and interesting experience, but I know that I would not choose to make Aliyah and go into the IDF, I personally do not think I could do it. How did Gadna change your outlook on Israeli teens our age, and their differences from Americans? Do you think you would be able to make Aliyah and go into the IDF instead of going to college after high school? Why or why not?
Showing off their uniforms!
Shooting the gun
Tzevet 2 standing in Akshev
Being at Gadna change my view on Israeli teens in both a positive, and negative way. It gave me a massive amount of respect for what they have to go through during the army. The five days that we spent there were incredibly fun, but at the same time exhausting and mentally draining. I don't know if I would be able to handle it for two years, and it gives me lots of respect and empathy that all Israeli teens have to. It negatively impacted my view on them when I saw how much the were goofing around, and the disrespect they had for us, and their mifakedets. All of the EIE kids took the program so seriously, and were so respectful, while most of the Israeli screwed around and got in trouble. While I did have an amazing time doing Gadna, I don't think I would be able to go to the IDF instead of college. Getting a good education so incredibly important to me, and I don't think I would be able to push it back two years to be able to be in the army. If I grew up in Israel, then I definitely would want to be in the IDF.
ReplyDeleteMy outlook on Israeli teens has changed in an amazing way. I have so much respect for them and it really does inspire me. All the pride they have for their country is astonishing. After highschool us americans go straight to college without any time to think about what we really want to do with our lives. I love how the Israeli culture goes to the army straight after highschool with lots time to think about what they are truly passionate about. I personally don't believe I would particulary want to go into the IDF straight after highschool only because its a huge decision and I'm not exactly fit for all the strict rules honestly. I guess you never know what can happen though. Maybe youll catch me in the IDF who knows.
ReplyDeleteMy journey throughout Gadna has completely changed my views on Israeli teens. Even though Israeli teens aren't known for being the nicest, wisest, smartest teenagers, I have so much respect for them. They have to accept the fact that at the age of 18, they will have to serve for their county. When I compare Israeli teens to American teens, it made me think about my future as an American teenager. In America, you have a choice of serving for your country, taking a gap year, or college. However, in Israel, you go straight to the army. As I look back through my experience at Gadna, overall, I really enjoyed the experience in a way that could not be put into words. I do not know what the future holds for me, but if I serve in the IDF and make Aliyah, I would not mind.
ReplyDeleteAfter experiencing Gadna I have a far different outlook on Israeli teenagers. I can't imagine what it would be like to serve in the army for three years at such a young age. Even being there for five days was difficult. If I where thinking of the army and not of college I would probably be pretty scared, so I think it's impressive how brave the Israelis are. I don't think I could make Aliyah and go to the IDF after high school. College is all I have been thinking about since freshman year, and to put that all behind me and get up and leave for three years would be too big of a change for me.
ReplyDeleteAfter Gadna I definitely look at Israeli teenagers differently. While people my age in America are preparing for college, these kids are preparing to fight for their lives. This makes me have a tremendous amount of respect for them. I know many people who are the same age as my commander who are extremely immature. The Israelis definitely have to grow up much faster than we do here in America. I do not think that I would make Aliyah and fight in the IDF. I do not think that I would be willing to give up so much of a "normal" life.
ReplyDeleteParticipating in the Gadna program has definitely deepened my understanding of Israeli teenager or young adult life. Although I myself will not be joining the IDF, I feel that experiencing the week made me realize the difference between a young American's responsibility to further education and themselves after high school, in comparison to an Israeli's responsibility of putting their country above their own needs. Personally, the path I would prefer for myself is to continue onto university after high school. Although I hold a lot of respect for those who either mandatorily or not enter the army, I don’t see myself changing my life so drastically, especially towards a place where I don’t speak the language and am not as familiar with the culture.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think I could handle making Aliyah and joining the IDF, however, I do not think I would like to make that decision. This past week at Gadna let me to have a completely different outlook on Israeli teenagers who go to the army after college. It is a huge responsibility to be a commander, especially only at the age of 19, like my commander. It is very shocking to see the difference between college students in America compared to soldiers in the army. These soldiers have the responsibility to protect and defend their country, while some American kids go to college simply just to go and have the college experience. Ultimately, with my Israeli background I think I could handle going to the army, however, I think that I would prefer to go to college in America.
