Is H.I.P happening?

As funding for the H.I.P, Hebrew immersion program, trip to Isreal was starting Isreal was struck by an unprecedented terror attack from Gaza. As this is shown to be hard for people to digest, it makes most wonder, what’s up with the H.I.P trip? 

The H.I.P trip is a 6-week study program in Israel, in which DJDS Sophomores immerse themselves in Israel's extremely rich culture in order to deepen their Hebrew skills while creating a deeper connection with Israel. 

Currently, the H.I.P. trip is scheduled to depart on November 28, but it’s hard to tell whether that will continue to be the case in the future. Even with all of the information provided, it's impossible to be able to predict what the outcome will be. 

  “I can tell you that we will not go to Israel at a time when it is not safe nor will we go when our Israeli partners are not in a suitable position to be able to host us,” said Avi Halzel, CEO and Head of School. 

Presently, going to Israel is neither a safe nor appropriate time for an educational trip for several reasons. While the H.I.P. trip may be harder to organize, it is assured that the current sophomores will travel to Israel, whenever suitable. However, the decision to go to Israel at the scheduled date must be made within approximately a week and a half, from when this article is published. 

While the Sophomores are already showing their excitement to go they are prepared for the possibility that they may not be able to go this year. If it is not possible to travel to Israel this year, a reliable source said that it is highly likely that the Sophomores will travel with the current Freshmen, next year when/ if they are able to go or this spring. 

“I think if that was the case it wouldn't matter that much and the 9th grade class is small so it wouldn't really affect either grade,” said Koby Nadel-Mansdorf. “I think it would also be nice to go in the spring because the weather is nicer and we would be able to go to the beach." 

We can only hope that this issue is resolved in time and we pray for and mourn the loss of all those in Israel.