Alumni
What are our past participants saying about their trip?
Our participants from all over the country had the following to say about their experience on Young Judaea’s Taglit-Birthright Israel trip…
Shane Marcus, West Virginia:
“This experience literally changed my life. YJ is like no other group that I’ve heard of – the learning is top-notch, the sites we visit are mind-boggling, and the time spent amongst my new friends is an experience that cannot be described in words…”
David Whitman, New York City:
“I have seen things I never thought possible, evoked emotions I did not even know were imaginable, learned immensely about my history, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Mindy Gray, Long Island:
“I came on this trip by myself, on a last-minute whim, and everyone was great. After the first day, I felt really comfortable around everyone and had a good time in Israel. Thanks guys, for making my experience great!”
Jordan Sokolic, Chicago:
“Although I’ve been to Israel before to visit family, this has been the most incredible 10 days of my life. There was a near perfect balance of historical, spiritual, cultural, and social programming during the trip.”
Aaron Aleiner, Pennsylvania :
“This has certainly changed the way I think and feel about a lot of things”
Letter from YJ Birthright Alum
From July 2008 participant, Jennifer Bleznak of New Jersey
In the Negev Desert, Playing Guitar
Dear Young Judaea and Taglit-Birthright Israel:
My name is Jennifer Bleznak and I was a participant on YJ Impact’s Birthright Israel Trip for the July session. I felt the need to write to you all to express my sincere gratitude for having been provided with this opportunity. The Birthright program is truly a gift. The week and a half that I was in Israel was truly the most incredible, meaningful time of my life. The other participants and I were shown as much of Israel as possible in such a short period of time and had the most wonderful time doing so. Our madrichim, Karen Karmely and Andrew Arnoff, were always available to us and were so much fun to be around. Once we arrived in Israel we met Elad Tzur, our tour guide and probably the most loved person on the trip. Elad was so eager to show Israel to us and was always accommodating and cheerful. Even our medic, Maayan Fadida was a special component to the trip. She quickly befriended us all and kept us laughing and smiling during every activity. Having Israeli soldiers join our trip for the first half was really amazing. They provided an aspect of Israeli culture that would otherwise not have been touched upon. It was really special to have them out of uniform, as well. Rather than acting like soldiers, these young adults became our friends to the point that many of us are continuing to keep in contact with them through Facebook.
The social aspect of this trip was really very special, but seeing Israel itself was the most meaningful part of the experience for me. The beauty of the design of this trip is that every place we visit is so different from the last. While some people may prefer the urban atmosphere of Tel Aviv, those who didn’t loved the ancient culture in Tzfat. Those who enjoy outdoor activities loved kayaking and hiking, while those who don’t had the opportunity to learn through seminars about various topics such as Arab-Israeli conflict. The trip is so well-rounded that it is truly impossible for a participant not to enjoy some component. From my own perspective, visiting the kotel was the most special point in the trip. I will never forget the connection I felt with G-d at the kotel, as it was truly the most meaningful moment of my entire life.
Personally, this trip to Israel changed my life and my views toward Israel. I realized just how skewed American perceptions of Israel and the Middle East are. There is certainly a great deal of conflict and animosity in the region, but no more so than most places in the world. There is probably a greater percentage of day-to-day crime in America than Israel. I truly never felt unsafe during the session. I felt at home while in Israel and never have been connected to a place before. I have always lived in America and have been blessed with an amazing family and a wonderful life here, but never have I felt a connection to the United States itself. Israel is the safe haven for all Jewish people. As one soldier, Shalom Malul told me during the trip, “Israeli soldiers don’t only fight for Israeli citizens; they fight for all of the Jewish people around the world.”
I would like to sincerely thank you for this amazing opportunity. I learned so much about myself and my heritage. I will never forget the friends I made on this trip and the places that I saw. Finally, I would like to share with you an excerpt from the journal that I kept while in Israel:
July 9, 2008:
I am sitting on my hotel balcony listening to Matisyahu on my mp3 and overlooking Jerusalem and I realize that I am home. America has such a misperception of this land. This is the land that would welcome any one of our people with love at any time. This is the land that I am instantly comfortable in. This is the land where I am surrounded by my people. Israel shows me what matters and that is my family, my heritage, and my aspirations.
Thank you again for providing me with such an incredible experience this summer.
Best Wishes,
Jenny Bleznak
For more information about Taglit-Birthright Israel, please visit: www.birthrightisrael.com
This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel.