I’m 32 years old, born in Russia, and raised in New Jersey. My family came to the U.S. in 1996 as refugees fleeing antisemitism in the Soviet Union. I’ve spent my adult life in America, working in the entertainment industry, and more recently transitioning into the mental health space. Being of service — giving back — has always been a big part of my life. 

Growing up, we were traditionally Jewish — not deeply religious but celebrating the High Holidays. Still, it wasn’t until recent years, especially after October 7th, that I realized something deep within me was missing — a spiritual grounding, a connection to community, to purpose. That’s when the opportunity to go on Birthright Israel Volunteer came up, and I knew in my soul that I needed to go. 

About ten years ago, I went on my first Birthright Israel trip. My parents found out about it from Gary Guz — a popular comedian in the Russian-speaking community who performs as the lovable immigrant grandmother Baba Fira, and also leads Birthright trips — and encouraged me to go. I’d been pulled out of Hebrew school early, and I didn’t have many Jewish friends growing up. So, the trip felt like the perfect opportunity for me to find that missing piece. 

At first, I was nervous. Like a lot of people, I had this vision in my head of what Israel might be like. What I found was a country full of passion, beauty, and a deep sense of belonging. I made friends I’m still close with today, and I left feeling proud — proud to be Jewish, proud to be part of something bigger than myself. That trip continues to impact me to this day. 

One of the most powerful moments was hiking Masada at sunrise. We had two paths to choose from: a long, easier route or a steep, difficult one. I chose the hard path — and it felt symbolic. Reaching the top, watching the sun rise with this new community around me, I felt connected: mind, body, and spirit. That moment was my first real taste of spirituality — a higher power, a sense of purpose. And it stuck with me. 

That trip shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It gave me clarity. It reminded me that I’m never alone, that I belong to a vibrant, powerful, global community. For the first time, I finally had Jewish friends I felt fully safe to be my whole self with. 

In October 2023, I traveled to Israel again to celebrate simchas with my family — a wedding and a bar mitzvah. It was a joyful time, full of love and connection. Just a few days later, on October 7th, everything changed. 

We had just returned to the U.S. when the attacks happened. I felt helpless — sitting at home, watching everything unfold, and not knowing how to respond. I couldn’t just scroll and pray. I felt the pull to do more. 

When I heard about Birthright’s volunteer trips, I knew — deep within — that I had to go. Two weeks later, I boarded a plane. It was the middle of a war so naturally there was hesitation but the pull to be of service was stronger than the fear. 

Our volunteer work was hands-on and deeply moving. We visited families and communities directly impacted by October 7th. We helped restore community gardens. We planted flowers, cleaned up public spaces, and showed up for people in ways big and small. 

One of the most powerful experiences was preparing meals for active-duty soldiers. I’m not the greatest cook but while I was cutting and cooking, I kept imagining our soldiers — out on the frontlines — receiving these meals and feeling seen, cared for, supported. It was humbling. It motivated me to show up as the best version of myself despite uncertainty. 

Another moment that stays with me was visiting the Nova music festival site. Being there — on the actual grounds where so many lives were lost — was an indescribable experience. The grief in the air was overwhelming. But being there to witness, to remember, and to honor those lives felt necessary. 

My ancestors could never have imagined this. They suffered persecution just for being Jewish. And now here I was, standing in Israel, not just free to live openly as a Jew, but choosing to serve, to help, and to stand proudly with my people. That contrast — between where my family came from and where I’m able to go — was not lost on me. It felt like stepping forward for them. Like contributing to healing the generational trauma they carried. 

The world has changed. But what hasn’t changed is our need for connection, for purpose, for pride in who we are. That’s what Birthright Israel gives us. I would do ten more volunteer trips if I could. Birthright Israel is a miracle. It’s a gravitational pull, that goes beyond words, towards Eretz Yisrael, and keeps our connection to our birthright alive. 

 Birthright is a portal into ourselves that ripples out for future generations. It sparks lifelong friendships. It helps young Jews around the world see that they are not alone. That they belong. I am reminded that no matter where we are in the Diaspora, we will always have something bigger connecting our Neshama — the beautiful land of Israel. 

It’s more important than ever for us to come together as a Jewish nation. My hope for the future is simple: that we keep showing up for each other. That more young Jews get to experience Birthright Israel. And that we continue building a strong, proud, empowered Jewish people. 

I am so grateful to the donors of Birthright Israel for helping me write my Jewish story, and for helping others like me write theirs. 

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