Eric B. – Los Angeles, Summer 2018

“My Onward Israel experience was one of personal, professional, and Jewish growth. It was the ideal way to see and try many new things before graduating college. The opportunity to live in another country was challenging but rewarding. Onward Israel made the transition as smooth as possible, but there was just enough unfamiliarity to push me to leave my comfort zone and explore Israel with an open mind. My internship at SHARE was incredibly rewarding as well. My coworkers were excited to have me in the office, and we quickly built a relationship beyond just work. I felt trusted and valued as an employee, as I was given responsibility for projects that were both challenging and fulfilling. Lastly, being in Israel was a great way to further understand my Jewish identity. It was a surreal experience to be in a place where Judaism was the norm, and the systems, cultures, and people of the country align with the values and needs of the Jewish people. Though I left Israel with more questions than answers, I lived very real experiences that helped fortify my beliefs and widened my perspective.”