By Mike Ruby and Gail Seres, ILSI '97
We all arrived as leaders - leaders in our chapters, leaders in our regions, leaders in our districts and leaders in our community. The immense realization that these must be abandoned to create our new community was seen is full light when we met our first major hurdle at the foot of Massada. The belief that "the best leaders know how to follow" was difficult to accept by such strong personalities. However, as time passed, every person found his or her place, each with their own beliefs, qualities and values that were the basis for the great learning experience we know as ILSI.
With seventy-one different Jewish backgrounds, ILSI became the center for numerous intellectual discussions with representatives from every side. This demonstrates the uniqueness of BBYO, uniting all sects of Judaism together as one. "Am Echad Im Lev Echad" - "One people with one heart". This unity, at times, evoked emotion and pain; the passion of Jews with dreams. The compromises made for the good of the community were never a complete solution. Few were ever completely satisfied wit the decisions we made as a group. But with every decision we make, we moved one step closer to solving an impossible equation. We should feel proud of out achievements.
Looking back, we remember thirty sunrises and thirty sunsets spent together. As we depart to the corners of the earth, what are each of us taking home? What can we bring to our chapters, regions, and communities? How can we strive to change the world? We are the leaders of tomorrow.
ILSI Links
International BBYO Webpage
BBYO Israel Summer Programs
Email Shana Weiner, 1999 BBG ILSI Coordinator
