Israel Day 4

By Dahlia Siegel

Last month, through my synagogue Baron Hirsch, I went on a life changing trip to Israel. Through touring, volunteering, and learning, I found value in every activity. Every day was filled with opportunities to assist the country, but the final day of our trip was especially meaningful. 

On that last day, we heard from Hadas Lowenstern, who gave us words of Chizuk, or strength. Hadas’ husband, Elisha, was a reservist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) who fought in Gaza. He was fatally shot by Hamas on the seventh night of Chanukah. Though Hadas is now in a horrible situation, she has extreme faith in Hashem, G-d, and makes the best of the situation for her family. She is a woman full of joy and pride and ensures that her six children, including a baby, live a fulfilling life. For example, when soldiers came to her door on Chanukah to tell her the news of her husband's death, she responded to them, “Thank G-d, only my husband died.” Another moment when Hadas inspired me was when the soldiers delivered a box to her, full of her husband's belongings, that box reminded her of death. But, she ultimately filled up the box with her baby's toys, transforming that box to symbolize life. She explained to us that in our own lives, we decide what goes into our “box.” We can fill our lives with happiness and hope, or sadness and despair. Hadas’ story of anguish reminded us of how lucky we are, and we left her home feeling uplifted. We felt so fortunate to have met such an extremely powerful and influential individual.

Our last activity of this impactful trip was organizing a barbeque for IDF soldiers. We grilled and then served the food. This was especially meaningful for me because the soldiers repeatedly told us “thank you” for making them food, when really we were the ones thanking them for protecting us. This demonstrated to me how humble the brave IDF soldiers are. After they ate, we sang, danced, and conversed with them. It was amazing to discover how similar we are. Before heading off to the airport, we also handed them thank you cards that students at my school wrote. They were very appreciative of them.

The Teen Israel Experience was an eye opening adventure, and I feel closer to Israel than ever before. I would like to thank Mr. Eitan and Mrs. Dina Selter, the Baron Hirsch youth directors, for organizing this trip, as well as Rabbi Lichter, and Jan and Andy Groveman for sponsoring this trip. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.