American Jewish Teens Strengthen Ties with Israel, Impacting Both Sides
Every summer, thousands of American Jewish teenagers travel to Israel through NCSY summer programs, such as the Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), to deepen their connection to the Jewish homeland. This year, participants discovered that their presence in Israel was not only about personal growth but also about providing support to the Israeli community. During a visit to Misgav Am, a kibbutz on Israel's border with Lebanon, an IDF soldier expressed gratitude to the teens for their visit, emphasizing the importance of their support. This interaction highlighted a shift in the teens' understanding of their role in the Jewish community, as they realized they were not just recipients of the Jewish story but active contributors. The experience was particularly poignant given the rise in antisemitism and isolation faced by Jewish teenagers in the U.S. since October 2023. 
