By Sigal Waisman Bierman, Year Course 2024-2025

Standing here in Poland, a place where history weighs so heavily in the air, I find myself wrestling with thoughts I didn’t expect. Before this trip, I thought that being here would make it easier to picture what the Jews of Eastern Europe went through. But even walking through the camps, surrounded by evidence of their suffering, I find that it’s still hard—impossible, even—to fully grasp. Without seeing the faces of the victims or hearing every individual story, everything risks becoming generalized.

I wondered, at what point do people become numbers? And is our way of learning about mass casualties—focusing on scale—doing more harm than good?

This question followed me to Auschwitz. That day I learned that Auschwitz is a museum, and I know many of my peers felt differently about that. Personally, I had no idea what to expect. At first, I was angry. The thought of it being treated like a museum felt disrespectful, like it was turning unimaginable pain into a display, making the Holocaust a “past” instead of a living, searing memory. Some aspects still frustrate me, like what our guide Miriam pointed out about the entrance tickets—printed with your name and “ticket to Auschwitz.” How could that not feel jarring, when so many Jews had similar tickets, but theirs led to death and suffering instead of an educational tour?

But as I walked through the museum, something shifted. Seeing the photographs, the videos, and the artifacts brought me closer to people’s realities. Sometimes more than other locations where things have been destroyed, becoming empty fields with small plaques. I realized those artifacts weren’t just relics; they were connections to lives stolen too soon. They gave me a glimpse of individuals, not just numbers. Each different shade of hair color. Each individual key to family homes. Each unique shoe encompasses fashion sense. As hard as it was to see, it was also impactful in a way I didn’t expect.

My biggest realization reminded me of something we experienced just a few weeks ago, when we volunteered at the Gaza envelope. That day, we were supposed to help the farmers by cutting weeds and clearing fields after October 7. Instead, most of us ended up back at a small shack, singing, dancing, and laughing together. At the time, I felt guilty, thinking we weren’t doing enough—thinking we should’ve been out there working harder, helping in a more concrete way.

At the end of the day, the farmer came to speak with us. I expected him to be upset, to reprimand us for slacking off. Instead, he thanked us. He said our joy, our laughter, our unity as young Jews thriving and bringing light to a place scarred by horror was more meaningful than any work we could’ve done. It was the light we brought that mattered most.

And isn’t that exactly what we’re doing here? Of course, we’ve come to learn—to witness, to mourn, to try to understand. But above all, the fact that we are here, together, as young Jews thriving in a place that once symbolized unimaginable darkness for our people, is the greatest mission we could have. It’s the ultimate act of defiance against the hate and evil that tried to destroy us.

The true victory of the Jewish people isn’t just survival. It’s our unity, our joy, and our love for life. Being here, walking these grounds, and sharing these moments together—it’s the greatest revenge we could ever take against the darkness of the past. We are here, bringing light to a place that once knew only darkness. And in doing so, we honor the memory of those who were lost in the most meaningful way possible: by continuing to live, love, and thrive.

By Zeke Lehrman, Year Course 2024-2025

Standing here today, in Poland, the land of our ancestors, in the shadow of death camps, mass graves and the greatest manifestations of evil known to the 4.5 billion years of this earth, where our people were brutally enslaved, trapped and murdered. I can honestly say that this has been the most intense, and emotionally charged experience of my life—as a Jew, as a Zionist, and as a human being. The Holocaust, with its unspeakable horrors, is beyond comprehension. Every time I try to understand or rationalize the unimaginable suffering, I find myself overwhelmed, caught in a deep spiral of pain in my chest. There are no answers, no reasons that can justify such a tragedy.

But there are lessons—lessons that echo through our very existence as Jews. The Holocaust is not just a part of Jewish history, but of world history. It is a cry from the heavens—a call to us to live Jewish lives, to embody the very values that make up being a Jew- , kindness, love, gratitude and dignity. To not take any moment for granted. Moreover, on middot, a core tenet of Jewish values is that man was created in God’s image, and that each soul, each life is equivalent to a world in itself. We lost an unfathomable amount of worlds due to the precise deliberate failure and neglect of recognizing the divinity of humankind, and the sanctity of life. The Holocaust serves as the greatest reminder to treat everyone equally, and fairly – as created in the image of God, because we are all sacred. And it is this understanding that brings us here, to honor those who perished, but also to bring Jewish life back to where it once thrived.

