If a Place Could Make You Cry: Reflections on Three Weeks in Israel

The author feeding goats at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village. Photo courtesy of the author.

Pictured left to right: Leslie Gonzalez, author Randi Richmond, Jody Comins and Debbie Knight in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of the author.

Hadassah Evolve Leadership Fellows volunteering in Israel. Photo courtesy of the author

Leslie Gonzalez, author Randi Richmond and Rachel Chernoff at the Kotel in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of the author.

I recently returned from almost three weeks in Israel and yet I struggle to put my experience into words. Throughout my time in Israel—nearly three weeks immersed in its beauty, complexities and resilience—I found myself unable to write about it, unable to articulate the emotions that flooded me at every turn.

The phrase that keeps coming to mind is the title of a book by Daniel Gordis: If a Place Could Make You Cry. Because that’s exactly how I feel. Israel makes me cry.

Tears of joy. Tears of sorrow. Tears of profound connection. And through all those tears, I feel a deep sense of belonging.

Leading an Evolve Hadassah Leadership Fellows Mission
For nine days, I, three Hadassah volunteer leaders and an incredible Israeli guide, Nili, had the honor of leading an Evolve Hadassah Leadership Fellows mission across Israel, journeying from the south to the north (Evolve Hadassah Leadership Fellows is Hadassah’s leadership development program). Our itinerary was packed with powerful moments—places, people and experiences that told the story of Israel’s strength and resilience.

Moments That Moved Me
Hadassah Neurim Youth Village – Perched on a stunning cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this village, one of two youth villages supported by Hadassah, offers at-risk youth a second chance. We volunteered alongside the student residents, sharing in their stories and aspirations. Here and at every volunteer opportunity, we were met with immense appreciation—surprise, even, that we had come from America to support Israel during such challenging times.)

Graffiti Walking Tour in Tel Aviv – Art as resistance, art as history, art as a voice for the people. The walls of Tel Aviv told stories in color and creativity.

Moshav Netiv Ha’Asara and Sderot – Standing on the border with Gaza, we came to bear witness to the atrocities of October 7.

The Nova Music Festival Site – A place once filled with music and joy, now a site of devastation and heartbreak. There are no words for the emotions that washed over us there.

Yad Vashem – The Holocaust Memorial, a place of sorrow and memory, where history meets the present in haunting ways.

Henrietta Szold’s Grave – Paying tribute to Hadassah’s founder, who laid the foundation for so much of what Israel’s healthcare and humanitarian efforts are today.

Hadassah Medical Organization (Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, Gandel Rehabilitation Center) – Here, where healing happens in the face of trauma, we met an unnamed soldier in rehab, his resilience and determination embodying the spirit of Israel.

Druze Village and Tzfat – Learning about the Druze community’s unique role in Israeli society and exploring the mystical city of Tzfat, where spirituality lingers in the air.

Jeep Tour Along the Lebanese Border – Tracing the rugged northern terrain while discussing security, history, and coexistence.

Hostages Square in Tel Aviv – A sobering reminder of the ongoing struggle for those still missing, a place where hope and heartbreak coexist.

Remarkable Speakers
Throughout the trip, we were privileged to hear from remarkable speakers like Haviv Rettig Gur, an Israeli journalist who has an unmatched way of explaining Israel’s complexities; Lt. Col. (Res.) Eyal Dror, who created the Good Neighbor project, which brings Syrians with medical issues to Israel for medical treatment and advances a connection between the two peoples, even without a peace treaty; and Oshra Friedman, an Ethiopian Jew working to advance women’s status in Israeli society.

The Flavors and Markets of Israel
One of the most joyful parts of this trip was experiencing Israel through its food. The shuks, or markets, are explosions of color, flavor, and energy. With fresh fruit and vegetables stacked high, the scent of spices and fresh bread wafting through the air and vendors calling out their daily specials, the markets are a feast for the senses.

Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem and Carmel Market in Tel Aviv were two of my favorite spots. There’s nothing like wandering through the stalls sampling fresh produce, picking up warm, flaky bourekas, and, of course, indulging in my absolute favorite treat—halva. The sesame-based sweet, in flavors ranging from pistachio to chocolate, is simply addictive.

Every meal in Israel feels like a celebration, whether it’s simply falafel balls stuffed into a warm pita, an elaborate mezze spread of hummus, labneh and grilled vegetables or a perfectly charred shawarma.

The food isn’t just delicious. It tells the story of the country, blending influences from Jewish communities worldwide. It’s a reminder of the diversity, resilience and creativity of Israeli culture.

Supporting Israeli Artists and Small Businesses
Beyond shopping at the markets, I made a conscious effort to support Israeli artists and small business owners. Whether it was handmade jewelry, clothing or intricate Judaica, each purchase felt like an opportunity to connect with the country in a deeper way.

Each item I brought home isn’t just a souvenir, but a piece of Israel’s story made by someone whose hands and heart are in their craft.

Staying On: A Personal Week in Israel
After the mission ended, I stayed in Israel for another week, living in an apartment in Tel Aviv, seeking out moments of connection and reflection.

Cooking for Israeli Soldiers – Giving back in the simplest yet most meaningful way.

Gazos Beach, Tel Aviv – A breath of fresh air to enjoy with friends, a place where the Mediterranean waves seemed to wash away the heaviness of the days before.

Akko (Acre) – A port city that embodies the layered history of the land, where Jews and Arabs live side by side surrounded by ancient walls and modern stories.

Tel Lachish – The second-most important fortified city of the Kingdom of Judea, a site of biblical significance that reminds me how every stone in Israel has a story to tell.

The Heart of Israel
What struck me most—beyond the places, beyond the history—is the unwavering sense of community in Israel. No matter what challenges arise, the people stand together, lifting each other up. The pride, the belonging, the resilience—it’s overwhelming. It’s deeply moving. It’s pure joy.

If a place could make you cry, it would be Israel. And I would cry those tears again and again.

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Randi Richmond is the director of Evolve Hadassah: The Next Generation and a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders, members and staff members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place. It’s where they celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 500 columns in The Times of Israel Blogs and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.