Commonpoint Goes to Europe!
This summer, Commonpoint embarked on their most adventurous quest yet: Europe. Guided by the spirits of passion and wonder, our Leaders in Training from Island Quest Day Camp and Camp Poyntelle set sail across the sea to an unknown land. With heavy hearts and full suitcases, our group of teenagers and chaperones wished their goodbyes and prepared for their eventual departure.
Departure
With the flight date getting closer and closer, what seemed like mere seconds stretched into minutes and then hours. Each moment at Commonpoint was riddled with anxiety and uncertainty of what awaited us in Europe. Yet, alongside these feelings were the hope and promise of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After a prolonged (but anticipated) wait at the airport, we were finally able to board and take our seats. The cabin was filled with nervous energy even before the plane took off. For some, this was their first ever airborne travel, while for others, this was a familiar routine. Despite these differences, one thing was universally shared: the journey had begun, and our excitement was soaring.
Prague, Czechia
Our stop in Prague, Czechia was a spectacular one, brimming with new memories. Some highlights of our trip include visiting the famous Prague Castle, paddle-boarding on the Vlata River, and adventuring into the Koneprusy Caves, a system of tunnels located 200-feet underground. Along the way, we were able to reconnect with history and remember the tragedies faced by the Jewish people of Czechia. Here we toured the Terezin Concentration Camp, bearing witness to all that was lost during the Holocaust. Our first Shabbat in Europe was dedicated to exploring Prague and its many scenic routes. Concluding our stay was a fun day in Aqualand Moravia, one of Europe’s largest waterparks!
Vienna, Austria
The city of Vienna marked the halfway point in our journey across Europe. Starting off this leg was a visit to Prater, an old-world amusement park in the heart of the city. The main attraction was taking a ride on the iconic 19th-century giant Riesenrad, the world’s oldest functioning Ferris wheel! Then we explored Judenplatz, a town square in Vienna’s Innere Stadt that was the center of Jewish life since the Middle Ages. Finally, we went to the Monument against War & Fascism and Heroes Square (Heldenplatz) to learn more about Jewish history. We rounded out our Vienna episode by admiring the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, taking a small cruise from Durnstein to Melk, and playing several old fashion games of bowling.
Oščadnica, Slovakia
Next, our travels took us through the breathtaking Slovak mountains. Here we made a stop at Velka Raca to enjoy a ride on the gondola up to the summit. The journey finished with an exhilarating race down the mountain coaster ride. This was an amazing one-day pitstop!
Krakow, Poland
To end our quest, we traveled to two Polish cities, ready to learn more about Jewish history and tackle our most poignant and grievous destination on this journey yet. Our first stop was Krakow, a place known for its medieval architecture, history, and food. We began our Polish escapade with a marvelous panoramic evening view of the city atop the mysterious Krakus Mound.
On the 10th day of our trip, we toured the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. We were guided through an extensive tour of the watchtowers, fences, cell blocks, wall of death, the Arbeit Macht Frei Gate, and much more. The day afterwards, we traced the history of the Holocaust at the Krakow Ghetto, visiting Heroes Square and the Oscar Schindler Factory. While still grappling with the enormity of the atrocities committed, we reflected on our lives and our own futures.
After an emotionally exhausting tour, we decompressed by admiring and treasuring what our ancestors built. We visited the Remu Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and Jozefa Street, and explored the vast Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Warsaw, Poland
We made the most of our final days in Warsaw, Poland, learning more about Jewish history. First, we joined in the Kabbalat Shabbat services at the historic Nozyk Shul. For our second Shabbat, we took immersive tour of POLIN, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. From there we refocused our journey to exploring the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto and taking an impactful walk at Umschlagplatz, the gathering place before prisoners were transferred to Treblinka Death Camp.
Our final day in Europe was dedicated to envisioning the future. In the morning, we visited the Warsaw JCC where we learned about the impressive programs and powerful work that they do to keep the Jewish community connected in Warsaw. The next stop of our Warsaw excursion was the captivating Art Box that immersed us in an interactive biography of Frida Kahlo. Finishing off our trip was a kayak tour and campfire experience along the Jeziorka River.
Summary
Our Europe trip was absolutely life-changing. Thank you to Commonpoint, Island Quest Day Camp and Camp Poyntelle for this incredible chance to learn more about our past, present, and future. Lastly, an extra special thanks to our friends at JCCA Association of North America for creating this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and UJA-Federation of New York for supporting us in pursuit of adventure.
