Jon circa 2002 with his cousins in Israel.

As I prepare to go to Israel for the 14th time (and I’m not exaggerating in the slightest!), I’m remembering all the unique and unforgettable experiences I’ve had there over my 15 years.

Let me back up a little—a lot of this wouldn’t make sense without a preface. My father was born and raised in Israel but moved to America at age 29, started a family, became a citizen, all that good stuff. His side of our family still lives in Israel, which is why I go there so often. All the time I’ve spent there has been special, but there are a few memories that stick out.

I remember the first time I went to the Knesset (for those who don’t know, the Knesset is the legislature of Israel, which is similar to the Senate in the U.S.). I was 9 at the time, and my grandfather, Eliezer, was a member of the Knesset. I met some of the top dogs in Israeli politics, including Binyamin “Bibi” Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. It was an extremely exciting experience. My grandfather showed me around the whole place, which was hustling and bustling.

Being the laid-back guy he is, my grandfather brought me to a committee meeting, where I saw men, none younger than 50, start a conversation on a topic I didn’t know of or understand. The conversation swiftly transitioned into an argument, which subsequently turned into an all-out verbal brawl. As I watched some of these old men yelling at one another, it occurred to me that they were less mature than I was! I joined my grandfather in smiling with amusement at the people elected to represent Israel in government—those who made the laws and big decisions about the direction of the Holy Land—yelling their heads off and flailing their arms like kindergarteners. Whatever gets the job done, I guess! 

Then there was the trip when I was 10, during which I went into a smoky bar that people under 21 weren’t allowed in. And no, it wasn’t for the reason you’re thinking. My father grew up with Alon Nadel, one of the top bassists in Israel. He was playing a gig with Gidi Gov, one of the biggest names in Israeli music, and he got us into the bar to see the set. The concert was electrifying—it was a jazz group made up of some of the best musicians in Israel. As a frequent concert attendee, I appreciate that experience much more now because it was so rare.

After the show, I went with Alon backstage. He asked me in Hebrew, “Would you like to meet Gidi?” I responded with a nervous, “Mmhmm,” and before I knew it, he pulled me backstage. As soon as he opened the door to the dressing room, Gidi blew a puff of cigarette smoke into my face and asked, “So how did you like the music?” I don’t remember much of the ensuing conversation, but I’ll never forget Gidi Gov blowing smoke in my face for as long as I live.

And then there are the family memories. I remember the last time I was there, when I was 13. We went down through the Negev to the Ein Gedi waterfalls. We climbed hills and walked through winding pathways to get to the springs. We swam, splashed and laughed together. Afterward, we went to lunch at an authentic Moroccan restaurant, where we sat on pillows and ate our hearts out. The restaurant was on the bank of the Dead Sea, so we dipped our feet into it. It was one of the most memorable days of my life, not just because of the amazing sights, but because I was with people I love.   

This month, I’m going back to Israel to visit my family and attend a jazz program at Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Israel’s largest independent professional music school. When I visited it two summers ago, I saw pictures of some of the jazz greats, like Herbie Hancock, performing there.

I’m sure I’ll create even more memories while I’m there, so check back in September to hear about my summer adventure.

Jonathan Cohen is 15 years old and lives in Providence, R.I. He goes to the Wheeler School and enjoys playing music. He’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.