Comments about Yom Ha'atsmaut in Israel Yom Ha'atsmaut, it was magical. You had a sense of something that you will find nowhere else in the world but Israel. The flags, the fireworks, the dancing. It was like a dream. You could see the intense pride on the faces of a nation that was so unified. Stephanie Ross, Toronto

It was wonderful to see Jews from around the world come together in Israel on Yom Ha'atsmaut. Sam Schnurbach, Toronto

I think that everyone celebrated Israel's birthday as if it were their own. Sam Hollinger, Montreal

Last night was a celebration of our identity. It was the ecstatic expression of the general population to be who they are proud to be Jews. Jay Kaplan, Montreal

Tonight was the epitome of world Jewish unity. It proved to us the power of people! Lindsay Kantor, Montreal

This has been the most incredible experience. We go to a very difficult place, and then come to Israel. You (Israel) have so much passion, so much life, so much love for this place it fills you with pride just to be here! Julie Schneider, Montreal

Comments on Australia/Canada Interaction "It was great to see how Jewish culture is celebrated throughout the world." Gillian Silverhart, Toronto

"They were so friendly. We found that we had so many things in common. It was instant friendship!" Rachel Koffman, Toronto

"It was an awesome experience. The Canadians welcomed us and made us feel that we were a part of their group." Kim Shakenovsky, Sydney (PS. Happy Birthday, Sue! You're a legend. The Ozzie group.)

Great friendships have been born! Jackie Cohen. Melbourne, Australia

"We had an open mike policy on our bus. On the first day, the first Canadian student to speak took the mike and talked about how nice it was to be joined by our Ozzie brothers and sisters, how great it was to be with other young Jews from around the world. From that point on, the kids got along extremely well, and learned how similar they were to each other." Avi Ben-Hur, Israeli Guide