Sending Youth To A Recent War Zone
Or, Why You Think Twice Before Posting
I’m writing this post in the middle of the series about this very trip. Which wasn’t planned of course, but I feel that I should write this piece in light of recent things I’ve seen.
What things? Well, let me backtrack a bit.
For the past two summers, I have had the privilege to travel with youth group trips. One across the United States, and the other to Central Europe/Israel. The trips were good. I enjoyed the first one more than the second one for reasons that I may write down later. But that’s besides the point for now. What is important, is that despite my now being past participants, it isn’t surprising to see people reshare the organization’s advertisements. Raving about how the trip changed their life by reconnecting them to their Judaism, meeting lifelong friends, or some other moment that I never really underwent.
While I have no issue promoting the former trip across the United States, I cannot, in good conscience, do the same for the latter. The one for Europe and Israel.
See, these trips run every year with little to stop them. (Hello COVID Pandemic). But you would think that there would be some circumstances where they may want to reconsider their position on running a trip.
Perhaps… a war that could break out into World War III?
You see, while there is no telling if the current conflict will still be active in 6 months, would it even be wise to sign up youth tourists to travel to such a country? A place that recently underwent a relatively-massive regional conflict? Yes, they may be safe while over there, but are you sure they will actually feel safe? To not have heightened tensions because of what recently transpired? I wouldn’t. I’d be on alert every second of the day.
I understand that Jewish youth going to Israel is a major milestone in their lives. I did the milestone, I’m glad I was able to go. But putting your safety on the line with an organization that has never gone through with a trip in the current climate? How on Earth would you be able to keep yourself at bay? Especially when it’s still a relatively new conflict.
Yes, Israel is a developed country not like others in a fundamental state of war. But let’s just stop and remember that we all thought the same until October 7th. When unspeakable actions were brought on by Hamas, a terrorist organization. I have read reports that a vast majority of Israeli children are terrified for their safety now. The parents’ statistics aren’t much better.
So here I am, stopping and thinking to myself after seeing the statistics and people’s social media stories: why would you promote an amazing trip during a time of extreme crisis?
Of course: people may argue that it might very well be 100% a-okay in 6 months. But do parents want to take that chance? People were hesitant to do anything, much less travel out of their hometown, during a pandemic. But during a war, we’ll just toss the rationale out the window and hope for the best.
These participants are also those, mind you, that post pro-Israel content to their accounts. Imploring the world to do more about what is going on.
How about, instead of imploring other Jewish youth to go on these trips that cost thousands of dollars, you instead say “Donate!” Israel is not in a good place right now, and probably won’t be in 6 months, to hold tourists who are simply their for the experience of their lifetime. Especially during a time when Israeli families find themselves permanently separated with their homes burned to the ground. So let’s help Israel rebuild, we can celebrate later.
Of course, just a thought. Everyone’s entitled to post what they want.
The next official post of the series will be available December 24 at 10AM ET.