My name is Sammy, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I graduated from High Point University with my Master’s Degree in Communication and Business Leadership, as well as receiving a Bachelor’s in Human Relations with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. In my free time, I love to volunteer, work out, and spend time with friends and family. I attended Jewish Day School, and it was always a dream of mine to go visit Israel. I grew up with a very strong connection to my Jewish identity. I celebrated Shabbat every Friday night, went to temple on a regular basis, and observed the Jewish holidays with family and friends.

I learned so much about Israel growing up and heard stories about it, but I knew that learning about it and going to visit were two totally different things. I finally went to Israel with Diller Teen Fellows, and it was an eye-opening experience because I stayed at an Israeli host family’s house for a week and realized how different their culture is from the way I live in Miami. I loved Israel, and I definitely wanted to go back. I originally planned to go on Birthright Israel in December 2020, but of course, Covid-19 had other plans for me. Fast forward to 2022, and I was finally able to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Finally, I Claimed My Birthright

One of the highlights from my Birthright Israel trip was floating in the Dead Sea with all my friends. We all had a really fun time putting the sea mud on each other and took a ton of pictures! Another highlight of my trip was meeting the Israeli soldiers in our group. We met them on Shabbat at the beach in Tel Aviv and, right away, started doing icebreakers with them. It was very shocking to see that they were so similar to us. We had a lot of things in common, and it was easy to talk to them as well.

Samantha Rubenstein with friends on Birthright Israel

Prouder of My Jewish Heritage

Since coming home from Birthright Israel, I can safely say I am so much prouder than I ever was to be Jewish. I want to promote Birthright Israel on social media even more so I can make sure everyone knows about it. It was the best experience I have ever had. I also met so many amazing people who I will keep in touch with forever. So thank you to the donors of Birthright Israel Foundation in Miami and around the country who made this trip happen. It was a powerful experience for me.

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