“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for granting me a spot on the August 2019 Birthright Canada trip. Visiting the Holy Land was a truly heartwarming and eye opening experience for me. Visiting landmarks in the Jewish quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem & the town of Tzfat deepened my connection to Israel and moved me to tears at the Wailing wall. This first trip to Israel enlightened my knowledge base and instilled a positive connection to my ancestry. My grandmother, a Syrian Jew, who fled Damascus with 2 of her siblings at the early age of 11, crossed deserted land, famished and in fear, and found refuge in a Kibbutz where she lived for nearly 4 years before entering the army. During the nights my Birthright group spent in the Kibbutz and in the Bedouin tents, I reflected on what it must have been like to have been orphaned and phased with the unknown of the future ahead. Also, I like to believe I am very fortunate to have made such incredible connections with people from my Birthright group and others, including all the soldiers who impressed upon us their knowledge, wit and maturity. I valued the philosophical conversations held during programs as well as with my Israeli soldier roommate. Throughout the trip, I felt that this Birthright trip offered a welcoming place to give of my thoughts, to listen and to learn from others. Thinking back to the memories with my temporary « family », I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. There are no words strong enough to express my sheer gratitude for this once in a lifetime experience. And now as I start my first year at McGill University, I have confidence in the deeper understanding of my culture that you have been so kind as to bestow upon me.”
– Jennifer Dollinger