Why Israel is important to me
Although a proud American citizen, I have deep roots to Israel. I was born in Hadassah Ein-Hakerem hospital but moved to the United States shortly after I was born. Many of my extended family live in Israel and I have traveled there a number of times to visit relatives.
Visiting Israel has taught me about the strength and tenacity of the Jewish people as well as the struggle to create a new nation in a region with hostile neighbors.
March for Israel – November 2023
I was fortunate to attend the March for Israel rally in November 2023. The March for Israel rally is considered by many the largest pro-Israel gathering in US history and the largest Jewish gathering in US history.
The goals of the rally were to support Israel, call for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and to combat antisemitism.
Attending the rally has taught me about self-advocacy and solidarity with Israel’s struggle and cause.
Gap Year in Israel – Maachon Maayan
I am currently studying in Yavne, Israel and a Yeshiva called Maachon Maayan. My weekly schedule consists of Torah learning, community chessed within the Kibbutz, and twice a week I travel to Jerusalem to volunteer as a conservationist at Gazelle Valley. Spending my gap year in Israel allows me to learn Hebrew and immerse myself in Israel’s culture and heritage.
Living In Israel also gives me a unique perspective on the Israeli society and its complexities, all while building a network of peers and mentors.
Gazelle Valley : Rehabilitating the Endangered Mountain Gazelle
In addition to working and learning at Maachon Maayan, I am also volunteering to rehabilitate the endangered mountain gazelle at Gazelle valley. The mountain gazelle is endangered species under Israeli law and the population of the gazelles has significantly decreased over the past few decades due to urban sprawl, hunting and natural predators. As a volunteer, I help the manage the Gazelle Valley habitat, assist them in catching afflicted gazelles as well as releasing healthy ones back into the wild. There are also other animals at the nature site that I assist with including turtles, frogs, ducks and bees.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mountain-gazelles-under-serious-threat-urgent-action-needed-study
Volunteering at Gazelle Valley has taught me about the importance of research, the importance of ecosystems and the crucial role that humans play in protecting the environment.
