Every activist has a “why.” A moment, an experience, a realization that pushed them to stop being silent and start being present. My “why” is far from traditional. On October 7, 2023, I was a finance major. My future was numbers on a screen. Politics and global conflict were not where I expected my story to lead.
But history does not wait for us to feel ready.
When tragedy struck Israel and images of terror flooded the internet, I froze. But what truly changed the trajectory of my life happened two days later. On my own campus, there were anti-Israel protests only 48 hours after Jews and Israelis were massacred. That was the moment I realized that I had to be a voice, not just for myself, but for those who felt that they could not speak up at all.
That realization is what ultimately led me to 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. I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for this experience, because Caravan offered something no headline, debate, or social media thread ever could. It offered clarity.
I joined the mission because it allowed me to see Israel firsthand, without outside noise, distortion, or someone else telling me what I was supposed to believe. Just my own eyes, conversations, and lived experiences alongside an incredible cohort.
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Subramanian (left) with his Caravan for Democracy peers in Tel Aviv
My first taste of Israel was in Haifa, where I had one of the best dates I have ever eaten in my life. And yes, I still miss them. But food aside, what I saw in Haifa dismantled the apartheid narrative faster than any debate could.
A Christmas tree. A menorah. And a crescent. Three Abrahamic religions were visible side by side. That moment alone spoke louder than any argument ever could.
There were countless impactful experiences, but I want to focus on two that show the true spirit of Israel.
The first was a panel with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. One was Christian. One was Jewish. One was Druze. They came from different backgrounds but were bound by the same tragedy. Listening to them, I realized how fortunate we are in America to have an ocean separating us from terror. And it made one thing abundantly clear: Terrorism does not care about your religion. Just fear.
The second moment was visiting ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation village only a few miles from the Gaza border. After such heavy experiences, this place felt like a breath of fresh air. We saw how horses are used to help people with lower body disabilities walk again. We met children who were thriving because of the care they receive.
This is what Israel is about. Not just war or conflict, but innovation, humanity, and perseverance. Whether it is desalination technology or organizations like Jewish National Fund-USA transforming barren land into an oasis, Israel continues to push forward.
Caravan for Democracy students at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran
Despite our different faiths and political views, our cohort of nearly 30 college students was united. United in the belief that the partnership between the United States and Israel matters and the understanding that democracy must always be defended.
Caravan for Democracy has given me the ability to speak from experience, not assumption. To educate organically. To engage confidently.
I want to end with the words of someone whose life carries more weight than anything I could ever share. Rena Quint, a Holocaust survivor who I had the immense privilege of sharing Shabbat dinner with, reminded us that when hatred rises, silence is never an option. That speaking up is not a choice, but a responsibility. Rena survived a time when too many people looked away and stayed quiet. And she made it clear that the world cannot afford to repeat that mistake.
That message stays with me every day. It is why I will continue to speak. It is why I will continue to stand up, even when it is uncomfortable.
I am deeply grateful to my fellow cohort for walking this journey alongside me, and to everyone at Jewish National Fund-USA who made this trip possible. I will carry the lessons and truths I learned here with me on campus, in my community, and as I pursue a future in public service. This experience did not end when the trip did, it shaped who I am and how I choose to lead.
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
Nikhil Subramanian is a junior at Florida State University double majoring in Political Science and Criminology. He is the Program Director for NolePAC, Director of Common Cents, and was previously involved with Phi Alpha, Delta, a pre-law fraternity at FSU.
