ISS July 5 by Madison Gold

The Diller Montreal Israel Summer Seminar began on Tuesday July 5th. After we left the Y we headed straight for the airport. Everyone was so excited but we all behaved so well as we checked in few by few. After check in we all got in line to go through security.  Not that many issues at security other than some water, Gatorade and NUTELLA being taken away. But who cares it is all fun and games! What we didn't know was that one of our fellows was unable to check in, but we didn't know what was happening so we just continued on. We were then given some free time in the Montreal airport to buy some food before setting out on our long journey to Israel.  On time, actually even early, we all met at the gate so we could all get on the flight together.  At the gate we all patiently awaited Sarah hoping everything would be ok with the last fellow's check in. When Sarah finally came through security alone, we all happily surrounded her and showed her how much we appreciated what she goes through for us and does for us. Thank You Sarah! 

Once in the air flying to Toronto we were able to feel the excitement in the air. That flight flew by and juat made the actual excitement even better. We landed in Toronto at 2:30 and our flight to Israel started boarding at 3:45. So we first went to the gate and then we sat in a circle. This circle gave me the opportunity to run a short program about Tefilat HaDerech with the group. I summarized what the prayer was about, why we say it, and what the customs of saying the prayer were. After that we all read the prayer together in Hebrew and then in English so everyone could understand what we were saying.  I thought it was really interesting to see everyone learn about this important prayer. Once again we were given a little bit of time to get some food in the area before entering the secure area in the airport for our flight to Israel.  Once in there we all gathered together for a count off. Then finally the time had come and we were off to Israel.  The excitement at the back of the plane was and still is amazing.  Nobody can wait till we land as this flight is getting a bit long but it is completely worth it. 

Since this isn't my first time going to Israel it was really interesting to see how excited everyone was who had never been before. It was seriously an amazing, warming feeling. Also since I don't sleep on planes it has been a ton of fun to look around and see what the rest of the group has been up to and maybe even take a few pictures of those sleeping fellows and maybe even staff!! 

So this first day has been fantastic and we can't wait for even better ones to come once we've landed.

Madison, Leader of the Day day 1 

PS don't worry if you don't hear for your kids a lot we will be off having too much fun to have time to talk to you!