When asking college students about their summer plans, many will talk about internships or jobs, extra classes they’re taking or a nice vacation they’ve scheduled. A group of nearly 100 college students from around the country, however, have started out the summer very differently. They volunteered for the Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Alternative Break,” where they support families in southern Israel affected by the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, while also ensuring that the land and people of Israel can strive towards a brighter future.
During the weeklong trip, students traveled all throughout Israel—repairing houses damaged by missiles, beautifying and rebuilding communities in Israel’s south, working on farms in the Negev Desert, and making food packages for Israeli soldiers and civilians affected by the war. No matter where they went, the students left knowing they had made the area a better place.
“Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alternative Break was an incredible opportunity to connect with new friends, the land of Israel, and those who live there,” said Leah Cherson, a student at Binghamton University. “The meaning that I found in our volunteer work is beyond words. From farming to rebuilding neighborhoods, we saw all sides of the Israeli experience. I was lucky to have participated in such an incredible program.”
Participants also got a firsthand look at both the heartbreak and resilience Israelis have experienced since the onset of the war through this immersive educational program. The students visited “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv, speaking with family members who shared personal stories of loved ones captured by Hamas. They attended a memorial ceremony at the site of the Nova Music Festival massacre in the south. They also went to Soroka Hospital and learned how the facility handled the influx of wounded patients post-Oct. 7.
Even through the heartbreak, the spirit of Israel shone through. “I’ve been to Israel many times over the last couple of years, and I think this is the most alive the country has ever felt, which is surprising given the incredible amount of adversity and hardship this community has endured,” said University of Colorado student Jake Stone in an interview with ILTV. “If there’s ever a time to come to Israel and help, it’s now.”
In a few months, and for some even sooner, the students will return to their college campuses, an environment that has become increasingly hostile towards Jewish and pro-Israel students. However, thanks to Alternative Break, they feel more prepared to engage in dialogue about Israel and stand up to Jew-hatred.
“One of the best things we can do is go back to our campuses and be the pro-Israel and Zionist leaders that our campuses need,” said Bali Levine, who attends Tulane University in New Orleans. “Being surrounded by this great group has really inspired me to continue my activism and fight for the Jewish people.”
As the largest provider of Zionist education, Jewish National Fund-USA offers a plethora of programming and tools for college students, from educational trips to Israel and bringing speakers to campuses, to the new college campus resources page to help students report antisemitism on their campus. Students are also invited to the organization’s College Summit this November at the Global Conference for Israel (jnf.org/gc).
To learn more or to join a volunteer mission in Israel, visit: jnf.org/volunteeril.
