Digital Reunions Bring a “Taste” of Israel to Participants

The itrek Team

June 4, 2020

Amid global travel restrictions due to COVID-19, the itrek community has found new ways to come together – and to stay connected with Israel. From intimate discussions with Israeli authors to cooking classes with renowned Israeli chefs, itrek alumni are deepening their connection with Israel and each other through digital events.

Groups meant to embark on their itreks this spring are hosting digital events to help Participants get a taste of Israel from around the world – literally and figuratively. Digital cooking classes have been particularly popular among itrek groups. During these events, chefs discuss Israel’s food culture, important ingredients, and their favorite recipes, helping Participants bring a bit of Israel to their kitchens at home.

An added benefit of these programs is that students who were unable to join the planned itreks due to scheduling conflicts or expected trip capacity are now able to join digitally, expanding the reach of the itrek community.

Our alumni Network is also actively joining in, organizing digital reunions to reconnect itrek Leaders and Participants to share favorite memories from their itreks, give updates on where they are now, and discuss their plans for the future.

“Atalya was fabulous! Great energy, delicious yet simple hummus and a perfect opportunity to catch up with everyone and hear what they are all up to in these strange times.” - Liad Yamin

They’re also doing a bit of cooking themselves, guided by Israeli chefs. Liad Yamin, 2019’s itrek leader for the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), recently hosted a digital reunion for participants of his itrek with Chef Atalya Ein Mor from Ein Kerem. The group had visited Chef Atalya’s home during their itrek last year, and reconnecting with their fellow classmates and with Chef Atalya brought memories of their itrek vividly back to life.

In the meantime, we encourage you to make your own homemade hummus. Download Chef Atalya’s recipe for hummus two ways—classic and pink (with beetroot). Bete’avon!