We are home

As our trip came to a close, we ended with a few days in Prague. The city is beautiful and offered everyone time to regroup after such a difficult journey in Poland, and what I can safely say confusing emotions in Berlin. 

But to start - my overall thoughts on Germany... We toured a lot. Every where we turned there was a memorial to victims or the war. I am impressed by the culture, the humanity and the remorse. Evil started here, but the German people of today are determined to never forget. The architecture as fascinating, remnants of old world Europe, mixed in with communist era form over function buildings with no character, then modern day structures. The story of the Berlin wall and the Rosenstrasse protest, where non Jewish  Women protested to save their Jewish husbands, during the war stand out. Rabbi David brought it home to the W omens Marches and those being led by teens today.

 On Monday morning we boarded a bus to drive to Prague. The weather was not great - so it was a good day to spend on a bus. Luckily the weather cleared after we arrived for lunch so we all went to the square to see the famous clock tower which is under construction. We toured the Prague Castle, cathedral, and Jewish quarter. The synagogues here are all intact - this is where the trip all came together. Prague was chosen as the sit to build the Museum for the Extinct Jews. All artifacts that were stolen were sent here, and they would be displayed once the final solution as complete. We walked the streets with pride, the final solution was not completed, we survived and have flourished.

 We also met young Jews from Eastern Europe who are trying to rebuild the culture in both Berlin and Prague. We met with JDC and JAFI programs as well as Moishe house residents. Our community funds these organizations, and we listened with pride to the work they are doing, and know there is so much more we can do to support each other.

 We returned home, to our loving families and comfortable homes. The privilege is almost overwhelming. We have a job to do, to live with pride and set examples. To be sure we never forget, and that we honor the lives lost, and also the struggle to never allow this to happen again.

to my fellow travelers - we left as strangers but now have a bond that can not be explained. Together we walked, toured, cried, mourned, learned and rebuilt. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
I am forever humbled by this experience. 



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