When we sing “Acheinu” or “Hatikvah” amidst the mass graves, the camps, in the cold, standing where millions were brutally and unforgivingly robbed of the opportunity of life. We reclaim something that was taken from us. We restore Jewish life to what was once the heart of the Jewish world—our tradition, our people, our resilience. L’dor vador they say, in every generation they rise up against us and we still feel that today, with Oct 7 and skyrocketing levels of antisemitism lurking in the background. Nonetheless, It is a privilege, a profound honor, to be here, to be alive, and to continue the journeys of those who were denied.

Soon each and every one of us will get on a plane to Israel, and continue on with our years, making life long memories in the place where they so desired to. The place that they had prayed to reach for but were denied the opportunity. It is on us to make memories for them, to live because they couldn’t.

As we step back into the land of Israel tomorrow, keep in mind a name, or a story and hold that with you, understanding that we are fulfilling their individual and collective prophecies. That we get to live outwardly Jewish, and express our values, traditions and life, in Israel, in Zion.

Our takeaway is that we must ensure that it is never forgotten. We carry the responsibility to teach future generations, to educate them about the past, so that we can build a future where hatred and genocide have no place.

May we honor the memories of each life lost by living our lives with purpose and integrity, and may we never forget that it is through our continued commitment to Humanistic, and Jewish values and identities that we answer this call of history. Thank you.

By Shayna Strauss
Gesher 2024, CYJ TX

After a year of being surrounded by constant Anti-Zionism and misinformation it was refreshing being able to be with Jews who share the same values as me. Despite what is going on in the world my connection to the land, Jewish Identity, and Zionist beliefs strengthened.

Gesher was filled with fun activities like the snorkeling in the red sea, rappelling off of a mountain, trying Israeli food, walking around the shuk, and so much more. I cherish the learning that took place and I’m confident when answering the hard hitting questions that I face during the year at home. Being able to talk to families of hostages, friends of fallen soldiers, and people from towns under constant fire helped me understand the reality of what is going on, something impossible to wrap your head around back in America. We explored the challenges facing Israel today domestically and internationally while giving us hope of coexistence and the future of Israel. Not one time did I feel unsafe or scared because of the amazing counselors who were able to navigate touring around the country during war time. I met lifelong friends and made memories that will last a lifetime.

One of my favorite things about the Gesher program was having Israelis my age on the program. They were able to show me what it is like being Israeli, their favorite stores, foods spots, etc. to the point that I did not feel like a tourist, but instead a part of Israeli society. Israel showed me what it is like to be myself freely and openly, not having to constantly explain why I believe or celebrate a holiday. All around, Gesher was the most fun and meaningful experience I’ve ever had. Since coming home I have been inspired to be openly proud of my Zionist identity despite that hate I may receive. I am prepared to go to a college campus, as I’m graduating next year, and have started learning Hebrew to feel more comfortable what I now see as my future home.

Learn More About Gesher

By Adina Frydman, CEO Young Judaea

As I sit in my comfortable El AL airplane seat, counting down the hours of my arrival to my second home, Israel, it is also hours from the release of the first three hostages, Romi, Emily and Doron. For them it will be a different homecoming.

For me, I will travel from Ben Gurion airport to my hotel, where I will recover from mild jet lag after a few hours of sleep. For them, they will be brought back in cars over the very border they were taken hostage 15 months ago. They will be examined for signs of physical, mental, and emotional trauma, reunite with their families, and then spend the rest of their lives in recovery and healing.

But still, we will both be finally home.

As a Jew currently living in the diaspora, the experience of coming back to Israel, is a deeply emotional one. From the minute I step on the plane I feel my heartbeat hasten and my anticipation grow as I get closer and closer. As the wheels touch the tarmac, I feel overtaken with emotion and shed a few tears. And that first breath I take when I step out of Ben Gurion and roll down my window in the taxi, I know I am home.

In this week’s parsha, Va’eira, we start with God hearing the cries of the people and remembering his covenant.

וְגַ֣ם | אֲנִ֣י שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי אֶת־נַֽאֲקַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִצְרַ֖יִם מַֽעֲבִדִ֣ים אֹתָ֑ם וָֽאֶזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי

I have also heard the Israelites’ groaning, complaining that the Egyptians are enslaving them, and I have recalled My covenant.

