Teddy Norris
BBYO

This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to go on an international travel trip with other Jewish teens my age through BBYO. My Western Europe tour took us through England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Traveling as a community, we explored iconic landmarks, from the bustling streets of London and the artistic avenues of Paris to the historic places of Brussels and Amsterdam.

However, the trip was far deeper than standard sightseeing. For all of us, navigating these countries together offered a profound exploration of identity. In Amsterdam, we visited the Anne Frank House, and it was a powerful emotional anchor, connecting us directly to the resilience of the Jewish spirit. We shared moments of reflection, Shabbat celebrations in unfamiliar cities, and group discussions to process our experiences in a meaningful way.

Traveling with our new friends who share similar cultural backgrounds completely changed the experience! We weren't just tourists; we were connecting our personal stories to the broader history of Europe.

My journey left a unique sense of belonging and unity among our group. Confronting both the triumphs and the tragedies of European Jewish history created a strong, supportive network transforming my newly made buddies and acquaintances into lifelong friends.

As we returned, we brought home more than just souvenirs. We returned with a renewed pride in our Jewish identity, a global Jewish perspective, and many more friends across the world.

All in all, my trip to these countries reminded me of how proud I am and should be for being Jewish, it introduced me to so many more people, experiences, and tremendous sightseeing. I recommend this trip to any Jewish teen who wants a spectacular summer experience with other Jewish teens, if you're interested, please visit bbyo.org/summer, or speak to a BBYO staff member.