The Grade 12 class of King David High School traveled to Panama last month. (photo from KDHS)
In February, the outbreak of war in the Middle East meant that the long-awaited Israel trip for the Grade 12 class of King David High School was cancelled. It was the third cancellation in five years, as COVID and the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre had made two prior planned visits impossible. Head of School Seth Goldsweig knew he had just three months to pull an alternative together – and it needed to be fabulous. The destination selected was Panama, both for its fun, unique tourism experience and its thriving Jewish community.
Over eight days in June, a group of 43 students and six staff members visited the Panama Canal, hiked, spent time in Panama’s Old Town, interacted with monkeys on Monkey Island, and got to know members of the indigenous Embera people on a day-long visit to their community.
The travelers dined at kosher restaurants, spent Shabbat experiencing two of the city’s synagogues, packed food and organized supplies for a local Jewish organization, and learned about the Jewish history of Panama.
“Panama was a great choice,” said Goldsweig, who had visited the country previously with his family. “The city has 40 kosher restaurants, so we knew food wouldn’t be an issue. The country’s Jewish life is thriving – even the mayor is Jewish! And, while they’ve not experienced security threats, they’re incredibly proactive security-wise, with some of the most intense security I’ve ever seen.”
Before the group could attend services on Shabbat, King David was required to show proof of each individual’s connection to the school, as well as their passports. “We couldn’t get into the synagogues until they confirmed each person’s name, one by one,” Goldsweig said.
“Staying at our hotel felt like being in Jerusalem, because the majority of the 18-floor hotel was occupied by Orthodox Jews!” he added. Some were in town on business, but many came because Panama has developed a reputation as a fascinating and welcoming Jewish destination. (See jewishindependent.ca/panama-city-welcoming.)
Goldsweig noted that some 18,000 Jews call Panama city home, the majority of them Sephardi. The city has several synagogues and its kosher supermarkets are the largest of their kind outside of Israel.
Eitan Arazi, 18, said Panama City felt like a hidden gem. “I was blown away by its infrastructure and how well developed it is,” he said. “It was also incredible to see the city’s synagogues and to experience a tight-knit Jewish community with a lot of energy. On Friday night and Saturday morning, it felt like the whole community came for shul services.
“Shabbat was the highlight of the trip for me,” he continued. “I’m not shomer Shabbat in Vancouver but, over Shabbat in Panama, I put my phone away for the whole 24 hours and was surrounded by friends and having a great time.”
Sierra Brosgall, 18, concurred that the Grade 12 group’s celebration of Shabbat was special and deeply memorable. “We went to the Sephardic synagogue on Friday night, sang songs together at dinner at our hotel and experienced Panama’s Jewish culture,” she said. “I also loved visiting the Embera tribe and learning about their culture. They performed traditional dances for us, and we played soccer with kids in their community. It was amazing!”
During the Havdalah service at the hotel, students shared the trip’s highlights, Goldsweig said. “Many talked about their day with the Embera community. The Embera were so welcoming, and they really engaged with our students. Their kids were on our students’ laps, and they painted henna-like tattoos on students’ arms. They seemed very happy to have us there.
“Other students spoke of how amazing it was to see the thriving Jewish community in Panama,” he continued. “They said the trip provided an incredible opportunity to bond with their classmates, and that it was unforgettable.”
The timing for the Panama trip was perfect, said Lev Shustik, 17. “It was right before graduation, so schoolwork was not stressful, and everyone in our group was focused on the moment, and just having fun,” he said. “The trip itself was well-planned and amazing, teaching us about Panama’s Jewish vibrancy, but, also, the country’s history and its rich culture. And being able to do this while bonding with our peers was truly a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m beyond grateful for that.”
Lauren Kramer, an award-winning writer and editor, lives in Richmond.