And what is this covenant? To redeem them and to bring them home.

Regardless of the extent to which Torah is present in your daily lives, it is impossible not to notice the alignment to our present day events with the parshiot in the coming weeks leading up to the Israelites ultimate Exodus from Mitzrayim and eventual arrival to the Promised Land. Obviously, the analogy ends there. But, for the hostage families, all Israelis, and Jews around the world, the days and weeks to come will be filled with emotion and angst. For while we believe some of the hostages are coming home, we don’t know for certain, and we don’t know whether they will be dead or alive. We are also keenly aware of the price we are paying for each life. Over 1900 prisoners will be released in this exchange. And yet, without a negotiation and ceasefire, the bloodshed, of both Israelis and Palestinians, will not end.

When our kids were little and they had tantrums, we would look at them and say, “we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Of course, this was long before any of this transpired and they understood the idea of a real terrorist, and the harsh reality that sometimes we do negotiate, because if we don’t, the price we will pay is simply too big.

It is much more complicated than that, as many of us know. The question of what a life is worth? Why does it seem that Jews value Jewish life so much more than Palestinians value Palestinian life? The ratios in the prisoner/hostage exchange show that clearly. I think about the young men and women who are making the commitment today to serve in the Israeli army knowing that it is a calculated risk, a risk for their country. How much strength does it give them to know that Israel will not abandon them. With each hostage that is returned there is a boost to morale, a morale that creates resiliency and the courage to remain on the front lines. Let us never forget that it is on their backs that we continue to have a place to call home.

As Chaim Weizman famously said and then Nathan Alterman turned into the famous poem, we all know, “A state is not handed down on a silver platter.”

Thank you to all those responsible for maintaining and perfecting our precious Israel, that we have the privilege to call home.

Recently, YJ CEO Adina Frydman had the pleasure of meeting Liam Samet during the YJ Teens Leadership Training Weekend. She was amazed when Liam proudly shared that he comes from a four-generation Young Judaea family! Intrigued by this incredible legacy, we reached out to Liam’s grandmother, Carol, to hear the remarkable story of the Samet family’s deep connection to Young Judaea.

In Carol Samet’s Words:

Young Judaea is more than a summer camp for the Samet family. It’s been our home away from home for multiple generations. It is our favorite place to celebrate a family simcha, unwind, and make lasting memories. It is a place where we met our spouses and best friends. Young Judaea brings out our best selves and cemented our Jewish identities and love for Israel. It is a place we plan to keep as a cornerstone in our lives for generations to come.

My husband, Eric and I met at Tel Yehudah in 1967. We have 4 children, all active in Young Judaea, 3 went on YJ Year Course, and 2 met their spouses in Young Judaea. Nine of our 12 grandchildren have been campers at Camp Young Judaea Texas and our oldest, Liam, recently attended Tel Yehudah. The following is our connections to Hadassah and Young Judaea through Liam.

LIAM SAMET:  Liam is very involved with Young Judaea through the Mazkirut Leadership Training Weekend. He attended TY last summer and was a camper at Camp Young Judaea Texas for 9 summers

SARA AND GABRIEL SAMET: Liam’s parents met during a Young Judaean convention in Texas. They were both actively involved on the YJ Mazkirut. Gabriel attended YJ Year Course and both Sara and Gabe were on staff at CYJ.

CAROL AND ERIC SAMET:  Liam’s paternal grandparents met at TY,  Carol was on Year Course in 1968, and both were on staff at CYJ Texas. Carol is a past President of Houston Chapter of Hadassah in 1985

PEGGY AND LEON SAMET:  Liam’s paternal great grandparents. Leon was instrumental in securing the current location of CYJ in Wimberley in 1969. Peggy was a past group president of Hadassah and Leon was a past president of ZOA, all in Houston.

EVELYN AND LEO LUDVIG:  Liam’s maternal great grandparents were long time supporters of YJ. Evelyn was a past chapter President of Hadassah in Elmira, NY in 1958.

ANN LIBERMAN WINEBURGH:  Liam’s maternal great great grandmother was one of the first Young Judaeans in Utica, NY and also a past Chapter President of Hadassah in 1942.

