Young adults from
Michigan universities
journey through Israel.
RUTH LITTMANN STAFF WRITER
DAVID JOSEPH PHOTOGRAPHY
Top: The group rides
donkeys through the
desert.
Far left: Marc Glinter rides
a camel through a Bedouin
village.
Left: A Michigan traveler
takes time out to pray at
the Wall.
Miriam Starkman and Jennifer Wasserman, both with the
Wayne State-based HiBel of Metro Detroit, staffed the trip.
They led educational sessions before, during and after.
"We had three primary goals and I think we achieved them
all," Ms. Starkman says.
First, to acquaint young people with the diverse geogra-
phy and culture in Israel and inspire a return. Second, to es-
tablish personal relationships between Jewish students from
' different schools. And third, to cultivate Hillel leaders apt to
plan inter-campus activities throughout the year.
Tri-Trippin cost $1,499. It was partially underwritten by
a grant from the Michigan B'nai B'rith Hillel Fund. The
Michigan-Israel Connection coordinated scholarships and
the American Zionist Youth Foundation in Israel helped cre-
ate the itinerary and iron out logistics.
Ms. Starkman is especially pleased that most trippers de-
cided to extend their stay in Israel beyond the 10 days. A
number of young people have teamed up to form a speakers
bureau. The plan, she says, is to educate high-school and col-
lege students about Israel and promote another adventure
like last month's. ❑
Brent Hoffman, on
Mount Arbel,
overlooks the
Golan.
Aaron Feinberg and
Steve Bockneck
dunk each other at a
Negev oasis.