Eleanor Holtzman

By Eleanor Holtzman

Touching down at Ben Gurion airport I felt something I've never felt before. It was the extraordinary pride of being Jewish and being in the country I've always dreamed of visiting. Tears filled my eyes as we first walked on the land of our forefathers. That feeling will stay with me for as long as I live.

Entering the Kotel and seeing the wall the evening we arrived in Jerusalem left me speechless. I knew then that this trip was like no other.  Although there were so many amazing experiences we shared on this trip, this walk into the Kotel was my highlight.

Since being in Israel I think about the places we visited and it seems like a dream. Being there for Holocaust Remembrance Day was incredible. The country stopped when sirens blared. Watching how Israelis show the love and respect of their country, our country, is like nothing I've ever witnessed.  Being at Independence Hall on the 66th anniversary of Israel's independence, walking through Yad Vashem, visiting the bullet factory and seeing how courageous and determined our people were to gain independence amazed me.

And then there was Masada and the Dead Sea, another highlight of the most extraordinary trip of my life.  Tel Aviv and Jaffa were the icing on the cake.

Because of our trip to Israel I've gained so much more than beautiful memories.  I feel like it is a part of me and has inspired me to learn more, and become more involved in temple activities and the Jewish community.

We made so many lasting friendships on this trip, which was an added bonus. Walking into temple and seeing the wonderful people who were with us for this experience has made me feel even more connected to United Hebrew and Israel.