I didn’t go on Birthright when I was younger. I had been to Israel once before — on a family trip in July 2023, just a few months before October 7th. That vacation lit a spark. But after October 7th, something shifted. The fire was lit.

Honestly, it started with an Instagram ad. I saw something pop up about volunteer opportunities in Israel, and I thought, Is this real? Is this crazy? I’m about to turn 50 — can I really do this? I filled out the application. Everything happened quickly: a short interview, an orientation Zoom, a booked flight. I’ve never done anything like this alone — I have three kids — but I felt pulled to do more than post or donate. I needed to show up. To have my hands in the soil.

It was a tremendous experience. There were people from all over, many in their 20s. It was inspiring and contagious — being around so many people who wanted to help. I didn’t feel out of place, even being on the older side of the age range. We were all there with the same goal.

We stayed in Tel Aviv. On the first day, we volunteered at Schneider Children’s Hospital. It was amazing — just being with the kids, doing arts and crafts, making jewelry. Most of the kids didn’t speak English, but that didn’t matter. Kids are kids.

We also worked at Leket, the food bank, and sorted 11,000 pounds of produce. I had no idea how widespread food insecurity is in Israel. That opened my eyes. We spent another day packaging meals for Holocaust survivors and families in need — olive oil, beans, grape juice, flour. It felt so good to be physically doing something.

The most emotional day was when we visited the temporary kibbutz near Hatzerim and the Nova music festival site. I’ll never forget it.

We also worked with a farmer whose best friend was killed on October 7th. He lost most of his workers and really needed help. We spent the day cleaning leeks. He wasn’t a generational farmer — he started his farm himself, and his story stuck with me.

Throughout the trip, I was blown away by the gratitude of the Israeli people. Everywhere we went, people thanked us. Waitresses, shopkeepers, strangers — they couldn’t believe we came. And it wasn’t six degrees of separation from October 7th — it was one. Everyone had a story. Everyone knew someone.

My family was supportive, but surprised. I left right after orientation, took a 5:15 a.m. flight, and returned 10 days later. Looking back, I wish I had stayed longer. I didn’t know how comfortable and useful I’d feel. Now I know. I would have extended the trip if I could.

What am I most proud of? That I followed through. A lot of people feel the need to help, but taking that step — buying the ticket, boarding the flight — that was big for me. I’m proud I did it, and I’m proud of my fellow volunteers.

And it changed me. This didn’t feel like a box I checked off — it felt like the first step. I want to go back. I’m already looking into other ways to stay involved. I’m talking about it constantly — with friends, with my kids, with anyone who will listen.

I didn’t grow up super religious. In New York, being Jewish was just part of the environment. But when we went to Israel last summer, it unlocked something in me. I felt a connection that had been quiet for a long time. I bought a Star of David necklace in Jerusalem, and I haven’t taken it off since.

After October 7th, I couldn’t stay quiet. I expected the world to respond with the same outrage I felt — and when that didn’t happen, I realized I needed to speak up. To engage. To educate. That’s what this trip gave me: clarity, confidence, connection.

If you’re thinking about volunteering, go. Don’t overthink it. Don’t let fear stop you. I never felt unsafe. What you get back will outweigh everything you give. You’ll feel useful, connected, and proud.

If you’re considering donating to Birthright Israel — please do. This program changed my life. It’s an investment in Jewish identity, in the future of Israel, and in people like me who are ready to show up and give back.

This was just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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