By Akiva Levine

This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in NCSY’s Euro-Israel summer program. Aside from the wonderful travel experiences I gained, visiting Israel allowed me to connect to our shared Jewish heritage and history; it sharpened my understanding of Israel’s post-October 7th experiences, teaching the resilience and rebirth of the Israeli people in the face of adversity. 

Visiting countries such as the U.K. and the Netherlands allowed me not only to explore vibrant European Jewish history, but also to experience current European Jewish communities. When I visited a synagogue in Birmingham, U.K, I was awed by the building’s magnificence, a testament to the endurance of Birmingham’s Jewish history and current Jewish community. Speaking with two Jewish teens in that synagogue and emotionally connecting with them made me proud to relate to other Jewish individuals across the globe— sharing heritage, history and aspirations. When we visited Amsterdam, a vibrant Jewish community and history was displayed there as well, as I stood in the grand hall of one of Europe’s oldest synagogues. As I visited the place where Anne Frank hid, I was astounded at her family’s strength and bravery as they avoided Nazi tyranny. Witnessing the very attic where she hid was a journey through time—a window displaying the overall historical struggle of the Jews, but also the Jews’ persistence. By traveling with NCSY to Amsterdam and Birmingham, I was able to connect to the vibrant Jewish history and community present in Europe.   

When NCSY Euro traveled to Israel, I transitioned from connecting to persecutions in Jewish history to relating to our people’s current dilemmas. While in Israel I witnessed first-hand October 7th’s impact on Israel and our Ancestral Homeland’s affected experience. Visiting Sderot and witnessing the decimated police station once inundated by Hamas Terrorists, provided a harsh reality displaying the grave effects of October 7th. Visiting the Tkuma car cemetery and witnessing thousands of burned vehicles, was yet another reminder of October 7th’s impact. Perhaps the most meaningful revelation was the Nova Festival Memorial, situated in the Gaza envelope. Being 6,000 miles away hearing of the massacre is one thing, but to stand together as members of Am Yisroel (the Jewish people) on the very blood-stained ground, witnessing the sight of Jewish bloodshed, is striking. Traversing the grounds of the festival, we then heard from a survivor of the festival, as she told her harrowing story of hiding in the bathroom during the attack. This survivor was a remnant, a living testimony to the suffering and evil elicited on October 7th. 

All of these experiences however, also contained aspects of rebirth. In Sderot, as we turned to the left of the police station, we saw a symbol: a mural of a lion, representing Israel’s resilience in its enduring battle. Hearing from the festival survivor was rejuvenating as we stood in front of a brave soul of the Israeli people. And, as we prayed united at the Nova sight, a sense of frighteningly literal rejuvenation shook us: shots of artillery shells were heard, being fired in Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces. It felt as if God himself now portrayed a remnant of Israel’s response to such evil, for us to experience. Leaving all of these sights left a wound on one’s soul, followed by a branding on such a wound, which cried: “Jewish rebirth!” 

Amidst the profound revelations of resilience throughout our program, the most poignant moment occurred when we heard from a human being deeply affected by the war, yet still weaving threads of hope – Rachel Goldberg Polin, mother of Hersch Goldberg Polin z”l. Hearing her speak while standing among 300 teens from various other summer programs uplifted each of us. The way she conducted herself with dignity and strength was remarkable—her own son was captive to the chains of Hamas. Hearing her story inspired me and answered the burning question of “How do you maintain strength and hope for rebirth?” She spoke about waking up everyday to say “Modeh Ani,” a prayer thanking God for one's daily “rebirth” in this world. Rachel discussed her gratitude to God for being able to have faith in her continual endurance. Her determination to live and to bring Hersch home was evident as she recounted meetings with prominent figures in secular society - like the Pope - to advocate for Hersch’s release. She also discussed her willingness to journey worldwide as a speaker and a symbol of the post-October 7th struggle. Last month Hersch Goldberg Polin was tragically murdered by Hamas, along with five other hostages. May his memory be a blessing, a symbol of the perseverance of the Jewish people. 

Participating in the NCSY Euro-Israel program provided me a glimpse into Jewish history and current Jewish communities in European cities like Birmingham and Amsterdam. Traveling to Israel then guided me from my encounter with Jewish history to experiencing the spirit of the Jewish people. Visiting the sights of Nova, the Tkuma car cemetery, and Sderot delivered a grave reminder of the gravity of Israel’s situation. Rachel Goldberg Polin’s inspiring story studded with resilience has heightened my understanding of what it means to be a part of Am Yisroel. As I move forward in my life journey, I carry not just the memories of my experience, but a renewed sense of responsibility that defines our people. Taking these lessons learned from NCSY Euro-Israel, I hope to teach others of the endurance of the Jewish spirit— how to rebuild and undergo rebirth as members of Am Yisroel.