By Rabbi Adam Drucker, Director of Education

Immediately after October 7^th, before war tourism and volunteer groups began to arrive, a group of 70 gap year students from Young Judaea Year Course chose to stay in Israel. Given the choice to continue their gap year during a time of complete distress and confusion for the country, or to leave and make new plans, this group felt compelled to help Israel’s most vulnerable populations and step up in a time of need.

Directly after the attacks, the Year Course group was moved to the Young Judaea founded Kibbutz Ketura to ensure their safety. While on the Kibbutz, participants began volunteering throughout the area.

In the early days after October 7^th, government ministries were not functioning and the responsibility to care for those directly impacted was left to local municipalities and volunteer groups. Once the Year Course cohort had arrived in the south, the staff began to establish links with the local representatives and leaders of these groups to ascertain what was needed. With most of the Israel’s work force above the age of 18 called up to the IDF, the resource of 70 able bodied and energetic gap year students spread among the local leadership in Eilat and the Arava.

It was these groups who Year Course would work with in the first six weeks of the war, volunteering to help displaced families, farmers, soldiers, and all those affected by the attacks.

Participants reflected on those days following the attacks and shared their thoughts on what it meant to contribute in those early days.

Several participants helped cared for displaced children from the Gaza Envelope communities, while their parents took the time to cope with their trauma, and plan for their future. Maya Kaye’s (Fresno, CA) and Zoe Alon (Fort Lauderdale, FL) helped evacuees by running dance classes and other extra-curricular activities. Maya recalled, “By engaging with displaced children from the Gaza Envelope, I found a sense of belonging and purpose,” and Zoe added, “I wanted a sense of connection to the people I was helping.”  Maya went on to share how her decision to stay and help was driven by a belief in the importance of solidarity and compassion in fostering resilience and healing. By offering moments of joy and distraction, they sought to provide comfort and support during a challenging time.

Some Year Coursers spent time working in distribution centers in Eilat, helping displaced families who had lost everything from the attacks. Klara Walny (Northbrook, IL) remembers, “The main volunteering body (18-40 year olds) had been called up from reserves and were on the front line fighting which is why I needed to be there. These families came into the distribution sites distressed and with few belongings, and with my limited Hebrew, a smile, and a willingness to help, the families left calmer and in a better state of mind. I see no reason not to roll up my sleeves and keep going. I am here for a reason.” Her commitment stemmed from a desire to alleviate suffering and contribute to the community, evident in her efforts to provide essential assistance to those in need.

Reflecting on their experiences six months later, participants’ motivations varied but shared a common thread of compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference during a time when Israelis were abandoned by Israeli governmental institutions. Rafi Nagorsky (Chicago, IL) felt it was his duty to step up, “It was definitely clear that since most of the rest of the country was occupied with other things, if we weren’t volunteering it’s possible that no one else would.”

Many of the participants were so deeply impacted by this moment of solidarity and selflessness, that as of today, nine have enlisted to serve in the IDF. Sophie Gilbert (Woodmere, NY), is one of those students who felt the war sparked something in her, “There was something about the war which made me realize not only do I want, but I that need to be an agent of change in my country.”

The Young Judaea Year Course students found a deep sense of fulfilment in their roles, whether it was providing practical assistance, fostering connections with displaced families, or simply offering moments of joy to Israelis during hardship. Through their collective efforts, they discovered a newfound sense of purpose and solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to Israel, Zionism, the values of Tikkun Olam.

Although there is still much darkness in a post October 7^th Israel, Year Course participants who’ve remained in the country have become small, yet bright lights of hope, shaping countless lives and empowered by the desire to give of themselves.Immediately after October 7^th, before war tourism and volunteer groups began to arrive, a group of 70 gap year students from Young Judaea Year Course chose to stay in Israel. Given the choice to continue their gap year during a time of complete distress and confusion for the country, or to leave and make new plans, this group felt compelled to help Israel’s most vulnerable populations and step up in a time of need.

Directly after the attacks, the Year Course group was moved to the Young Judaea founded Kibbutz Ketura to ensure their safety. While on the Kibbutz, participants began volunteering throughout the area.

In the early days after October 7^th, government ministries were not functioning and the responsibility to care for those directly impacted was left to local municipalities and volunteer groups. Once the Year Course cohort had arrived in the south, the staff began to establish links with the local representatives and leaders of these groups to ascertain what was needed. With most of the Israel’s work force above the age of 18 called up to the IDF, the resource of 70 able bodied and energetic gap year students spread among the local leadership in Eilat and the Arava.

