Last summer, I had the privilege of taking part in Gesher Israel, an experience that has left a permanent mark on my heart and my identity.

I was lucky enough to win the 2025 Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a merit-based scholarship given each year to young women who have demonstrated a commitment to Israel and the Jewish people and a talent for inspiring others. The award helps fund the winners’ participation in the Gesher Israel summer program offered by Hadassah’s longtime partner Young Judaea, America’s oldest Zionist youth movement.

Traveling to Israel was more than just visiting a foreign country. It was stepping into a living story that I am part of, walking through the land that holds the history, values and traditions of my people.

The trip was filled with so many unforgettable moments, meaningful connections and lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. One of the most powerful aspects of Gesher Israel was the feeling of being connected to something bigger than myself. Walking through Jerusalem, standing at the Kotel and exploring the ancient streets, I felt a deep connection to the generations who had come before me, to all the people who had prayed, dreamed and sacrificed for this land.

Each site we visited wasn’t just history but a reminder of faith and hope. I realized that Israel wasn’t just a place on the map or in the prayer book but the heart of Jewish identity and a symbol of survival and strength.

Beyond the history, what made the trip so meaningful were the experiences I shared with the friends I’d come with and the friends I made. Whether we were taking hikes, taking a dip in the Dead Sea, shopping at the shuk or simply sitting together at night in the dorm rooms, I felt a sense of belonging and unity that is hard to put into words.

I built friendships that I know will last a lifetime because we shared something unique. We discovered Israel together. The bonds we formed made me realize the importance of community and showed me how deeply Jewish identity is tied to relationships and shared experiences.

Gesher Israel also gave me the opportunity to reflect on who I am and who I want to be. Being in Israel allowed me to see Judaism not just as a religion but as a living culture filled with music, food, language and traditions which I am proud to carry forward.

When I got home, I found myself inspired to take on a greater role in my Jewish community, to teach others about the beauty of Israel and to live a life rooted in the values I had experienced. The trip encouraged me to think deeply about my identity not just as an individual but as part of a larger story that connects past, present and future.

Most important, Gesher Israel made me grateful for every sunrise I witnessed, every conversation I had, every lesson I learned. Grateful to have had the chance to grow closer to my heritage and to strengthen my identity in such a powerful way.

The trip was not just a moment in my life but something I will carry with me forever. Now when I think about the future I know that Gesher Israel will always serve as a reminder of who I am, where I come from and the values I want to live by.

Gesher Israel has shaped me in every way. It gave me memories, friendships and a renewed sense of pride in my identity. It reminded me of the importance of Israel and the role it plays in shaping the Jewish future.

Thank you, Hadassah, for making my Gesher Israel experience possible and allowing me to connect so deeply with Israel, my Jewish identity and the values that will guide me moving forward.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)