Israel

Ok, I've just come back from Israel on a school trip. I went for a week. I had an amazing time, I experienced so much. It was so unique and I just want to do it all again. Israel really is an amazing place, it's so beautiful. It's a shame not many people know it.

I saw no violence at all. I saw nothing harmful. I saw sun, I saw the sea, I saw the countryside, I saw history and I saw snow, but I saw no aggression of any kind. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

I'm going to post a mini diary of what we did, and maybe a few piccies - I took some great pictures. From me standing in front of some cows on a bike in the middle of the countryside in the hot sun to taking a picture of the snowy hills from the top of a cable car.

But first I want to tell you all what one of the non-Jewish and pro-palestinian teachers thought that went with.

He comes from a Christian background and is the type to be Pro-Palestinian and completely anti-Israel. So he went to Israel to see it all for himself. And he said that he had an absolutely amazing time there. He realised how much the media exaggerates and lies. He saw the Israeli point of view and he now knows both sides of the story. So now he has actually seen it for himself instead of relying on the news, radio and papers, it has changed his views on things and is now no longer against Israel.

The point of this story is that you all have an opinion, and your opinion can easily change. Most of your views are based on the media, and the media really is bias. Most of you think you know everything about this, but the truth is, you don't. You don't know until you have been. So you can argue as much as you want, but you don't know what you're talking about because all your information is off the internet and news. It's like writing up an experiment that you havn't even seen.

So anyway, I really don't want to argue anymore and don't want to fall out with any of you. I just hope that one day you do realise the real situation.

Thank you,

~Gemma~

Reply 1107

Oh Gems, wonderful.

Can I come next time?

Reply 1108

kildare

8

I would say that forming an opinion on a country based on a one week 'tourist' trip there is worse than forming one based on wide and critical reading. But yea, anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Reply 1109

thefish_uk

Oh Gems, wonderful.

Can I come next time?

If you wish.

Reply 1110

kildare

I would say that forming an opinion on a country based on a one week 'tourist' trip there is worse than forming one based on wide and critical reading. But yea, anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Well it's actually the second time I've been.

Reply 1111

gemgems89

If you wish.

Aw, sweet.

kildare

I would say that forming an opinion on a country based on a one week 'tourist' trip there is worse than forming one based on wide and critical reading. But yea, anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

I would agree - if I'd have gone I'd have taken everything presented to us with a pinch of salt.

Reply 1112

kildare

8

gemgems89

Well it's actually the second time I've been.

I was simply making a general point which was provoked by what you said about your teacher.

Reply 1113

kildare

I was simply making a general point which was provoked by what you said about your teacher.

Yeah, I guess they'd have put up a good display intentionally for a group of young visitors from a Western country.

Reply 1114

thefish_uk

Aw, sweet.

I would agree - if I'd have gone I'd have taken everything presented to us with a pinch of salt.

Well, I think one week there is more than looking at the bias news. If you're there you have it all in front of you. Oh yeh I forgot.
We drove past the West Bank, you know, where all the trouble is supposed to be. Ha, didn't see a single soldier.

Reply 1115

gemgems89

Well, I think one week there is more than looking at the bias news. If you're there you have it all in front of you. Oh yeh I forgot.
We drove past the West Bank, you know, where all the trouble is supposed to be. Ha, didn't see a single soldier.

AH okay.

Do you think I could do my gap year idea after all? :tongue:

Reply 1116

kildare

I was simply making a general point which was provoked by what you said about your teacher.

Oh sorry, well my teacher has now been to Israel more times than me. I think it's his third of fourth time now.

Reply 1117

thefish_uk

Yeah, I guess they'd have put up a good display intentionally for a group of young visitors from a Western country.

No not at all. We went everywhere and anywhere.

Why you all so negative?

Reply 1118

Nafisa

Have you ever thought that where you were being taken on this school trip was away from the violence surely you are not suggesting no violence takes place in Israel................

Reply 1119