It was these groups who Year Course would work with in the first six weeks of the war, volunteering to help displaced families, farmers, soldiers, and all those affected by the attacks.

Participants reflected on those days following the attacks and shared their thoughts on what it meant to contribute in those early days.

Several participants helped cared for displaced children from the Gaza Envelope communities, while their parents took the time to cope with their trauma, and plan for their future. Maya Kaye’s (Fresno, CA) and Zoe Alon (Fort Lauderdale, FL) helped evacuees by running dance classes and other extra-curricular activities. Maya recalled, “By engaging with displaced children from the Gaza Envelope, I found a sense of belonging and purpose,” and Zoe added, “I wanted a sense of connection to the people I was helping.”  Maya went on to share how her decision to stay and help was driven by a belief in the importance of solidarity and compassion in fostering resilience and healing. By offering moments of joy and distraction, they sought to provide comfort and support during a challenging time.

Some Year Coursers spent time working in distribution centers in Eilat, helping displaced families who had lost everything from the attacks. Klara Walny (Northbrook, IL) remembers, “The main volunteering body (18-40 year olds) had been called up from reserves and were on the front line fighting which is why I needed to be there. These families came into the distribution sites distressed and with few belongings, and with my limited Hebrew, a smile, and a willingness to help, the families left calmer and in a better state of mind. I see no reason not to roll up my sleeves and keep going. I am here for a reason.” Her commitment stemmed from a desire to alleviate suffering and contribute to the community, evident in her efforts to provide essential assistance to those in need.

Reflecting on their experiences six months later, participants’ motivations varied but shared a common thread of compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference during a time when Israelis were abandoned by Israeli governmental institutions. Rafi Nagorsky (Chicago, IL) felt it was his duty to step up, “It was definitely clear that since most of the rest of the country was occupied with other things, if we weren’t volunteering it’s possible that no one else would.”

Many of the participants were so deeply impacted by this moment of solidarity and selflessness, that as of today, nine have enlisted to serve in the IDF. Sophie Gilbert (Woodmere, NY), is one of those students who felt the war sparked something in her, “There was something about the war which made me realize not only do I want, but I that need to be an agent of change in my country.”

The Young Judaea Year Course students found a deep sense of fulfilment in their roles, whether it was providing practical assistance, fostering connections with displaced families, or simply offering moments of joy to Israelis during hardship. Through their collective efforts, they discovered a newfound sense of purpose and solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to Israel, Zionism, the values of Tikkun Olam.

Although there is still much darkness in a post October 7^th Israel, Year Course participants who’ve remained in the country have become small, yet bright lights of hope, shaping countless lives and empowered by the desire to give of themselves.

For anyone who grew up in the Jewish youth movement, Young Judaea, pitching in during challenging circumstances is second nature. Steve Berman, a lifelong Young Judaean, put it well: “There’s something in the water we drank. Maybe it’s the shores of the Delaware or the Mediterranean that infused our souls with the same spirit. The spirit of Hineni, calling out that you’re there and ready to serve.”

After the attacks on October 7th and the subsequent war, Young Judaeans lived out this spirit once again. Year Course participants immediately jumped into action, helping survivors in the Gaza envelope who suddenly found themselves without housing, clothes, or basic necessities.

Many Young Judaeans flocked to Israel to volunteer and support in any way they could. Alumni with special skills, like Lisa Fliegel, a trauma therapist, traveled to Israel to help survivors cope. Miriam Schler, Executive Director of the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Center, stepped up to assist the many sexual assault victims of October 7th. Year Course alumni who have maintained a close friendship, Sam Merrin, Ira Greenberg, and David Cohen-Mintz, longtime friends from Young Judaea’s Year Course volunteered on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a destroyed community, and assisted farmers near Gaza.  Others, like Julie Kolman Powell, used the power of awareness to aid Israel. While participating in races across the country, Julie wore a photo of a beloved member of the YJ family, Gili Adar, who was murdered at the Nova Festival, on her marathon shirt.

Three Friends Helping a Shattered Community

In a similar spirit, three lifelong Young Judaea friends recently came together to support Israel in a crucial way. Joel Rosenfeld, Seth Merrin, and Steve Berman grew up in the movement, attending YJ clubs, camps, and eventually Year Course. When Joel’s daughter, Ayelet, reached out about a critical cause, he turned to his YJ friends to find a way to help.

