My introduction to this trip was unique in that I signed up just six weeks before leaving when a spot unexpectedly opened. In many ways, I committed blindly—I didn’t really know anyone going, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But I’ve always believed that the most personal growth comes from stepping into unfamiliar situations, and I knew this experience would be no different. I had recently become involved with the Youth Renewal Fund, and this felt like the perfect way to deepen my connection to the organization and its mission. More than anything, I hoped to return home with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, ready to make an impact.
Throughout the trip, the school visits were undoubtedly the highlight. Before our first visit, those who had been on the trip before kept saying, “Just wait until you meet the kids—they are truly something else.” The moment I stepped into Darca Midrasha for the Arts, Sciences, and Social Leadership, I understood exactly what they meant. There was an undeniable energy in the students, a spark of ambition and curiosity that was contagious. What struck me the most was their unwavering sense of purpose—especially those who live so close to the Gaza border and have endured so much since October 7. Despite everything, they radiated positivity and resilience. They spoke with such confidence about their dreams, whether for their service in the IDF or their careers beyond it. Nearly every aspiration they shared had an underlying theme of giving back, of making a difference in their communities. It was inspiring in a way that’s hard to put into words.
Our visit to Darca René Cassin High School in Jerusalem was just as powerful. The school is a true example of coexistence, proving that peace begins with relationships. Seeing Arab and Israeli students learning and growing together was a reminder that real change starts at the most personal level—with friendship, understanding, and shared experiences. At both schools, I saw firsthand how Darca is shaping not just strong students but future leaders. Their approach goes beyond academics, fostering creativity, innovation, and self-confidence in a way I had never witnessed before. Spending time with Shahar and learning about how he is integrating technology into the curriculum to enhance learning was eye-opening. The level of innovation in these schools felt ahead of its time and far beyond anything I had experienced in the U.S. The Darca team is giving these students so much more than an education—it’s equipping them with the tools to become thoughtful, driven, and compassionate leaders.
One of the hardest parts of the trip was visiting Kfar Aza. Walking through the kibbutz, the contrast between its beauty and the horrors of October 7 was striking. The peacefulness of the surroundings—the soft wind, the sound of birds chirping—felt surreal knowing the devastation that had occurred there. What shook me the most were the remnants of everyday life left untouched: a bag of coffee grounds, a pair of sneakers, a jar of protein powder. These small, ordinary objects made the tragedy feel all the more real. Before this trip, I had always wondered why people would choose to live so close to the Gaza border, given the risks. But the second I stepped onto the kibbutz, I understood. Kfar Aza was a place filled with beauty, warmth, community, and a deep sense of home. That realization made the loss even more heartbreaking.
The second half of the trip took us to the UAE, a place I had never visited before. The itinerary was packed with insightful programming, but one of the most memorable moments was meeting Rabbi Levi Duchman at the Chabad Education Center in Dubai. He shared an incredible story about how the first mikvah in the UAE was built—rooted in an act of kindness from twenty years ago that came full circle. It was a powerful reminder of how even the smallest gestures can have an immeasurable impact. Experiencing an Iftar meal during Ramadan was another unforgettable moment. Sitting with Emiratis and breaking bread together underscored how much more unites us than divides us.
More than anything, this trip reinforced the power of relationships. Time and time again, we saw how coexistence isn’t just an ideal but something tangible—built through shared experiences, open conversations, and a willingness to connect. Whether it was in a Darca classroom in Jerusalem or over dinner in Abu Dhabi, the message remained the same: real change happens on a personal level.
Another deeply meaningful aspect of this trip was the group itself. Everyone came from different backgrounds and professions, yet each person brought something unique and positive to the experience. I was so appreciative of how excited everyone was to connect, listen, and learn from one another. The group dynamic added an extra layer of richness and reflection to the entire journey. The people I met on this trip had a huge impact on me, and I feel lucky to have shared this experience with them.
And of course, the trip was run so seamlessly thanks to the incredible planning and leadership of the Snyders and the YRF/Darca team. Every detail was thoughtful and intentional, creating space for us to learn, reflect, and grow together.
If there’s one thing I hope others take away from my experience, it’s how deeply impactful the work of YRF/Darca truly is. This trip was about far more than education—it was about equity, resilience, and hope. I also hope it serves as a reminder that kindness, openness, and human connection have the power to change lives. You never know how one conversation, one relationship, or one act of generosity might shape the future.