Blog  A Year Later… I’m In Israel!

A Year Later… I’m In Israel!

From a young age, we as Jews are taught that we have a special connection to Israel. My Mom has always told me that every Jew should be given the opportunity to go to Israel at some point in his or her life. Luckily, we are given many chances to go, whether it is through NFTY, Birthright, or a personal trip. Unfortunately, my trip last year had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Even with  how bad and lonely the world was last year, missing the Israel trip had to have been the biggest blow.

One year later I am now in Israel! Yes, this one will be shorter and a little different, but after last year I am just excited and pleased to have any form of this trip at all. Not only does Israel hold a special connection to Jews all around the world but it also holds a personal connection with me and my family. As I previously stated my mom has always wanted me to go to Israel and over time that has become my wish as well. With this trip, I will finally get the opportunity to fulfill that wish of both my mom and me. Not only does my family want me to go to Israel but I was lucky enough to grow up in a family in which both sides are Jewish, and both sides have a tradition to go to Israel. For instance, one of my cousins had his Bar Mitzvah in Israel. When it comes to me, I have never been out of the country.

As most people would, I am definitely a little nervous to embark on my first overseas vacation; nevertheless, I am excited to say that Israel will be my first time out of the U.S.

Gabe is from Jackson, MS, and spent the first half of his summer as a Solelim participant at Jacobs Camp. Gabe and other Solelim participants left directly from camp to take part in the NFTY in Israel 2.0 Trip! The featured photo is Gabe and some of his friends who are currently in Israel with him.