During the trip summary, the students said how much of an intimate and effective experience it was for them to enter into the homes of Gadera residents and share a table with them-- it really moved them. They liked how they would ask questions and receive genuine (sincere) and direct answers-- including body language. Gadera was a major positive! From the beforehand coordination talks with Hadas, to the arrival at that special site and meeting with different groups-- it provided them a renewed energy. Ruth the Ethiopian guide was simply wonderful and the ceremonious dances were a treat! But the best part, for me and the students, has to be the acceptance into their homes, sharing a meal with our hosts, and listening to their stories. 

"המפגשים בבית אמבוסה היו מרתקים ומלהיבים! המשתתפים ציינו שזאת החוויה הכי משמעותית שהייתה להם ב"אונוורד". חלקם ציינו שעד המפגש הם חשבו שיהודים הם רק לבנים ורובם נדהמו מגילויי הגזענות בתוך ישראל כלפי יוצאי אתיופיה, אך גם מהתושייה והנשים העוצמתיות שהם פגשו. המפגש הביתי היה להם החוויה המשמעותית ביותר שהם יזכרו לעוד הרבה שנים" 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Beit Ambusa. It was such a special experience to enter the homes of people. The women we met let us into their homes, as well as their hearts and just as quick, did they enter into our own hearts. Their generosity, smiles, sincerity, truth and faith are an inspiration. The food is amazing. The conversations, regardless of the language barrier, were inspirational and forged a path for connections and renewed perception of people's lives in light of where they came from and of Israeli society in general. Personally, I learnt a great deal during Yuvi and Ruth's lectures; I was inspired and thought about what kind of community life do i wish for myself and what can i bring into my home and family, and how I want to raise my children, and that as an Israeli I carry with me the pangs of guilt that are rooted in the way-- a wrong way, in my opinion-- that immigrants have been treated in this country. The meeting sparked these thoughts as well. The talk with Yuvi inspired me, not to wait.. to DO!.. That is something that I shall take along with me. 

The visit was excellent! The dance part was immensely significant - in my opinion it can be even longer, they really enjoyed themselves. 

"My experience with friends by nature was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Being invited into someone’s home with such open arms and the ability to experience their culture firsthand was unreal. Hearing the journey of Ethiopian Jews and their perseverance as a people was extremely inspiring. The values they hold are so unique. I asked malahalu “are you happy in Israel?” And she responded with “I have my health, I have grandkids, I’m safe, what more can I ask for?” This truly encapsulates all that Judaism stands for. Thank you to Friends by Nature for this wonderful experience" -