Relief, Comfort, and Pure Joy on Birthright Israel

Because of my family ties, Israel always held a special place in my life. My mother is Israeli, and much of her family still lives in Israel, so I grew up hearing stories about the country and feeling connected to it from a young age. I was raised Jewish by the most amazing parents anyone could ask for, and I am deeply grateful for the values they instilled in me. My family and I celebrate Jewish traditions and holidays together, both in Canada and, when we are lucky, with relatives in Israel. As a result, I grew up with a strong connection to both Judaism and Israel.

I had always wanted to go on Birthright Israel because so many of my friends spoke highly of their experiences. This year, I finally decided it was my turn. Although I live in Montreal, I signed up for a Toronto trip because I wanted the opportunity to meet people outside my existing community. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I arrived expecting to make a few new friends. Instead, I found a community. Within days, our group felt like a family. Whether we were sharing meals, exploring Israel together, or talking late into the night, the connections we formed were deeper than anything I could have anticipated. I did not expect to become so close to people in such a short amount of time, nor did I expect the experience to affect me so profoundly.

From the moment I landed in Israel, I felt relief, comfort, and pure joy. For the first time, I was experiencing Israel alongside a group of peers who were each building their own relationship with the country and with Judaism. Watching those connections develop made me appreciate my own even more.

Some of my favorite memories came from the quieter moments we shared together. I especially loved our time at the kibbutz and our first Shabbat in Jerusalem. Surrounded by prayer, laughter, conversation, and friendship, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Those moments reminded me that Jewish community is not something to be taken for granted. It is something to be cherished.

One of the experiences that stayed with me most took place during our final days in Israel, when we visited the home of Doris Hiffawi, a Christian Arab entrepreneur in Jaffa. Doris welcomed us with music, dancing, and extraordinary warmth, immediately making us feel at home. What I expected to be an interesting visit became one of the most memorable conversations of the entire trip.

As Doris shared her story, I was struck by her honesty, resilience, and deep love for the country she calls home. Listening to her speak about her family, her experiences in an arranged marriage, and the path she took toward independence and becoming a successful café owner challenged me to think about Israel in a broader and more nuanced way. Throughout the trip, we learned about Israel’s history, visited important sites, and met people from many different backgrounds. But sitting in Doris’s living room and hearing her personal story brought those lessons to life in a way that no classroom or tour ever could.

Her visit reminded me that Israel’s strength comes from its people and the many different communities that make up its society. It reinforced something I experienced throughout Birthright: meaningful understanding begins with human connection. Long after I forget specific facts or dates, I know I will remember the warmth of her welcome, the conversations we shared, and the perspective she gave me on a country that continues to surprise and inspire me.

The most emotional part of the trip was visiting the Nova festival site. I had intentionally avoided going there before this trip because I knew how difficult it would be. Standing in the place where so many innocent people lost their lives was heartbreaking. Like many Jews in the diaspora, I have struggled emotionally with the events of October 7 and the rise in antisemitism around the world. Being there made those realities feel even more personal and immediate. It was a painful experience, but also an important one. It strengthened my appreciation for Israel’s resilience and for the importance of standing together as a people during difficult times.

Another highlight of the trip was welcoming the Israeli participants into our group. Their presence brought a new energy to the experience and created opportunities for conversations and friendships that I will always value. Despite our different backgrounds, we connected easily and genuinely. Those friendships reminded me that the bond between Jews around the world is stronger than distance, geography, or circumstance.

Being in Israel after October 7 ultimately felt both meaningful and reassuring. Although the country was still carrying the weight of everything it had endured, I saw resilience everywhere I went—in the people, in the communities we visited, and in the spirit of the country itself. Rather than feeling afraid, I felt proud, hopeful, and grateful to be there.

Looking back, Birthright deepened my love for Israel, strengthened my connection to Judaism, and introduced me to people who have become lifelong friends. It showed me new sides of Israel I would never have experienced otherwise. I left with a stronger sense of connection to the global Jewish community and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of experiences that make up Israeli society.

If I could speak directly to the donor who made this experience possible, I would simply say thank you. Thank you for giving Jewish young adults the opportunity to connect with Israel, with one another, and with themselves. Although the trip lasted only ten days, its impact will stay with me for years to come. The friendships I formed, the lessons I learned, and the memories I created are gifts I will carry for the rest of my life. I hope many more Jewish young adults will have the opportunity to experience the same sense of connection, belonging, and inspiration that Birthright gave me.