Before I went to Israel just over 2 years ago, I didn’t really understand what people meant when they said it feels like “home.” I didn’t have family there, and I knew it was important, but I just didn’t feel a connection to a place halfway across the world I have never visited.

But after I visited Israel, my whole opinion changed. I was just expecting a fun vacation, but it turned out to be a life-changing experience. To start, despite being a small country, it is filled with natural beauty and wonderful views. But the part that made the real impact on me was seeing and being immersed in the culture. It is amazing seeing so many people celebrating the same religion as you from across the world. Learning about the history of the country and all of the struggles and wars they have gone through and still pushed through. I came back having a much stronger connection to both my religion and Israel.

That’s why I believe every Jewish teen should visit Israel at least once. Now that hopefully the awful war is in the past, Israel is in a safe place and ready to embrace all Jewish tourists. Visiting Israel isn’t about politics or tourism; it's about bonding. Israel puts Judaism into 3-D. You don't learn about the holidays or the traditions; you live them. You get to see what it is to stop a country in its tracks on Shabbat. You hear Hebrew and may not understand it, but know that they still share the same story as you do, despite their different backgrounds.

Traveling to Israel makes you understand that being Jewish isn’t just about going to services or participating in holidays; it's about being part of a global, living community. This realization has really affected how I view Judaism in my own community. I'm more invested during services. Holidays feel more special. And I've come to appreciate how BBYO's values of community, leadership, pride, and connection reflect what I saw there.

Visiting Israel gives you a perspective that no video, article, or argument ever can. You see the country's beauty, complexity, and strength for yourself. You realize that Israel isn't an abstraction; it's millions of people living their normal lives, celebrating, working, and hoping.

This summer I will be going to Israel again. Now that I am older, I hope to gain new meaning and understanding of this amazing country. I can't wait to experience the beautiful culture again.

If you get the opportunity to go to Israel, do it. Immerse yourself in the culture, live amongst the Israelis, and try to feel that connection. Every Jew should experience that once, to be in Israel and know that no matter where we live, we're all part of the same story and can call the same place home.