The Diller Experience

   As Diller Teen Fellows, we saw the sites in Jerusalem, met the Druze in Usfiyya, we enjoyed the malls in Tel Aviv, we went on hikes through the desert in Beer Sheva, we ate on a Kibbutz, and we enjoyed falafel everywhere along the way.  We survived heat exhaustion, home sickness, and overall dehydration. As Canadians, we were definitely not prepared for anything above 5 degrees.  This though, does not begin to explain what the Diller program truly embodies.

More than tourists, we felt that heartbeat so fondly spoken of. More than sites, we saw the people; in the markets, in the restaurants, those who came to speak, and those with whom we lived. We experienced a connection much stronger than we could have imagined, for more than with the country it was with those who made it come to life.

            We were inspired at the International Congress, where we met 350 other teens from all over North America and Israel. We, united solely by our participation, found that we in fact had much more in common. Through volunteering, discussions, and bonding with one another we were able to share our respective culture, beliefs, ideas, and inspiration. We developed a connection based on our common values and on our diverse backgrounds. This connection is one we can always rely on.  It is a network that is as strong as our own determination. 

      We found motivation in the good we did during our volunteer project with the Youth Futures program. There, we knew we made a difference. In running games for the children and in hosting a “Shekel Shuk” we understood that more than raising money, we were raising spirit.  As teenagers living in North America it hadn’t occurred to us to raise money for people only a handful of years our junior. We were used to being that “younger generation” spoken about and provided for.  We realized that more than a responsibility to fix our world we have a responsibility to improve their future as well.  

            A strong connection was developed between sister cities. It evolved over time just as our friendships did. For those who had no family in Israel they now have people to visit. For those who do have family, they have even more to go back to. A self-proclaimed “Diller Family”, if you will. We were touched by the generosity of the families we stayed with. Their hospitality and positive nature was amazing to find within a people who face challenges that the majority of us never even consider. All this, and we barely spoke their language.  A sense of brotherhood and patriotism, of undying faith, was something we were privileged to stumble upon. Whether religious or not there is a spirituality common to all. It is a feeling that is hard to explain but even harder to forget.

            After workshops, retreats, the Israel trip, and many debriefing sessions, we had the confidence to further develop our leadership skills and take on individual projects. With these projects we aim to improve the Montreal Jewish Community through raising funds, awareness, and spirit. We experienced pride in our community’s culture, history and faith. Moreover, we experienced stronger pride in our unity and embraced our individuality. Back in Montreal, we aim to transcribe this to a language common to all.

            Instead of a crutch to lean on, for we all find support in other aspects of our lives, the Diller Teen Fellowship provided us with a starting block from which to sprint. Of everything we’ve done, one thing is for certain: we are the Diller Teen Fellows and we would want it no other way.

- Elissa Brock and Gillian Luden, Diller Teen Fellows 2009