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TEEN SUPPORTS ISRAEL AFTER INSPIRING VISIT The feelings, the motivation, and the inspiration that can be drawn from a trip to Israel are indescribable. An Israel trip—be it two weeks or a year—for American high school students is a life-changing experience that should not be missed. CJE makes it possible for countless teens from different backgrounds to venture overseas to a place they have only heard about on TV or seen in the headlines. These students see the people proudly shaping our homeland and experience the culture that has thrived there for many years. I was one of the fortunate students who traveled to the Jewish homeland for a summer program. I was privileged to see the landmarks of our heritage, the places I study about every day in the Torah. Everything we experienced in Israel was not only fun, but had historical significance as well. I hiked where King David hid from Saul, went rappelling down a mountain where our forefathers walked, rafted down the Jordan River and floated in the Dead Sea. Regardless of one’s Jewish background, there is an indescribable connection with the land. In no other country do public buses have signs quoting the Torah verse with the obligation that one has to stand for an elderly person. In no other country do you walk through the streets in December and see countless lights glistening outside every doorway—all Chanukah lights. In no other country can you find so many different kinds of Jews all dancing, singing and praying together at the sacred Kotel in Jerusalem. When I returned from Israel this past summer, I brought back an appreciation and enthusiasm to help. Last year, along with others from Yeshivat Rambam, a CJE-affiliated school, I helped organize Baltimore Eats for Israel. This program encouraged people to eat at participating restaurants that donated 10 percent of their revenue for one day to a family that fell victim to terror. This fundraiser collected more than $1500 for the family in need. This year, after my summer visit, I helped coordinate a much larger project, America Eats for Israel. This program is expected to raise even more money for the Terror Victims Association. In addition, I serve on the Israel Action Committee in my school to raise awareness about Israel. The more students who are given the opportunity to visit Israel, the more they will be inspired to work for Israel and the Jewish community. American Jewish students entering college campuses may find them filled with anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment. They will need a strong background and connection to their roots to remain steadfast and supportive of their heritage. CJE is doing a fantastic thing allowing so many students an opportunity to visit Israel . |
Adina Rosenblatt is a two-time recipient of stipends from the Community Fund for Israel Experiences (CFIE), established by THE ASSOCIATED and administered by CJE to encourage teen travel to Israel. Adina explains how her Israel experiences have inspired her to raise funds for Israeli victims of terror. This summer, more than 350 Baltimore area teens will travel to Israel though the CFIE. Applications are available in November and due in February each year. For more information, call 410-735-5016 or e-mail