The massive crowd in Tel Aviv.

Though I’m slightly ashamed to admit it, I came home for Passover break. I know this year is all about spending an extended period of time in the Holy Land, and flying back to America for break sort of defeats the purpose. But the combination of a family ski trip and some necessary college visits made the trip home slightly obligatory.

That being said, I miss Israel and Year Course more than I ever imagined I would! I was excited to come home, and I’ve loved seeing my family and friends. But there’s something about the excitement of living on my own in a simultaneously foreign and friendly country that obviously can’t be replicated in the comfort of home. Even visiting a few colleges and spending the night with friends on campus couldn’t match the fun I’ve have with friends on Year Course.

So I suppose now is the moment to give this entry a point and avoid rambling on about the transformative experience that is a nine-month program in Israel. The story I’ll tell this time takes place about a week before break began. In celebration of the 100th birthday of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the city held a concert and party in Rabin Square. The event featured a variety of live acts by Israeli artists, followed by a dance party.

Walking down Ibn Gevirol Street toward Rabin Square, I was shocked as the massive gathering camp into view. I couldn’t believe just how many people had flooded the streets to celebrate the city’s centennial. The square was packed! Though my friends and I arrived at the square too late to see many of the live acts, we did get to enjoy a truly epic dance party. Determined to make our way to the front, we pushed through the huge crowds of people until we finally had a decent view of the stage and DJ. We mingled with the Israelis around us, danced our butts off and absorbed the incredible energy of the city of Tel Aviv.

Check out what fellow Year Coursers Gaby and Alex are up to.

Sarah Pfander is from Urbana, Ill., in the suburbs of Chicago. She loves all things Jane Austen, is an avid soccer player and intends to play for Oberlin College, which she’ll be attending next year. She’s also a waterskiing and snow skiing enthusiast and hopes to someday compete in an Ironman triathlon.