See what some of Oranim Educational Initiatives' 50,000 alumni are saying about their Oranim experience!
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This trip is a trip of a lifetime. Two years later, I still think about the people, places, and history I've learned during my stay in Israel. I hope that this program is still around for years to come for my children to experience. (Jenny Shusterman-Mather, Summer 2007) |
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Because of Oranim, I am now a frequent visitor to Israel. I never knew the history of my homeland until I saw it first hand and heard the stories from Israelis themselves. Raz, my tour guide, made my trip so memorable. He has so much passion and pride for his country, his eyes would gleam of it, and it was totally contagious. After my ten days, I extended my stay for the remainder of the summer and I am planning on coming back. Without Momo and Oranim, I would never have experienced such a life changing place, and I truly thank him with all my heart. He has made me more of a Jew and a wiser person and for this, I am forever grateful. (Lauren Zigelstein, Summer 2008) |
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Oranim was really an incredible program that has turned me into a Zionist. If it wasn't for Momo's inspirational words I would still be with my non-Jewish girlfriend. (Eric Kami, Summer 2007) |
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This was the BEST trip. I lived in Israel at one point in my life and the Oranim trip changed me to be connected with Israel much more then when I was actually living there in my teen years. I'm in love with Israel and it's all because of Oranim! It's a big part in being the Jew you become and that's appreciating Judaism, loving Israel and understanding why Israel fights for its people in having a country of their own. Oranim needs to live on as we the Jewish people do today. (Galit Strugano, Summer 2007) |
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Through the Oranim program, I've witnessed Oranim literally SAVE the Jewish identity of countless young Jews who have little identification with being Jewish other than their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or family name and origin. Through Oranim, these young people have found pride, honor and value in maintaining their Judaism in a world that has tried to murder it continuously and a modern society that continues to dilute and decrease the traditions through mass cultural assimilation. Despite this, Oranim has helped many build a bridge between being an American Jew and having a living connection to Judaism in and through Israel - whether by encouraging friendships or supporting Aliyah, and so on. Additionally, through Oranim, we have found a way to understand and apply our history and traditions to our lives, and make Judaism work for us and remain relevant - in spite of substantial obstacles. (Bethany Serota, Winter 2006-7) |
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The first time I went on an Oranim trip was the summer of 2006 and it changed my life forever. I made lifelong friends, learned about my ancestors, my culture, met incredible people, and fell in love with a place I call my true home. The trip opened my eyes and changed how I viewed my life and my religion and it will stay with me forever. I knew that I had to give people the same life changing experience that I received, so I became a Madrich and staffed trips for the following two summers, and am proud to say that I was a part of something great, which was giving participants the opportunity to learn about Israel, and to touch their lives in a way that will carry on in their hearts forever. (Dave Yellin, Summer 2006) |
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Going to Israel through Oranim was the best experience I have had in my life. It made me realize my heritage and the importance of staying true to my culture. It also opened my eyes to how I want to raise my children and share the experience I had with them. I love how open MOMO was with us about being a Jew, raising Jewish children, and to be proud of who we are - something that we Americans don't hear very often. (Fara Rosenzweig, Winter 2007-8) |
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This trip is inspirational from every aspect. From the spectacular views, great company, to the rich culture, and everything the land and its people have to share. This trip changed my life and the way I feel about moving back to my home land. I've made lifelong friendships and reconnected with family all thanks to this wonderful organization that made all this possible and more. Thank you so much for blessing me with this gift. (Itay Peled, Summer 2008) |
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Oranim provided me with a life changing experience. Religion was not forced upon me, and rather, I was able to create much of my own experience in that way. Before going to Israel I can honestly say that my motives were to have fun, party and meet some cool Jews. However, since I have been back in the States, my views of being a young Jewish woman have completely altered. I was provided the greatest opportunity which remains close to my heart. Along the way I made lifelong friends with both Americans and Israelis. I can truly say that this was the best ten days of my life, and no other experience will ever amount to this. (Sherri Zetlin, Summer 2009) |
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