While I was in high school in the summer of 2012, I took my first trip…
Dating in New York City in your mid-twenties is no easy task. People are looking for different things. It’s difficult to make a meaningful connection last longer than a few dates. We—Dana and Zach—both wanted to find someone who felt a strong connection to Israel and wanted to pass it on to their future family. We’ve loved Israel deeply throughout our lives. Little did we know that we would meet and fall in love with each other there, too.
After over a year of COVID lockdowns and restrictions, we both longed to return to Israel. In July 2021, we signed up for a Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors. The group was gathering at JFK Airport in New York City when Dana noticed Zach and his mom walking around, searching for the group. She called out to them: “You’re with us!” This spontaneous greeting would prove to be the beginning of something special. Zach’s mom later remarked that from that moment, she knew there was something unique between us. And she was right.
As we embarked on our trip, we felt a certain magic. Israel has a way of inspiring deep reflection. For us, it wasn’t just the stunning landscapes or sacred sites that made the trip unforgettable. These experiences helped us discover who we are, what we value, and what we want for our futures. It’s no surprise, then, that our relationship blossomed naturally in such an environment. In a place that felt both ancient and modern, we were given the space to explore, reflect, and ultimately fall in love.
On the first day of the trip, we quarantined at a hostel in northern Israel. COVID protocols meant we couldn’t leave the hostel until everyone’s results came back. With little to do, we spent most of the day together, doing icebreakers and getting to know one another. Although our group was large, there was an intimacy in the way we were forced to bond during that time, breaking down barriers and forming quick connections. On the first night, all the girls went into one of the boys’ rooms to watch TV together and hang out. It was there that Dana felt a spark and was instantly drawn to Zach.
The next day, we finally left quarantine and set off to explore northern Israel. We hiked through the cool waters of a natural stream and wandered through the artistic streets of Tzfat, chatting about everything from our past travels to our craziest college stories. It was during these moments, surrounded by the beauty of Israel, that we found ourselves naturally aligning in our values, interests, and life goals.
That evening, we camped out under the stars up north. Zach suggested we go for a walk to explore the campsite. As we walked, the quiet of the night and the vast, open space around us gave us a sense of clarity. Something deeper was growing between us. There was a connection that felt as natural and enduring as the land we were standing on. We both knew this wasn’t just a fleeting travel romance, but the beginning of something real.
Our experience at the Western Wall also helped to solidify our relationship. The Wall itself is a symbol of endurance, hope, and prayer—a place where millions have come to reflect, make wishes, and seek guidance. Sharing that moment with someone you care about, standing in the presence of such a profound history, can evoke feelings of vulnerability, sincerity, and openness. While we had each been to the Kotel before on various trips, this time felt different.
As our Birthright trip drew to a close, Dana planned to stay in Israel for another month, but Zach was returning to New York. We decided to see each other again when we were both in the U.S. Despite the distance, we continued to get closer and officially started dating the day after Dana got back from Israel. After a year and a half of long-distance—from New Jersey to Long Island—we decided to move in together in NYC, where we currently live with our dog, Marlie. Three and a half years into our relationship, we are happily engaged, all thanks to Birthright.
Looking back, it’s impossible to ignore how Israel was the catalyst for both our individual journeys and our shared love story. Thank you, Birthright Israel, for allowing us to fall even more in love with Israel, and for giving us the opportunity to fall in love with each other.
