Last year, when I signed up for the Birthright Israel Onward internship program, I wasn’t sure what would come of it. I didn’t know who I would meet, what relationships I would form, or how memorable the experience would be.

Now, only three weeks into my time in Israel, I’m already amazed by how much my internship and living in Tel Aviv mean to me. Not long after arriving, I had the good fortune to meet Aviva Tessler, Executive Director of Operation Embrace, a non-profit she founded in 2001 to support survivors of terrorist attacks in Israel.

Hearing about the care and emotional support the organization offers Jewish and non-Jewish victims of horrific violence was incredibly moving. I felt great respect and appreciation not only for Operation Embrace, but also for the quiet, modest way Aviva does this important work.

When Aviva told me about an upcoming gathering planned by Operation Embrace for victims and families of those kidnapped, murdered or wounded on October 7, and asked me if I........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)