New Year New City
It’s the new year and our MITF+ fellows are so excited for what’s to come. With the switchover quickly approaching at the end of January, our fellows are continuing to explore the cities they've lived in for the last 5 months. This past weekend all our fellows met up at the BINA campus to have a closing meeting, discuss how we feel in their current cities and what we’re looking forward to in the next few weeks. We were all able to find similarities and discuss differences among their experiences over the past four months. The day was filled with excitement, anxiety, and high emotion. 
We shared some of our tips and tricks about living in this city. From meeting the mayor, getting their favorite food at Hummus Halil and Samir’s. The owner of Samir’s is known for hosting Masa fellows and has catered events for them to assimilate into the community and socialize with locals. The roasted cauliflower is where it’s at. These restaurants have been some of the best food our fellows have had in Israel so far. Don’t forget the coffee stand next to the Shuk, Starbucks has got nothing on it!
We’ve already been reminiscing about all the fun we’ve had and the students we will miss teaching. Although we are feeling nostalgic and nervous about the move and what’s to come, we are excited to embrace the change that is presenting itself. The highlight of this BINA fellowship is having the privilege and amazing opportunity to experience living in two very different cities throughout the course of the year. While each city is different, each is special in their own ways.
Going toward the switch MITF+ Fellows will get together for a weekend full of activities and education in the periphery cities next week. We will all have a chance to present our homes for the past five months, as well as offer tips and tricks to the other participants. This will be extremely helpful because it gives us the chance to learn about and get personal insight into the very cities we will all be switching too. This event marks a big change as everyone is now not only halfway through the program but moving to a brand-new city. With the excitement of the new year, it has allowed everyone to reflect on their time in the program so far. Reflect on the new friends we’ve made, things we’ve experienced, and what it’s been like living in Israel for almost half a year! We are ready and looking forward to the next 5 months of new people, students, and experiences.
From your lovely fellows,
// Marielle and Michaela