ReplyDeleteBefore Gadna I knew that Israeli teens our age went into the army, but I didn't really internalize what it really meant, giving up years of your life in service to your country. Just the few days we were at Gadna were so draining, so now I have so much respect for Israeli kids our age. I think going to the IDF forces Israeli teens to mature faster than American teens. I was so shocked to learn that our mifakedet was only 19. I honestly don't know if I could join the IDF because it would force me to abandon my long-time plan of going right to college (and I'm a generally lazy person) but Gadna honestly made me consider it. I really enjoyed the organization, getting to work together with others through tough situations, and I want to help support Israel and be part of Israel - and being in the IDF is a good way to do that.
ReplyDeleteI think that going to Gadna definitely changed my perspective of Jewish teenagers. Not only being able to interact with Israeli teenagers in ways that I think surprised a lot of us, but knowing that almost every teenager that turns 18 in Israel has to go to the army. Not just for 5 days, but for years. I think that being at Gadna definitely gave me more respect for those teenagers who are only 2 years older than me who have to give up their freedom and their social lives to fight for the freedom and safety of everyone else in the country. Gadna was fun, but I know that the actual IDF is so much harder. If I struggled with 3 push-ups when my water bottle fell over, there is no way I could be in the IDF for real. Also, everything about American high school and school in general is supposed to prepare us for college, so all of my energy and thoughts about my future have been about going to college. I don't think I would be able to put that off in order to join the army. Overall, I loved Gadna and I think it was a great experience.
ReplyDeleteThe experience of attending Gadna completely changed my perspective of Jewish teenagers. Before Gadna, i thought Israeli teens would be mature, and extremely smart. However, Gadna completely changed this view. Most of the Israeli teens were not only extremely rude to our group, but they liked to mess with us, and steal valuables from our tents. However, we only met with a small portion of teenagers, and i don't believe all Israeli teens are this immature. I dont believe I would make Aliyah or join the army. I personally am not the kind of person who would join any army. Also, education is a big part of my life, and i am looking forward to college.
ReplyDeleteGadna has given me immense perspective on the life of Israeli teens. Although I obviously cannot truly feel exactly as if I were in their places, I feel I better understand what their futures look like. For example, while my next step is college, they are preparing to take part in the IDF and have the responsibility of protecting their country. I feel like I cannot make an accurate judgement, however, of their feelings, as I only experienced Gadna for 5 days, which definitely is not a supplement for the army. Still, I do not feel confident that I would be able to make Aliyah or even serve in the IDF. My mindset up to this point has always been looking toward college, and I don’t think I could ever change my path so drastically as to join the army, especially moving to a different country being so young.
ReplyDeleteAt age 18 most American teenagers are thinking, “what do I want to do with my life?” “What college do I want to go to?” or “How much money do I need to save up.” These are all things revolving around what will better their individual life, whereas in Israel, teens are giving up their personal wants and needs to protect their people and their land. I have so much respect for this. Respect that someone so young is mature enough to put their own life on hold to help a greater cause.
ReplyDeleteAs my week at Gadna went on, I thought harder about if I realistically could do this (more intensely) for two years. I loved the structure of the days, I loved constantly challenging myself and I loved how close my group was able to become. But, as much as I care about this country and wish I could serve, I don’t think I could make Aliyah and go into the IDF. This doesn’t mean I won’t still advocate for Israel and help in other ways, but I have so many ties to the states that I don’t think I could get up and leave, as well as I don’t think I would physically be capable to keep up with the strenuous schedule. But I don’t want to make any set decisions and will continue to think about it
Going to Gadna gave me a much larger appreciation for the IDF and everything that they do. Considering how insane 5 days of Gadna was for 62 American teenagers, I can't even fathom what it be like for over one million people to be going through this for multiple years of their life. if I didn't realize it before gadna, I easily know it now, that I could never make Aliyah, especially if it meant joining the IDF. I'm so in love with my home country yet I still could never bring myself to join the military, so how could I do so for a nation that is noting own.
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