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Alexandra Bentes

Feb 19, 2026, 10:10 PM

My Gesher Israel Experience

Last summer, I had the privilege of taking part in Gesher Israel, an experience that has left a permanent mark on my heart and my identity. I was lucky enough to win the 2025 Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a...

Mihran Kalaydjian

Nov 29, 2025, 9:17 AM

This Thanksgiving, American Jews Are Done Staying Quiet

This Thanksgiving does not feel like the ones we grew up with, and there is no pretending otherwise. For American Jews, this holiday — long cherished as a celebration of safety, gratitude, and belonging — arrives during one of...

Nov 11, 2025, 11:28 PM

Zionism is Not a Spectator Sport

At the World Zionist Congress (WZC), youthful idealism met adult cynicism - and proved that engagement is the true Zionist act. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the 39th World Zionist Congress. It was my...

Aug 7, 2025, 11:56 AM

Israeli Innovators Empowering the Next Generation

From Young Innovators to Future Leaders, Israel's Youth Are Driving Technological Change Israel has long been recognized as a ‘Start-up Nation,’ known for its cutting-edge innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and high-tech leadership. However, the key to sustaining this remarkable status in...

May 27, 2025, 12:24 AM

Summer Camp Paper Memories: The Letters Sent and Received

Photo courtesy of Camp Young Judaea Midwest.

Shortly before I left for Young Judaea’s Year Course in Israel, a “gap year” program between high school and college, my father told me not to phone home. This was September 1973 (the year is important). I can’t recall exactly...

Jan 20, 2025, 1:20 AM

Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, Romi Gonen

As I sit in my comfortable El AL airplane seat, counting down the hours of my arrival to my second home, Israel, it is also hours from the release of the first three hostages, Romi, Emily and Doron. For...

Oct 7, 2024, 8:07 PM

October 8th – The Day After October 7th

Young Judaea Year Courser looking at the sunset.

Although we are still processing all that occurred on October 7th and the significance of that day, it is clear we are living in a “before” and “after” October 7th. We must mark the liminality of that day. When the...

Apr 26, 2024, 8:04 PM

Are Our Youth Leading or Are They Being Led?

As a true believer in youth empowerment and leader of a Zionist youth movement, I’ve struggled with several weighty questions over the past few days while watching the encampments on college campuses across the country. Should there be limits to...

Apr 21, 2024, 2:01 AM

Dayenu: A reflection

I wanted to return the Jewish People to the means of production like I learned in my Zionist youth movement, Young Judaea: the imperative from Ber Borochov and socialist Zionism to make the desert bloom, as illustrated in the...

Apr 11, 2024, 7:40 AM

Take a Gap Year to Israel Now? Convince me!

Illustrative. Israel Programs from Young Judaea. (courtesy, Young Judaea)

There are great reasons to consider taking a gap year to Israel right now. Consider these as you and your teen contemplate how to spend your time this coming Fall. The “Zionism” argument Being a Zionist right now in North America...

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