Ayelet served in the IDF alongside Yonaton “Jonny” Siman Tov, who lived with his family on Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community on the Gaza envelope. On October 7th, the kibbutz was brutally attacked by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of a quarter of its residents and the kidnapping of many others. Jonny, his wife Tamari Kedem, their three young children, and his mother were murdered that day.

The survivors were initially relocated to a hotel in Eilat. After the initial shock subsided, the community planned to relocate to a different kibbutz farther from Gaza, Beit Nir. The move, rebuilding, and purchase of land would cost them $26 million. It was during this time that Ayelet, with support from her father Joel and others, began a campaign to aid the community’s relocation efforts.

Joel reached out to old friends like Steve, who reconnected him with Seth, for help. Seth believes their readiness to support this cause stems from their Young Judaea roots. “The activism, the drive to improve the world, and the desire to help others are deeply ingrained in every committed Young Judaean. So, when Joel and Steve called me, my response was, ‘Of course. How can I help?’”

Their outreach was crucial. Steve played a key role in facilitating connections and organizing fundraising efforts. His network in Atlanta, combined with Seth’s connections in the Northeast, amplified the fundraising campaign.

While in Israel, Steve met with Chen Itzik from Kibbutz Nir Oz, who was leading recovery efforts. Steve reassured Chen that many people in the U.S. would want to help. He quickly organized a reception at his Atlanta home, with just four days’ notice. To his relief, 100 people showed up to hear the story of the devastated community from survivors of Jonny’s family, Amit Siman Tov and her sister Koren.

Steve recalled, “My house isn’t really set up for 100 people. It was hot and crowded, shoulder to shoulder, but you could hear a pin drop that night. We had three survivors from Nir Oz sharing their story.”

This event, co-hosted with other community leaders, was a turning point in raising awareness and support for the kibbutz. The positive response led to significant contributions from major foundations and individual donors.

The task of relocating Kibbutz Nir Oz and rebuilding lives is far from over. The efforts of Joel, Seth, and Steve, along with the broader community’s support, are vital to this process.

The Spirit of Service: Shared Values

In the face of extreme adversity, many people waver, unsure of how to help or move forward or worried that their small acts won’t impact the larger challenges. Yet, after October 7th, the subsequent war, and rise in antisemitism around the world, Young Judaeans did the opposite. These stories of resilience and solidarity showcase the enduring power of the YJ community. As we learn from Rabbi Tarfon in Pirke Avot, while it is not our task to finish the work, neither can we desist from it.

As Seth put it, “This is what we do. This is Young Judaea in action.”

*If you would like to help support the Kibbutz Nir Oz project, please contact Joel, joelrosenfeld@gmail.com

By Adina Frydman, CEO of Young Judaea

Although we are still processing all that occurred on October 7^th and the significance of that day, it is clear we are living in a “before” and “after” October 7^th. We must mark the liminality of that day.

When the sun rose the next day, on October 8th, that’s when we started to make sense of things. In the light of day, we could see, truly see, the ugliness in the world and we realized that we were privileged to still be here when so many were not.

There are days that feel like a curse, why me and why not them? What makes me so special? What must I do to deserve a day after to turn the curse into a blessing?

We are here left to pick up the pieces and put them back together; that is our task. But before we turn to the work ahead, we must engage in deep introspection.

Have we felt enough, reckoned enough, done enough to merit another day? Have we dared to imagine a different kind of world – one that would never lead to a day like October 7^th.

And where does our hope lie? That 3000-year-old superpower that has carried our people from strength to strength. But what is this hope, and where do we find it today? I can tell you that for me, that hope has emerged countless times in the faces of our youth.

In the United States and in Israel, hope is the young people who are stepping up in defiance donning their pride and wearing it like a suit of armor. In Israel, it is the scores of young people who are serving their country, some who have just graduated from high school and others, having just finished their service. Many are going back and forth from the battlefield to the cemetery to pay homage to fallen friends. Hope is also the thousands of volunteers who put the country back together without waiting for someone else to do it.

In the United States, hope started with the Rally in DC that was led by 30,000 high school and college students. What followed was the petitions, letters, and counter-protests on our college campuses where young people proudly wore their Stars of David and hostage tags all while enduring the social cost of being a proud Zionist.

