My experience in Hungary has been amazing so far. From the first meeting at the JCC for pizza, I immediately connected with the Hungarian students at Scheiber Sandor Gimnazium. The activities we did together and the 
moments we shared were so meaningful and really helped us bond. I think that the most meaningful moment for me was the Danube shoe memorial. As I saw each shoe lined up behind the other and heard the background of the memorial, I was shocked. The thought that people can be so cruel disgusts me. I couldn’t believe that this was the type of death my ancestors and so many others faced. Although I had learned about the horrors of the Holocaust in school and from my grandparents, it felt much more impactful once I saw the memorial. As someone
who really values my Judaism, seeing this memorial really horrified me and made me appreciate my Jewish community in Pikesville.
I really hope that in the rest of the trip, I can help these Hungarian teenagers connect to their Judaism. After learning about the anti-semitic climate they grow up in, I felt so blessed that I was given a chance to experience my Judaism freely. I really want these kids to also be able to experience their Judaism freely and really connect with the
Jewish traditions. A goal for me for this Shabbaton is really to include everyone and spread the Shabbat spirit. I plan to really get into the prayers and the dancing and include the Hungarians as well in these Shabbat traditions. This experience has been so amazing so far and I can’t explain how thankful I am to be on this trip. It has been so
much fun and I really hope it doesn’t go by too fast. I can’t imagine going back home. I can’t wait to see what else is in store! ~ Alma
