Thirty student leaders beyond the Jewish faith recently returned from Jewish National Fund-USA’s Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel, a program that fosters understanding and allyship with Jewish and pro-Israel students on American college campuses.
The fully subsidized experience inspires lifelong Zionist identity in non-Jewish student leaders and equips attendees with the confidence to return to their universities to advocate for informed, constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East. Students meet with Israelis of all backgrounds; visit historical Christian and Jewish sites; and engage in honest conversations about Israel’s complexities, challenges and triumphs, leaving them with a deeper appreciation of the country’s history, nuances and positive role in the world.
The action-packed itinerary took students from the Sea of Galilee to Tel Aviv, Haifa to Jerusalem, and down to the Negev Desert. Along the way, they encountered Jewish, Arab, Christian, Druze and Ethiopian Israelis, gaining insights into the vibrant and multifaceted fabric of Israeli society.
“One of the most surprising parts was how joyful and kind everyone was,” said Polly Johnston, who attends the University of Kansas. “I think in the United States, we are given this perception that everyone is the same in Israel, and that’s not the case at all. Everyone has their own opinions and comes from different backgrounds, and they’re not afraid to tell you, which is absolutely wonderful.”
For many, the experience also offered a deeply personal connection to faith and heritage. Several Christian participants chose to be baptized in the Jordan River, and the group visited significant Christian sites, from the Via Dolorosa to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, one of the holiest Christian sites outside the Vatican.
Beyond cultural encounters, students engaged with Israel’s present-day realities. A jeep tour along the Lebanese border offered a sobering look at the country’s security challenges. At the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation, they witnessed Israel’s drive to build a better future. A lecture from Israel Defense Forces spokesman retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus explored Israel’s global image and the difficult balance between morality, security and diplomacy.
“As a devout Christian, I wanted to both see where my faith comes from and better understand the Jewish side of the Israel-Hamas war,” said Andrew Norton, a student at the University of New Mexico. “I’ve seen new perspectives that will help guide the conversations I have back home toward a reality that offers peace, safety and respect for Jewish students, the Jewish people and the country of Israel.”
Some moments were deeply emotional. At Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, students heard from the grandson of two hostages, one of whom was killed in captivity. At the Nova Music Festival Memorial Site, they met a mother whose daughter was murdered on Oct. 7. And at Yad Vashem, the world’s preeminent Holocaust remembrance center, they reflected on the significance of Israel as a refuge and homeland.
Now back on campuses, the Caravan for Democracy alumni have already made an impact, educating their peers and facilitating constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East, and were surprised to discover that many classmates weren’t even aware of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
“While it shocked me people had absolutely no clue what I was discussing regarding Oct. 7, it showed me how necessary programs like this are in educating and motivating students to engage in meaningful discourse, sharing their firsthand experiences in Israel and advocating for the Jewish voices around them,” said Texas Tech student Mikayla Koppy. “I am so thankful to have experienced this program and Israel firsthand. My life will forever be changed.”
In addition to Caravan for Democracy, Jewish National Fund-USA is the largest provider of Israel engagement programs in the United States, linking learning, travel and leadership so youth, families and adults stay connected to the land and people of Israel for life.
The next Caravan for Democracy mission is from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2027. To learn more, visit: jnf.org/caravan.
