This is the first installment of our “My Israel Story” series. All week, we’ll be sharing personal photos and stories from our staff about their connection to Israel in honor of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) on May 10-12. We look forward to sharing even more of our Israel stories and experiences this summer at camp!

“One of the most incredible life changing experiences I’ve had was when I went to Israel when I was 16 years old with Crane Lake. Even though I was still young, the experience had a strong impact on who I am today, four years later. Growing up, I was taught about Israel and its history, but I never truly felt emotionally or spiritually connected. That changed when I spent four weeks traveling throughout Israel, taking everything in. From hiking in the Negev for several days to visiting Yad Vashem, a Holocaust museum, I was truly captivated and felt a connection to Israel that I hadn’t felt before. I was proud that my Jewish heritage was recognized on this trip in a manner that even surprised me. Regardless of the fact that I am adopted, I was chosen to be a leader in Gadna, an Israeli pre-military training program and was embraced in the community like everyone else. It did not matter where I was originally from, it mattered that I was there in that moment, trying new experiences within my culture. Today I still look back on this incredible trip and feel connected to Israel and I hope to go back again.”

-Jen H., 3rd year staff member

For more information about opportunities to travel to Israel, check out our Crane Lake/NFTY In Israel trip or Kesher Birthright!