Miles Hirson 4/30/25 Miles Hirson 4/30/25

From Yom Ha’Zikaron to Yom Ha’Atzmaut

The national days of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut fell on the final couple days of our trip. Childhood best friends, Audra and Tammi, sum up their experience as a whole.

Miles Hirson 4/29/25 Miles Hirson 4/29/25

“Stories are Memory Aids, Instruction Manuals & Moral Compasses”

Michele writes about the powerful experience of visiting Hostage Square, amongst other things.

Miles Hirson 4/28/25 Miles Hirson 4/28/25

No Lines

Sarah writes a blog about a day spent in the countryside and a reflection on the history of Israel at JAFI.

Miles Hirson 4/27/25 Miles Hirson 4/27/25

We Are All Part of the Story

Daniel reflects on his experience in Israel.

Miles Hirson 4/27/25 Miles Hirson 4/27/25

Hard to Believe in Coincidences

Ryan writes a meaningful blog about the power of a coincidence.

Miles Hirson 4/27/25 Miles Hirson 4/27/25

A Real Pain

Debra reflects on Cohort XI’s last day in Warsaw.

Miles Hirson 4/26/25 Miles Hirson 4/26/25

“Together we are building what should not have been destroyed.”

Jill writes about our first day in Warsaw, once one of the most Jewish cities in the world.

Miles Hirson 4/25/25 Miles Hirson 4/25/25

The March of the Living

Miriam writes the blog post on 2025’s March of The Living in Poland.

Miles Hirson 4/24/25 Miles Hirson 4/24/25

Gathering Stories

Kate Dietrick reflects the group’s solemn day through Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Miles Hirson 4/23/25 Miles Hirson 4/23/25

Footsteps Through Time: Reflections on Our First Day in Krakow

Cohort XI member, Kara Frank, reflects on the intersection between past and present during the first day in Krakow, Poland.

Miles Hirson 7/23/22 Miles Hirson 7/23/22

Dreaming Big In Israel

Julia Kravchenko reflects on a deeply personal and transformative 12-day journey to Israel, capturing the author’s emotional connection to the land, its people, and her renewed commitment to Jewish life, advocacy, and education.

Miles Hirson 5/12/22 Miles Hirson 5/12/22

AN IMPERFECTLY PERFECT JOURNEY OF PURPOSE

Lindsey Rose offers a vibrant recap of Cohort X’s 10-day journey across Israel, celebrating the people, places, food, and experiences that made it transformative, while emphasizing the lasting impact on participants’ leadership and connection to Jewish life.

Miles Hirson 5/8/22 Miles Hirson 5/8/22

Getting Up in Tel Aviv (X Marks the Spot)

Adam Garen gives his take on the final day of Cohort X in Israel, exploring the deeper meaning of “mission,” the symbolism of Tel Aviv and graffiti, and the enduring commitment to peace, connection, and sharing Jewish experiences back home.

Miles Hirson 5/4/22 Miles Hirson 5/4/22

Day 9

Andrea Potashnick shares a powerful visit to Sderot, where residents living under constant threat from Gaza inspire with their resilience, pride, and hope for peace despite daily fears.

Miles Hirson 5/3/22 Miles Hirson 5/3/22

Day 8: I to We

Lauren Goldfarb reflects on Cohort X’s journey from powerful conversations on Zionism and peacebuilding to the solemn observance of Yom HaZikaron, highlighting the group’s transformation from individuals into a united “We.”

Miles Hirson 5/2/22 Miles Hirson 5/2/22

Day 7

Aaron Biel’s post follows Cohort X from the Golan Heights to Tel Aviv, exploring border challenges, humanitarian efforts like Operation Good Neighbor and IsraAid, and ending with vibrant city life.

Miles Hirson 5/1/22 Miles Hirson 5/1/22

Day 6: Stronger Together: Lessons from Nazareth and Tiberius

Lindsey Rose captures a day of transition from Jerusalem to Nazareth, featuring Yoseph Haddad’s powerful message of unity, a visit to Israel’s leading agrotech innovation hub, and meaningful connections over wine in Tiberias.

Miles Hirson 4/30/22 Miles Hirson 4/30/22

Day 5: Finding Jewish Unity

Amy Kaufman recounts a Shabbat filled with history, reflection, joy, and unity—from Masada and the Dead Sea to Havdalah and spontaneous dancing on Jerusalem’s streets.

Miles Hirson 4/29/22 Miles Hirson 4/29/22

Day 4: Bringing in Shabbat

Susie Kaufman shares about a meaningful day in Jerusalem, from exploring sacred sites and hearing DUGRI’s message of unity, to Shabbat at the Kotel filled with food, song, and connection.

Miles Hirson 4/28/22 Miles Hirson 4/28/22

Day 3: The Solution is to Listen

William Young recounts a powerful Yom HaShoah in Israel, where listening—to sirens, survivors, refugees, and dialogue—revealed profound lessons about memory, truth, and collective reflection.