JCM Memorable Momements

Over the nine day of 12-21 April, our lives were transformed by the Golan Fellows during the Jewish Community Mifgash. Here are some reflections and memorable moments from Fellows:

"One of the memorable moments was when we were talking about our emotions on each of our countries remembrance days and what that says about our true homes and I said that I was going to my true home tomorrow (I was flying to Israel) and I think the Israelis really appreciated that and saw how lucky they are." Noah

"I feel more connected to other Jews internationally" Yishai 

"It showed me that we have something in common with people living on the other side of the world. We are Jewish." Amy 

"The seminar has guided me to wanting to become a leader among the Jewish community in Melbourne and all across the globe." Maya

"It allowed me to meet so many amazing people and create lifelong friendships, to push myself and step out of my comfort zone" Zara 

 "As a person and as a leader it made me feel more comfortable to voice my opinions, which is something i don't really do so much, but during this week it made me feel more okay with doing it. As well, as a Jew it made me feel even more connected to Judaism and to Israel, from hearing the Israelis talk about Israel and how they feel connected to it, it made me even more passionatly want to be there one day and witness for myself the love and connection a citizen feels there." Adira 

"I have always had a love for Israel and considered myself a Zionist. However, this JCM I was able to form and strengthen my reasons as to why I am a Zionist and I saw what beauty, fun and the amazing people live there." Mayan

"The seminar taught me not to just blindly accept and respct other people's opinions. But to contest them in a respectful manner and let them help me formulate my own opinion" Jordan 

"i had a lot of fun as well as gaining valuable lessons in leadership and friendship." Noah    

"I've met the most incredible people and had the most amazing experiences." Amy

"The seminar affected me as Jew not only by the peulot but also by the conversations had with others. Talking about family traditions of Pesach and the Seder and seeing how similar my traditions are with Jews who live on the other side of the world was very meaningful to me. Discussing passion for Israel and singing Hatikvah with Israelis really gave me a big sense of community with teens who live so far away." Romy

"The Shabbaton opened up controversial discussions about the Jews in the diaspora and in Israel, allowing insider and external views to openly argue and discuss their own opinions." Maya

"After meeting with the Sudanese lady. How she said "it's up to us. You are the next leaders". It really hit me. That we are the next generation. We are the ones that can make change." Edward

"I thought the Shabbaton was one of the greatest weekends I've had in a while." Drew

"We connected in a way i didn't think ever was humanly possible within 1 week. I was worried that it could end up awkward because of all the cultural differences and language barriers, but this didn't happen at all." Yishai 

 "I really feel like I've made friends and connections that are truly unique that I wouldn't have made otherwise. As well, this week has given me experiences and skills that have really changed how I see certain things and has also made me more certain in my beliefs and opinions, but at the same time opened me to others views" Adira

"I think it enhanced my connection to Israel and made me extremely proud to be doing this program.I definitely gained confidence and became more sure of myself in a group situation and in front of people who I don't know well and aren't comfortable with." Sasha 

"For people who barely knew each other, we felt so comfortable just dancing together, laughing together and having the best fun." Mayan

"I realised that we all have such great potential, and that we are here to harness it. i learnt that being a Jew is something great, and that we all have our own way of showing it. I also learnt that you don't have to be the boss to be a leader. Finally, I learnt that Australians are a lot quieter than Israelis." Drew 

"It definitely changed me, i have taken so many amazing new outlooks and opinions and ways of doing things from the Israelis


. It has definitely made me a prouder Jew, and a prouder Zionist" Simmi

"It was amazing to see everyone's different opinions and views and to get a first hand account with regards to the daily life and perspective of am Israeli." Jordan

" This made me question what I thought about lots of things and posed a safe environment for us to question one another in a non-aggressive way." Jessy 

"The bus ride home from the shabbaton was a very meaningful time for me. I sat with one of the Golan fellows and we discussed Israel’s role in helping the world as well as Zionistic views. Being able to share my interpretation of Zionism with an Israeli and hear her views was eye-opening. We may have not agreed on everything but I was glad to share my views as a Zionist Jew in the diaspora and even reassure her. Her telling me that our groups' passion for Israel inspired her and coincided with her love for Israel was very meaningful to me" Romy

"I've become friends with everyone and I feel like they are a second family to me. A place where my opinions and beliefs are respected." Hagar

"It was so meaningful and incredible to be able to have really deep and personal discussions with Israelis our age. It also really connected us and brought us much closer." Sasha

"Standing arm in arm with my Diller family. Minute away from them having to get on the bus and leave us for 2 months.We stand singing the Diller song and I have tears streaming down my face. I'm not so much crying from sadness more of happiness." Timna

"I feel like we are all one family" Zara