Shelby S., Columbus, Summer 2019

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in something I had never fully experienced: Israeli culture. I was able to spent 10 days exploring the entire country on a Birthright Israel program through OSU Hillel and then extend my stay to participate in Onward Israel with Columbus. The culture, the religion, the food and  the program made this experience so special for me. However, the most important part of this trip was the people I got to share it with. Learning more about my culture and religion with old friends and new friends allowed me to experience this Country in the most special way possible. I’m extremely grateful for the cultural foundation I’ve created for myself and the jewish community I was able to surround myself with. I intend to continue these relationships and dive deeper into my jewish background here in Columbus while still on campus at OSU with my friends from the program.