DJDS Juniors, Seniors to Depart for Long-Delayed Israel Trip

After two years of delays, Denver Jewish Day School seniors and juniors are finally going on the Hebrew Immersion Program, a four-week study experience in Israel traditionally meant for tenth graders. 

HIP was postponed twice for the current seniors and once for the juniors. Not just because of scheduling challenges, but also due to the harsh reality of war. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the ensuing conflict in Gaza, travel safety became a major concern. 

“I think we technically could have gone last year, but instead of having fun, we would be running around from shelters feeling afraid,” said Penina Pinkhas, a senior at DJDS. 

Senior Ronen Trujillo offered a different perspective: “Yes, we could have gone, and it would have been more impactful because of the state it [Israel] was in.” 

Melanie Knowles, DJDS dean for 11th and 12th grades and a longtime HIP coordinator, said, “Yes, we could have gone—it would have been safe—but it came down to the comfort level of both parents and students.” 

Knowles, who has attended every HIP trip, added that after so many cancellations, both grades are beyond excited to finally make the journey. She noted that the enthusiasm recalls the excitement after COVID-19 prevented the 2021 HIP trip. 

This year’s program will be especially memorable. For the first time, students will stay in dorms on a brand-new campus in Ramat HaNegev. With anticipation building over years of delays, the moment juniors and seniors step off the plane at Ben Gurion Airport on Dec. 9 will mark the start of a journey and the end of a long wait.