Growing up in a Christian household, I always understood the importance of Israel and the Jewish people. However, I only became a true activist in college after the horrific October 7, 2023, massacre. I could not comprehend how classmates, professors, and media figures were justifying the attacks or excusing the violence. “Bring Them Home” quickly became more than a slogan. It became the anthem of my pro-Israel club and, in many ways, my own life. I would joke with my friends that Israel consumed more of my time than any academics or other extracurriculars – and at times, this was true.
Through my advocacy, I learned about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Caravan for Democracy program that brings non-Jewish student leaders to Israel to explore its history, culture, and modern-day realities firsthand, equipping college students to foster constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on their campuses. I knew I needed to go, to witness firsthand what I had been fighting for so strongly over the last few years and strengthen my pro-Israel stance with personal testimony.
The reality of the land and people of Israel exceeded every expectation I had. The depth of history, culture, and humanity present there was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and there is no place I could compare it to. While there is so much I could say about every speaker and site, there are two moments in particular that stand out.
Caravan for Democracy students in Jaffa
The first was our group’s visit to Haifa. One of the most persistent lies repeated on American campuses is that Israel is an “apartheid state.” Haifa proved this wrong with one glance. As we drove down one of the main roads, I saw a menorah, a crescent, and a Christmas tree standing side by side. Jews, Muslims, and Christians all came together to celebrate holidays fundamental to their respective religions and cultures.
The second moment came near the end of our trip, when we visited the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev–Nahalat Eran, an incredible rehabilitation village supported by Jewish National Fund-USA in southern Israel. The facility is transforming lives while bridging cultural divides. We spent time with children from diverse backgrounds—Jewish, Arab, and Druze. They shared only two things in common: None of them could walk, and all of their faces lit up with joy when we arrived.
We then toured the rest of the ADI Negev campus, including a horse therapy center and a beautiful garden operated by the residents, as our tour guide explained the village’s vision: a fully inclusive, accessible community for Israelis of all abilities, especially those often forgotten or pushed to the side.
Caravan for Democracy Students at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran
This trip opened my eyes to the beauty and hope that defines Israel. Despite the violence, lies, and misinformation, Israel has chosen hope. They’ve chosen resilience. And they’ve chosen life. This was the message echoed by every speaker, panel, tour guide, Israeli, and community.
My conversations with peers have grown significantly since my trip. I can relate more to allies, connect more deeply with those who want to learn, and defend more knowledgeably against those who spout uninformed opinions. Many of the loudest critics of Israel have never set foot there, quick to assert facts and defend lies I can disprove through firsthand experience.
Caravan for Democracy changed my life in ways I never expected. Not only did it educate me immensely, but I fell in love with the land and culture. Israel challenged me in my personal life, too. It showed me that life is a gift, one we must decide what to do with. We can either stay bitter and full of hate or love like there’s no tomorrow.
I choose love.
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.
About the author
Zoe Abbott is a Junior at Regent University, double-majoring in American Government & Politics and Accounting. She’s an Emerson Fellow with StandWithUs and works under the Director at Regent’s Israel Institute. On campus, she serves as President of the Regent Israel Public Affairs Committee (RIPAC), Vice President of the Regent Undergraduate Debate Association (RUDA), and as a Project Manager for ENACTUS.
