Wondering Jew

A poem by Robbie

The other day I sat alone,

And for that short while,

I wondered to myself,

What does it mean to be a Jew?

Does it make me different?

Is it the reason why I’m hated?

Does it make me worse than others?

Or is it the reason my school is gated?

With the help of FZY,

My questions had solutions,

I discovered what being Jewish meant,

Through my leaders’ contributions.

Being Jewish is my identity,

I’ll never be alone again,

Because together we’re united,

Through tzedakah, tarbut and magen.

We voyaged through Israel,

To north, east, south and west,

And with Aliyah Nimschechet,

The streets of Israel were left impressed.

In a group of forty people,

You’d think I’m never alone,

But throughout my time in Israel,

My personal connection has grown.

A journey of emotions,

From feeling holy at the Western Wall,

To the epitome of tragedy,

The wreck of the Nova festival.

A wreck is a huge understatement,

Not only regarding the rubble,

But also how it scarred my brain,

And left my mind in trouble.

Yet it also made me realise,

That whilst things are bad,

At least I’m not alone in this,

And for that I’m very glad.

Tour has given me family,

Not biological but true,

A family I feel safe enough with,

To laugh and talk things through.

Our family wouldn’t be complete,

Without guardians we trust and know,

And thanks to all four madrichim,

Like flowers our family shall grow.