While many college students use their breaks for leisure and relaxation, many seek something more meaningful to do with their time. A group of 30 students recently embraced the opportunity to make a difference while attending Jewish National Fund-USA’s alternative winter break trip to Israel, where they supported families impacted by the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, while ensuring that the land and people of Israel could strive towards a brighter future.
During the five-day journey, the students brought joy to kids at youth centers, worked on farms to help prevent a food shortage in the Israeli market and visited Jewish National Fund-USA’s ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, a world-class rehabilitation facility for people with disabilities. At ADI Negev, they participated in the village’s “Run for Inclusion,” raising more than $23,000 to provide much-needed post-trauma treatments for the most vulnerable members of Israeli society and heal the Negev’s war-wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers and civilians.
Students also bore witness to the destruction of Oct. 7, meeting with Israelis, soldiers, survivors and influential figures to hear their firsthand accounts, and toured sites that have since become hallowed ground. These conversations and visits also showcased the resilience and unity of everyday Israelis, inspiring the students who were there to help.
“I found every experience to be meaningful,” said Sophie Schechter, who attends the University of Vermont. “From agriculture work on a small flower farm to visiting the Nova massacre site, every moment mattered. The Jewish National Fund-USA professionals leading the mission did an incredible job planning and keeping students engaged. They were extremely relatable and that fostered great relationships between us and them. I will be recommending this trip to other Jewish students in my community.”
Many of the students on the trip were participating in Yavneh’s campus leadership program. Jewish National Fund-USA is a proud supporter of Yavneh’s efforts on both college campuses and in the young professional community.
“This partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA enables our fellows to engage meaningfully with Israel during a critical time, transforming their understanding of both the challenges and the incredible resilience of Israeli society,” said Rabbi Jonathan Shulman, director of Yavneh. “The dedication of our staff in creating this powerful experience exemplifies Yavneh’s commitment to developing the next generation of Jewish leaders.”
Jewish National Fund-USA has been hosting alternative break trips for more than 18 years, bringing 3,000 college students and young adults ages 18 to 24 to Israel. Each participant philanthropically raises $2,200 to attend the program, furthering their commitment to supporting the land and people of Israel.
As the largest provider of Zionist education, the organization also offers a plethora of programming and tools for college students, including its campus resources page to help students report antisemitism.
To learn more about Alternative Break and other volunteering opportunities in Israel, visit: jnf.org/volunteeril.