As the only mermaid on ICE Israel I have found it to be an experience that has allowed me to grow in my spirituality. I know what you’re thinking…how in the world did I hear about this program?! I once was taking a swim at a beach in Los Angeles contemplating what I should do with my life and thinking about how I can bring my love for Judaism to the next level when I came across Malkie and Tzvi Hametz. I overheard them talking about their plans for the summer and it sounded exactly what I was searching for. I worked up the courage and introduced myself to them. Surprisingly they did not freak out when they saw my tail and that’s how I knew that I had to go on this trip. Many people ask me “what is it like?” or “where’s your mermaid tail?” Well the answers are pretty simple. You see, I am in Israel ir hakodesh and I am trying to find myself as well as experience the land to its fullest potential. Touring with a tail will just hold me back. I’m not saying that I am not satisfied with who I am but you must understand that feet simply work on land better than a tail. I mean, haven’t you seen The Little Mermaid? (Ariel actually happens to be my second cousin once removed.) Malkie and Tzvi are truly the nicest people who genuinely care for everyone’s needs because they specially planned trips involving water just so I could feel more at home. We’ve done water hikes, went to the beach, yam hamelach, and even visited my friends at the aquarium! I feel that I was able to enhance the experience at the aquarium for everyone because I was able to help the kids and staff talk to all of the sea creatures. This experience has taught me that it’s okay to be different and that it’s okay express myself. Thank you NCSY ICE Israel for the experience of a lifetime. I can’t wait to tell all of the merpeople about it!
-Mermaid Stef