I am especially inspired by the ability of our teens and college students to hold nuance during such a polarizing time —having the ability to hold a both/and position which is often counter-cultural.  But we see it both in Israel and in the United States that it is possible to hold a deep commitment to the Zionism that is yet to come while feeling deeply frustrated with the Zionism that is today. And the bravest are those who commit themselves to working on it. It is a much more comfortable position to opt out, or as Yehuda Kurtzer states the most challenging position, is to be the “troubled committed.”

At Young Judaea we aim to cultivate curiosity and foster a lifelong relationship with Israel, acknowledging its complexities. Our approach to aspirational Zionism is rooted in the belief that we are all part of shaping Israel’s future – a future that reflects our values and strengthens its role in Jewish life and culture. Through this lens, we inspire teens to see themselves as active contributors to Israel’s ongoing story, ensuring its relevance and importance for generations to come.

As proud as I feel to be leading Young Judaea in this moment, I know that we cannot do it alone. The day after October 7^th calls upon all of us together, from across the Jewish spectrum, left, center, and right, secular, traditional and religious, there is no one individual or group that can bring about our collective redemption. On October 8^th we all stand up together under a big tent, not in a single voice but as a choir bringing together our various approaches and perspectives and finding ways for them to harmoniously blend or to be intentionally dissonant. This is a moment that calls for unity and action from across the Jewish spectrum.

And now I speak to our youth.

This is your time. Stand up, stand together, and build the world as you want to see it.

Reach out of your comfort zone to connect and to understand.

Complaining about the world you inherited may give you solace.

Committing that it is your world to fix will give you purpose.

We believe in you, and we are right there with you.

 

After 30 years it was like nothing has changed. Last month, Year Course 1994-1995 reunited in Chicago for a weekend of memories, laughs and good times. Over 50 people from all over the globe, including FZY participants from Israel and England gathered together for a weekend of nostalgia. As a group we managed to raise $16,000 for Year Course programming in honor of our reunion. As they say, Year Course never ends, and that is certainly true in our case. What a lovely weekend of seeing old faces.

Thank you to reunion committee co-chairs Dana Blitstein and Molli Tobin Monk and the dedicated reunion committee Marla Aistrope, Margo Alpert, Katy Burstein, Becca Katzman and Rachel Secore. A special thanks to Amit Weinberg; you know what you did! Xo

Want to plan your Year Course reunion? We can help! Email alumni@youngjudaea.org

By Nina Berkowitz

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Business and

Marketing Program through Onward, and my experience was nothing short of

transformative. While I had visited Israel before, it was nothing compared to the

immersive experience I had this past summer. Living independently, I had the

opportunity to deeply connect with Israeli culture while gaining invaluable professional experience through my marketing internship.

I interned with Alike Health, a startup healthcare platform that uses AI technology to connect individuals with similar medical histories. The platform enables people to share their experiences, ideas, and offer emotional support, fostering a sense of community among users with common health conditions. As a marketing intern, I contributed to content creation for social media, assisted with the development of their new website, wrote blog posts, and created informative videos for a new feature on their app and website. This hands-on role gave me the chance to see my ideas come to life in a meaningful way.

Beyond gaining professional experience, I immersed myself in the Israeli work
environment, building lasting connections with the team at Alike Health. My background in content creation and video editing allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the company, while also expanding my skill set. Despite studying Psychology and Health Medicine & Society in college, I was eager to explore the business world, and this internship challenged me in ways that helped me grow both professionally and personally. It was thrilling to see my content brought to life on Alike’s platform, and I learned how to shape my ideas to better cater to users’ needs. This experience pushed me to become a more thoughtful, analytical thinker.

On a personal level, this program deepened my connection to Israel. Growing up
in a Conservative Jewish household and attending Jewish day schools, I’ve always had a strong Jewish identity. Being in Israel on my own terms allowed me to develop routines, explore Tel Aviv, and truly live the experience. It felt especially important being in Israel and supporting the country after October 7th as I began experiencing the ways hostility grew on my campus. I was longing to return to Israel and away from the antisemitism that’s been sweeping many universities. So, being in Israel this past summer felt that much more important.

In summary, the Onward program was a pivotal experience for me. It helped me
become more independent, gain valuable work experience, and further strengthen my Jewish identity. It was, without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shaped me both professionally and personally.