Miles Clapp never expected to find himself walking through the holiest sites in Israel. A sophomore at Indiana State University, Clapp spends most of his time balancing leadership roles on campus, serving as student government vice president and holding positions within his fraternity.
But earlier this year, Clapp stepped into a very different kind of leadership experience: an educational journey to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA’s Caravan for Democracy, a fully subsidized program that brings non-Jewish student leaders to Israel to explore its history, culture, and modern-day realities firsthand and equips them to foster constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on their college campuses.
Clapp first learned about Caravan for Democracy after attending the National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where he met previous program participants. After researching Jewish National Fund-USA and learning more about the experience, his interest was further piqued.
“Caravan for Democracy interested me both for travel and for the chance to see religious sites, understand the culture, and learn more about Israel after October 7,” he said, noting that while Indiana State does not have a large Jewish population, he watched the protests and encampments unfolding nationwide and wanted to better comprehend the context. “I wanted to understand what the conflict was actually about instead of relying solely on rhetoric.”
Miles Clapp in Israel on Caravan for Democracy
Before the trip, Clapp admits his understanding of Israel was limited — shaped mostly by media, podcasts, and headlines. “I didn’t know much beyond what I’d heard, but I felt there was a lot of confusion and misinformation,” he explained.
Once in Israel, Clapp quickly realized how significantly his expectations would be challenged. One of the biggest surprises was the diversity of Israeli society. In places like Haifa, seeing Israelis of different faiths and backgrounds contradicted the sense of division routinely portrayed from afar.
“About 20% of Israel’s population is Arab, which I hadn’t expected to interact with so much,” he noted. “Hearing and seeing stories of peaceful coexistence challenged the narrative I’d often heard from the outside,” he said.
Clapp was also moved by Israel’s religious sites. A lifelong Protestant, Clapp grew up deeply connected to his faith, reading about the land of Israel in scripture and Sunday sermons. Yet, seeing those places with his own eyes was something entirely different, as visiting sacred Christian sites like St. Peter’s Church and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher brought biblical history into real life.
Caravan for Democracy students at ADI-Negev Nahalat Eran
“While in Israel, I was able to see many of the religious sites I grew up reading about in the Bible,” he shared. “Being physically present at locations made the biblical stories feel more real. It was surreal and deeply meaningful.”
However, it wasn’t only the holy landmarks that left an impression — it was also the warmth of the people. Throughout the trip, Clapp was struck by the resilience and spirit of Israeli life, even in the shadow of tragedy and security threats. “One major takeaway was the Israelis’ outlook on life,” he said. “Despite trauma, Israelis carry a strong joy for life and desire for peace.”
Clapp described an unforgettable moment of community at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. “I made my way to the wall to pray, and some Jewish people I didn’t know grabbed me and danced and chanted with me,” he recalled. “Those moments are things I’ll carry forever.”
Now back on campus, Clapp says Caravan for Democracy has equipped him with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. And as he continues his college journey, he hopes to be part of a growing coalition of student leaders committed to truth, understanding, and support for Israel.
“I now feel confident correcting misinformation and explaining the conflict, supported by what I learned firsthand,” he said. “Most people don’t actually know what happened on October 7, and I’ve had many conversations at home and on campus. As I further my college career, I plan to continue combating anti-Israel bias by sharing my experiences.”
For more information or to apply for the next Caravan for Democracy Student Leader Fellowship to Israel taking place December 26, 2026-January 5, 2027, visit jnf.org/caravan or contact Becca Norton at Bnorton@jnf.org.
