GOA SENIORS AWAIT NESHAMA

Rachel Max ‘24
It was anticipated for Israel’s borders to open by now, but for now, the country is still closed. No non-Israelis can enter the country, and there are restrictions, to even leave. To exit, you must have a negative COVID-19 test within three days before leaving or have papers that prove you fully recovered at least 90 days ago.
However, Israel has already vaccinated over half its population and anticipates having everyone vaccinated within the next couple of months. Once everyone is vaccinated, the country should be able to reopen. ​

Israel’s death rates have also been very low, currently below one percent, and the number of new cases has been declining. Due to this and the speed of vaccination, Israel will be able to reopen soon. The current plan for Israel’s reopening to tourists is to reopen this summer, likely with restrictions.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, last year’s seniors had to return early from their three-month trip to Israel. This year’s seniors were supposed to go on the Neshama Israel trip as scheduled. However, due to Israel’s current restrictions, they were unable to do so.
GOA seniors have not just been sitting around. Some students have taken internships, and others have been participating in the programming the school is offering. 
Senior Michael Lurie explained that GOA encourages the seniors to volunteer, about ten hours a week preferably. Many seniors choose to volunteer at the lower school, and others fundraise for nonprofits or tutor fellow GOA students.
“The school has provided some programming during the week that is meant to teach us more about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” senior Adiel Benisty said. “There have also been volunteering opportunities. I have done a bit of volunteering for the Lower School.”
They’ve also continued the original curriculum and had Zoom calls with the speakers from the week of many faces.
“It’s a little messy, but it’s been a pretty okay handle,” Lurie said about the programming.