Editor’s Note: San Diego Jewish World’s staff photographer Shor M. Masori, a teenager himself, joined Israeli and American teens on a whirlwind 10-day tour of Southern California attractions; the program an offshoot of the ongoing cooperation between the San Diego Zoo and the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. The Israeli teens were all Jerusalem Zoo volunteers, while the San Diegans were chosen from various parts of the county to be their hosts. Another article about the program may be found by clicking here: https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2016/08/09/israeli-u-s-teens-share-love-of-animals/
Photo Essay by Shor M. Masori
SAN DIEGO – Initially I was a bit apprehensive about joining this program as a participant, which is a lot different than simply observing it as a photographer. I had a lot of worries such as “Will the kids like me?” “Will they be nice?”, “Will I be a good representative of America teens and culture?” and, lastly,”Will it be fun?”
All these concerns were put to rest as soon as I met the rest of the kids. Each one was a great individual with a unique personality. I quickly realized I could not have asked for a better delegation. We became friends. Because of space limitations, I have chosen just ten photos from our group’s time together, but of course ten photos do not begin to encompass so many memories. For example, I omit the two birthdays we celebrated: the first for Rand Ilaiyan and the second for Roni Ryzhik (Strangely Rand’s was celebrated on the first full day and Roni’s was celebrated on the last full day). I also had to skip over our group’s meeting with The Aaron Price Fellows and the YMCA’s Cardinals with whom we made meaningful connections. And I didn’t photograph our surprisingly fun van rides in which we all connected through many songs including the Israeli song “Golden Boy” and American song “All Star” (from Shrek), nor our enjoyable time shopping at various malls and shops.
On the first day of the program, Sunday, American participants met our Israeli counterparts after their long flight from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles and van ride from Los Angeles to San Diego. The Israelis were all quite tired, and jet lagged, even into Monday, when we enjoyed a Harbor Excursion and an evening salute at the San Diego Zoo to its 100th anniversary.
Day Two, Tuesday, and Day Three, Wednesday, found us respectively at Sea World and at the Birch Aquarium. The various types of animals kept us interested throughout the tour. The display of fish, crustaceans, and other sea life is of particular interest to the Jerusalem Zoo, which is currently building its own large saltwater aquarium modeled after the one in Monterey, California.
The next day, a Thursday, we went to Disneyland, where we all enjoyed the rides, though not the long lines.
The following evening, Friday, our delegation had a Shabbat dinner at the Bonita home of Jack and Becky Krinsky, and our group, chaperones, and parents/hosts were treated to an amazing array of kosher foods that Mrs. Krinsky had prepared.
On Saturday night, the delegation enjoyed Safari Park, where we participated in an overnight experience known as “Roar and Snore.” We slept in tents and the animals nearby emitted their nocturnal sounds – loud enough to keep any jungle tender foot on edge.
Sunday morning, we observed lions in their enclosure and we toured the 75-acre African zone, where we fed rhinos.
In addition, we witnessed two male black buck deer clashing horns, possibly in a contest to win the affection of a potential mate.
Another highlight of the Safari Park tour was a close encounter with wildlife when members of our delegation fed a giraffe.
The day at Safari Park allowed us to be up close and personal with a cheetah, which demonstrated its fleet footwork during a cheetah run.
On Monday, our mixed delegation went to Surf Camp, where we played at the beach and learned a little bit about surfing. (I didn’t take surfing photos because I didn’t want to get my camera wet, but I couldn’t resist taking this selfie:
Mussa Ilaiyan was buried in the sand by some members of the group. I’m at his right
On Tuesday, we returned to the San Diego Zoo, where at a luncheon, thanks to Congresswoman Susan Davis, we all received “certificates of congressional recognition” for building international friendships. Following the ceremony, we went to Costco, much to my grandmother’s delight, so that the Israelis could have a “true American experience” buying things cheaper and more in bulk than they can in Israel.
Our final night together was at Corvette’s Restaurant at Liberty Station where to loud music with a strong beat we had a dance party and generally had a good time.
Sophie Taubman is getting her hair done using Corvette’s famous straw bow.
After this we said teary good byes as this was the last time most of us would be seeing each other for a long time, unless, perhaps, if our annual Passover wish of “Next Year in Jerusalem” should happen to come true.
The following morning at 6 a.m., the Israelis rendezvoused at the Zoo parking lot for a van ride to Los Angeles and the long flight home.
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Masori is a staff photographer for San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via shor.masori@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)
Great story and I LOVED the animal photos!
–Mimi Pollack, La Mesa, California