Embracing Israel as My Own

Though I was raised in a Christian household, I always felt a pull toward Judaism. From childhood Shabbat dinners at my best friend Sigal’s house, to my admiration for Barbra Streisand, Judaism always felt familiar, even comforting. But it wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, David, that my connection to Judaism truly deepened. At the time, I was at a spiritual crossroads, seeking answers and direction. I was introduced to the rich culture of questioning and learning that is so inherent to Judaism. We began celebrating Jewish holidays together, and before long, I was actively exploring my place within the faith through introductory courses.

For much of my adult life, I felt a part of me was missing. Choosing Judaism not only filled that gap—it unlocked new ways of thinking, loving, and connecting to a higher purpose. I often refer to myself as a “Jew by choice,” but I truly believe I was rediscovering a Jewish soul of which I hadn’t been aware. The word “convert” doesn’t capture the essence of my experience. I didn’t leave the mikvah a new person—I walked out more fully myself, more complete.

Before Birthright Israel, my connection to Israel was somewhat academic. For me, Israel was important but distant. That all changed when I stepped foot in Israel. Walking the streets of Tel Aviv, praying at the Kotel, and navigating the Shuk, I felt an undeniable change. Suddenly, Israel wasn’t just a place I’d heard about—it became personal, a part of me. It felt like my Israel.

Not only did the trip offer me a connection to the land, but it also showed me the power of community. One of the things I longed for when I embarked on this journey was to build a circle of Jewish friends. Birthright Israel gave me exactly that—and more. I found a group of people with whom I feel deeply connected, and I finally feel like I belong to a Jewish community.

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was clarifying my Jewish values. I had understood Tikkun Olam—the Jewish value of repairing the world—as a duty. Birthright Israel helped me realize that it’s not just a duty, it’s a privilege and an honor. I felt so inspired that when I returned to New York, I began volunteering my time with UJA, contributing to the causes that support Jewish communities and Israel. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand how closely intertwined my Jewish identity is with my connection to Israel. They are inseparable—one strengthens the other.

Witnessing Israel after the events of October 7th left an indelible mark on me. I’ll never forget standing at Mount Herzl, watching mothers mourn their sons who had fallen during the war, or hearing Hatikvah played in Hostage Square. These moments deepened my understanding of Israel’s resilience. During our trip, a missile barrage from Lebanon interrupted our time in northern Israel, and while stargazing in the Bedouin camp, I watched fighter jets soar across the sky. These moments shattered any illusion of peace, but they also made clear how much Israel needs all of us. I realized that Israel needs me as much as I need her.

Coming back to New York, I see anti-Israel protests on the streets, and posters of hostages vandalized. It’s a tough time to be openly Jewish. But in Israel, I felt a profound sense of belonging, a feeling that it’s possible to be Jewish openly and proudly. On my Birthright Israel trip, I met Jews from all over the world, and the shared experience of being in Israel, even amid war and uncertainty, created a bond that will last a lifetime. The generosity of Birthright Israel’s donors gave me the chance to experience that connection to Israel and the Jewish people, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

I am newly committed to participating more fully in my local Jewish community, and serving Jewish causes, exploring a board position at UJA in New York and participating in Park Avenue Synagogue’s NextDor+ program.

To those donors, and anyone considering giving, I would say this: You are giving people like me the opportunity to find our place in the Jewish world. Thanks to you, I’ve come home—to myself, to my community, and to Israel. G-d willing, one day my children will have the opportunity to have the same experience.