Reflections on the tour: The high point for me was seeing the Broadway play, “I’m not Rappaport,” because I love theatre and comedies. Also, our visit at the home of Jay Rothman (in Yellow Springs, Ohio) — he mediated the conflict in Cincinatti between the blacks and the police together with Judge Dalus. The trip overall was wonderful and unbelievable. I didn’t think it would be so. In Cincinnati the families and hosts were really nice, they were like family to me. In Sharon the young people were a lot of fun and we enjoyed every moment of their lives. In Martha’s Vineyard meeting so many young people was fun. In Boston I most enjoyed the visit to Harvard because that is my dream. In NY I liked everything we did and I think I will go back.

Reflections on the tour: It was wonderful to meet and get to know so many different people who love and hold Open House in high esteem. I saw that OH has international support. It meant a lot that so many people know about OH and are interested in us. It was wonderful to get to know American culture. I say that American history is not very different from the history at home. I saw that there is discrimination everywhere, even in a place that seems very humanistic. The trip enriched me intellectually and socially. I learned about different cultures and different people. I enjoyed being here with everyone. From being with our group I learned that our political opinions don’t matter, and despite the arguments and differences of opinion, we are still united.

Read a message from Ruba.

Reflections on the tour: I was surprised that in all the meetings we had (in Cincinnati, in Sharon and in Martha’s Vineyard etc) the people were really interested and asked questions that showed how important the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to them. I encountered a new culture and new people, it was an opportunity for me to separate from what’s happening in Israel and to start to think about different things. It was an opportunity for me to return to myself and to know myself better. I was delighted to learn that Noam in not going to serve in the Army – something that proves her strong desire for peace and her presence in OH.

Reflections on the tour: It was exciting to meet people who made me change my mind. I met one Jewish man who was very liberal and understanding and I met a Muslim man who made me change my point of view about Islam. I am proud of what I said when we met people (questions and answers). It was wonderful. This was my first trip overseas. I was pleased that the Jewish kids in our group said that one day the Palestinian people would have a state.

Reflections on the tour: The whole trip was one long continuous high point. I learned that life here, in the US, isn’t more developed than in Israel. I was thrilled to see new places in the world and a life style that is different from ours.

Reflections on the tour: I was most surprised by the big towers in NY. I was proud that I gave someone with a baby my seat in the subway. Yael and Noam are really funny and I enjoyed being with them. The trip improved my English and general knowledge.

Reflections on the tour: I was surprised that there isn’t much in common between me and the blacks like I thought there was. When I was asked to stand in a moment of silence for the victims of both sides, I spoke about it later and was proud of that. I am sorry that we the Palestinians in the group didn’t stand out enough, and especially myself. This trip reinforced my opinion that American culture isn’t exactly culture and that they have a lot to learn from us. But I enjoyed every minute – nice people, good hearted. I’d give it a “9” (not a 10 because of the lack of sleep!) Everyone really hosted from their hearts.

Reflections on the tour: Meeting with journalists and important people who gave us the wonderful feeling that we were important to them. I felt famous, everyone photographed us, and we were interviewed on TV! It felt really wonderful. They wanted to hear our story and to show the whole world that there is a group in Israel dedicated to peace, comradery and love. I was surprised that people are really interested in our story, the story of peace. That so many people came to hear us and our experiences. I really hold that in high regard. It was really fun. I want to go back to American to study in University university and to shout to everyone that I was a part of OPEN HOUSE for peace.

Reflections on the tour: The most memorable part of the trip for me was Ground Zero. The best part was the relationships between us friends. I especially enjoyed Samach and his nonsense and his rapping. I tried to represent OH in the best way I could. It was good to better know what OH is all about and to meet friends in America.

Reflections on the tour: I saw the world. I saw what the U.S. is, I learned about the gap in states, about the problems between the whites and the blacks. The trip also put me up against new experiences. I was in a play, I did yoga, I made people laugh, I served, I was interviewed etc. Overall, an outstanding experience.

Reflections on the tour: My high point was the interview with me and Ranin at CNN. I was moved that they chose me and even if it was short, it was quite an experience. I enjoyed every day of the trip. I was surprised by the group. I didn’t think we would develop such strong and wonderful bonds. It’s a special group and everyone really cares about one another and no sub-groups developed (as usually happens). The hospitality was wonderful and everyone treated us so nicely wherever we went. I felt special because I was part of a special group. I am proud of the strong connections I formed and the previous bonds that were strengthened. This is important to me. In addition, I expressed my opinions a lot on the trip and that is important to me. The trip gave me so much that I don’t think I can say it all on one page. Living together for 25 days, and meeting such wonderful people – I will never forget it.