OCTOBER 2008 HOME
Actively involved in her temple youth group at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Alana Baum had heard amazing things about her fellow NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) friends’ experiences in Israel. Last fall, Alana made up her mind – she wanted to go, too! Knowing that she would most likely need a scholarship in order to help afford the month-long trip, she talked with her rabbi and youth group advisor, who suggested options she could apply for. The Jewish Federation was one of the first to respond to Alana, offering her a partial scholarship that would enable her to experience Israel for a jam-packed month in Israel on NFTY Adventure Israel. Now back from the trip, Alana took the opportunity to write a letter expressing her thanks to the Federation community for making it possible for her to have this experience. Dear Members of The Jewish Federation,
Hello, my name is Alana Baum and I just returned from a life-changing
journey to Israel that was made possible by your generous contribution.
I would like to take the time to thank you from the bottom of
my heart and tell you a little bit about my experience.
Being in Israel for a month and seeing the extent to which it affected me, makes me realize how important it is for Jewish teenagers around the world to visit the Holy Land. Not only did I gain an entirely new perspective on Israel’s position in world affairs but I also gleaned a new and exciting connection to Judaism. My personal awareness was raised greatly and on top of all that I learned about Israel’s history, I learned a lot about myself as a person.
Israel is an ancient land torn apart by an endless battle, a
place where brutal conflict and undying hope live side by side.
Before I went to Israel I had only read of and heard about its
significance to Judaism. Now, after spending a month of my life
there, I understand. I feel like I’m part of a greater
whole. And even though I live halfway across the world, I am
part of the hope and the struggle and the passion that these
people live every day.
Being in a place so far away and so different from my home in Los Angeles, I was uninhibited and saw through clear eyes for the first time in my life. My experience really inspires me to do all that I can to encourage other Jewish teens to participate in opportunities similar to my own.
It’s easy to say that you want to go to Israel and consider
the possibility, but for many families, including my own, the
cost of the trip can be an obstacle. I speak for many of the
teens on my trip when I say that we wouldn’t have been
able to have this incredible experience without support from
organizations such as yours. Your generosity and kindness blows
me away.
When I think about the changes I’ve undergone as a result of this trip, I feel so honored. It saddens me to think that financial matters could stop people from going on this trip, which is why I am so inspired by your cause. In helping people obtain the money they need to go to Israel as a teenager, you are changing people’s lives. With much gratitude, Alana Baum
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