When I was 17, I experienced Israel for the first time, as part of summer abroad experience offered in CEGEP. (equivalent of grade 12/13 in Montreal). I learned about history, Hebrew language, and geopolitics before heading for a few weeks on kibbutz and touring around the country. This immersive training was eye opening, and as a semi affiliated Jew, it cemented my Jewish identity and love of Israel. Perhaps it was cool nights spent with the Kibbutz guard on duty after the hot days working in the field, or the joy of being a teen on the beaches of Tel Aviv, and the adventures of meeting people from around the world at youth hostels around the country made me fall in love with Israel. My first time visiting the Kotel was awe inspiring and joyful, and has been with every return trip. 

Each trip back to Israel has been special. Whether backpacking, visiting my brother and nieces, or hosting our youngest daughter’s bat mitzvah at the kotel, the experiences have been memorable. When Sari Uretsky Leung and I attended the foreign dance teacher’s training course in Karmiel, they housed us in a Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) refugee absorption centre. United Jewish Appeal (UJA) contributions made this infrastructure possible from Jewish Federations like ours, who send a portion overseas.

My first mission as a junior community leader was to Moscow, to witness the revival of Jewish life and show solidarity with the Jewish community there. We visited a youth centre where teens were learning about their Jewish identity. We also went to the apartments of seniors who were reliant on help through the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). This experience educated me about the role that Jewish Federations play abroad through partner agencies.

While many teens have been defending Israel on social media and learning more about the country, there is no substitute for a visit and experiencing the splendors of the country first hand.  Immersive opportunities for teens and young adults in Israel are coming back, with gap year programs, internships and Birthright trips. Next week we will hear from a local young adult, Eden Rosenblum, who is currently on a MASA year of service. Birthright trips are taking registration and Jenn Magalnick can connect you with a gap year program or a MASA internship program if you want to explore these options. Bursaries are available from Jewish Federation and Talmud Torah has the Friedman Fund for any teen going on a Zionist experience. You can contact Chuck Mozeson for more information about how to apply to this fund.

This coming week I am looking forward to returning to Israel with my husband Erin, for visits with family and friends. Soaking in the ambience, enjoying delicious food are privileges in the current state of the world that I truly appreciate. I will also tour the National Library of Israel (you may recall our program with DJ Schneweiss, former Consul General, introducing us to the collection in October). I will be joining our Partnership2Gerther (P2G) partners in the Galilee panhandle for their Terry Fox Run.

We will continue to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine over our website links and in the weekly. Thank you to those who have contributed to the crisis relief fund assisting refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey