Hope, resilience, and a powerful teen experience : IsraelNow returns to Israel

Teens praying at the Kotel (The Western Wail).

In February, IsraelNow Chicago returned to Israel for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began—an emotional and meaningful milestone for the Chicago Jewish community.  

The program is the only pluralistic, community-based Israel experience designed specifically for Jewish eighth-grade students in public and independent schools. It brings teens together at a pivotal moment in their development, helping them explore their Jewish identities and build their personal relationships with Israel’s land, state, and people.  

This year’s itinerary was redesigned to reflect the realities of post-October 7 Israel, while still offering the joy, discovery, and relationship-building that define the program. The goal of the visit is to provide an authentic experience—one that involves engaging with diverse communities, exploring multiple narratives, and discovering Israel’s beautiful landscapes. 

The day in Tel Aviv-Jaffa captured the spirit of the trip: volunteering alongside Israeli teens at a farm called Chavat Shulamit; exploring the vibrant Carmel Market; racing through an interactive independence-themed adventure on Rothschild Boulevard; and wandering the cobblestone streets of Jaffa, before sharing a shakshuka dinner. It was the perfect blend of learning, connection, culture, and fun—exactly what IsraelNow strives to create.  

Israel travel has become increasingly complex. Midway through the trip, the IsraelNow National team made the proactive decision to adjust the group’s return schedule. Out of an abundance of caution, and after extensive consultation with our partners on the ground, we secured seats on the only available flight.  

This decision demonstrated the deep trust between the IsraelNow team, parents, participants, trip staff, and community partners. Teens processed the disappointment of having to leave early, and then quickly moved on to enjoying their joyful and memorable final day together. They visited Wadi Attir, in the Bedouin community, where they learned how to make cardamom coffee, made friends with baby goats, and, of course, floated in the Dead Sea!   

Despite cutting the trip short, the visit was still able to fulfill its purpose: strengthening the participants’ Jewish identity; deepening their connection to the land and people of Israel; and fostering new friendships.  

As one IsraelNow parent shared, “My teen had the most amazing time, and is on absolute cloud nine. She loved the volunteering, the new friends, the mishpacha groups. She wants to go back to Israel ASAP. We are so impressed by everyone who poured their heart and soul into this experience.”  

These reflections capture what makes IsraelNow so special: the care, the intention, the community, and the importance of experiencing Israel firsthand.  

Know anyone who wants to join the IsraelNow 2027 trips? Registration opens on May 20 at Israelnowtrip.org/Chicago. 

Daniella Elyashar is the Director of JUF Teen Israel Experiences.