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Dear Friends,
As my sister and her family sit in their bomb shelter—alongside so many others throughout Israel—I find myself trying not to dwell on the cancellation of my own trip to Israel scheduled to start at the end of this week.
I had been looking forward to joining fellow Hillel professionals on an immersive journey to witness how Israel’s landscape—and its people—have been transformed since the horrors of October 7 and the war that has followed.
Of course, my disappointment is insignificant in the face of what Israelis are enduring right now. Friends and family on the ground describe the current wave of rocket attacks as more relentless than anything they’ve experienced before.
And yet, in the midst of fear, there are glimmers of hope. There is cautious optimism that, with Iran’s military infrastructure increasingly dismantled, the Iranian people may rise up against their oppressive regime—and a brighter, more peaceful future could begin to take shape for both the Iranian and Israeli people.
Closer to home, we are holding fast to hope as well. Our Birthright trip is scheduled for July 9, and this year we have the largest group of students participating in recent memory. Our team has been hard at work—meeting with our Israeli tour guide, getting to know each of the participants (including several who are not currently involved in our Hillel), and preparing meaningful travel kits to enrich their experience.
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and we pray that the circumstances will allow our students to experience the profound connection, learning, and inspiration that only a trip to Israel can offer.
As for me, I still hope to travel to Israel in the near future—not for myself alone, but to bear witness, to deepen connection, and to stand in solidarity. Of course, there are far greater concerns right now than my postponed trip—but like so many of us, my heart is there.
May Israel and her people be blessed with safety, strength, and the promise of peace.
Thank you for standing with us, with our students, and with the people of Israel. Your support makes all of this possible—even in the most uncertain times.
With deep gratitude,
Sarita Bronstein
Executive Director
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