Reality of war is part of the gap-year experience

As sirens interrupt life, young South Africans on programmes across Israel are having to navigate a reality few imagined when they arrived – and without their parents. 

Many on gap-year programmes in Israel explained that when they were awoken on the morning of 28 February, they didn’t know exactly what was going on, nor were they prepared. However, as time has gone on, despite running to shelters, they feel that there’s no place they would rather be. 

Benji Goldstein, who is on Bnei Akiva’s MTA programme at the Eretz Hatzvi yeshiva in Jerusalem, knew that part of a gap year in Israel would probably include rockets. 

“Even though it’s been a new, slightly scary experience, we’ve never felt like we were in danger. Genuinely, the only feeling to come out properly was disappointment, when it meant that certain trips were cancelled, as well as bomb shelters acting like our new homes throughout the night,” he said. 

Da’el Basserabie, who is on the MTA Hashkara programme at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, explained that on 28 February, everyone woke up a bit confused, as it was Shabbat and no-one knew what was going on. 

“On that first Shabbos morning, when the siren went off, no-one really knew what was happening. I was on my way to the Beit Midrash for Shacharit when it sounded. I had to turn around and run to a miklat [bomb shelter] down the path, through the gardens. Everyone was already inside, confused and unsure,” he said. 

“Waking up to a siren on Shabbat Zachor was quite nerve-wracking, but in general, I’ve not been feeling too nervous or stressed about the situation,” said Ariel Subotzky, who is also at Yeshivat Har Etzion. “For the most part, it’s been business as usual. We’re relatively far from everywhere, so it’s not like we would have been travelling much anyway, even without all the transport changes.” 

“Being in Israel at a time like this has been challenging, but also very meaningful. One thing that has really stood out is how, even in the bomb shelters, people come together through singing, davening, and supporting each other,” said David Matisonn, who is studying at Ohr Somayach Yeshiva in Jerusalem. 

Akiva Bome, who is studying at Yeshiva Eretz Hatzvi in Jerusalem through MTA, explained that even before war broke out, life in Israel had been an adjustment, and then suddenly he was plunged into something he only saw on the news. But after experiencing the first siren, he came to realise that though it’s scary, it also creates a sense of community. 

“I remember jumping out of bed in a panic and waking up my friend, telling him we had to get up immediately. Our madrich came in and reassured us that everything was under control and that the shelter was right next door. We walked there together and checked in on each other, making sure everyone was okay. In that moment, even though it was frightening, it also created a sense of unity and connection between all of us.” 

Meir Simcha Jackson, who is studying in Jerusalem at Ohr Somayach Yeshiva, explained that there has definitely been a different feeling in Israel. “The first week of the war was probably the hardest. It felt pretty tense at times, especially with the sirens and rockets flying over my head. Having to run to the bomb shelters multiple times during the day and night was exhausting, and some days I felt very tired from the constant interruptions,” he said. 

Ella Trope, who is on her Bnei Akiva Limmud gap year, explained that the weekend the war started was a free weekend for them, and so she was visiting her sister when the sirens first went off. 

“During that time, my heart was racing, and I was so scared. I had no idea what was happening. But then throughout Shabbos there were more sirens, and each time I got calmer, and eventually the sirens didn’t affect me, they just became annoying,” Trope said. 

Said Goldstein, “Almost all of us on our gap years have accepted that we did arrive at an interesting time, and it will be like this for a bit, but we all know that it will be over very soon.” 

Nobody on these gap years has returned home, so even though their programming has taken a pause, they’re all still happy to be in Israel 

Basserabie explained that though there’s confusion and days are disrupted, “life has just carried on as normal. By now, the rockets and sirens are honestly more of an inconvenience for your sleep schedule than a real danger. But as you know, you’re still in a war, and you have to be careful, you have to be cautious, but at the same time it’s hard not to feel privileged to be in Israel at this time,” he said. 

Darren Basserabie, Da’el’s father, explained that he’s rather pleased that his son is in Israel. 

“He’s exactly where he wants to be in the sweet spot of his growth. I obviously want him to be safe, but I really do believe that the yeshiva and the Bnei Akiva programme he’s part of will do whatever they can to ensure that they’re doing the right things to keep him safe. And I think he’s very level-headed and will also do whatever it is that he needs to do to keep himself safe.” 

He’s not the only parent who feels this way. One anonymous mother explained that her concern is the idea of her children feeling unsafe. She has full confidence in the organisers of her child’s programme to keep her safe. 

Said Bome, “My parents are in South Africa, and naturally, they’re worried. If they could, they would probably put me on the next flight home. But at the same time, they’re also proud that I chose to come here and that I’m learning how to be independent and navigate a difficult situation. It’s very different for them watching events unfold through the news compared with experiencing it first-hand here. 

“Despite the challenges, this experience has shown me how resilient people can be. Life continues, learning continues, and friendships grow stronger even during difficult times. Being here has definitely changed my perspective in ways I never expected.”