I Came to Help Israel — Witnessing History Unfold

I just graduated from high school in Dallas, Texas. For years, I’ve fought antisemitism in my school and community, giving presentations, organizing efforts, and speaking out — even when it cost me socially and emotionally. But nothing prepared me for what I would witness this summer.

After my junior year, I volunteered with the IDF through Sar-El near Gaza. Hearing bombs for the first time was terrifying, but the resilience I saw in the soldiers lit a fire in me. I returned home with renewed purpose, determined to stand with Israel. This year, the stakes are higher. I’m serving on a logistics base near the Lebanon and Syria borders, working alongside Jews, Arab Christians, and Druze — all united in defense of Israel. Then, Iran struck.

At 3:31 a.m. on June 13, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iranian missile sites and terror compounds — the first move in a critical battle to protect both Israeli and American lives. Iran is part of a hostile alliance with Russia, China, and North Korea — America’s four greatest adversaries, three of whom possess nuclear weapons. The question is clear: do we want Iran, the fourth, to join them? Iran targets major population centers with ballistic missiles. Israel is fighting this war on our behalf, taking out terror and nuclear sites, while the United States keeps boots off the ground but maintains a strong presence to warn adversaries to back off.

That day, Israel faced multiple missile attacks, and sirens rang out across the country. Many ran for shelter. I stayed outside — not because I wasn’t afraid, but because I needed to understand what Israelis endure daily and to channel that resilience into my own resolve.

When my young cousins asked me to read them a book with explosions in the background, I realized: this is their normal. If they can face it with courage, so can I. This should NOT be their normal. 

Although I couldn’t return to my base due to security restrictions, I didn’t stop serving. I spent hours preparing vital supplies for frontline soldiers — worn but unbroken — heading back into battle. In fact, just today, I spent seven and a half hours helping prepare more gear and supplies for the frontlines. I came to Israel to help, to learn, and to stand with my people. I’m still here, still serving, still committed and I am not going anywhere.

We cannot forget the hostages held in Gaza — innocent civilians whose lives hang in the balance amid this conflict. Their safety must remain a top priority as this war continues. 

I want Americans to understand: this isn’t just Israel’s fight. It’s ours. And it’s urgent. I won’t just share statistics or headlines anymore. I’ll say:
I was there. I saw it. I felt it. Let me tell you what it’s really like. To those who say my generation is lost: we’re rising. I’m 18, and instead of beaches, I chose bomb shelters, missile strikes, and standing up to the threats facing both Israel and America.

This is more than a trip. It’s a turning point — and I’m living it every day, bringing those lessons home to keep fighting for all of us.