In a powerful demonstration of solidarity amid challenging times, 35 Bicultural Hebrew Academy students from grades 8-12 recently returned from an extraordinary week-long Israel experience centered around participation in the Dead Sea Race. The February trip, which combined athletic achievement with meaningful cultural immersion, created lasting bonds between American and Israeli teens at a time when such connections are more important than ever.
“It’s difficult to put into words what an impact this trip can make on kids at this age,” shared one parent. “It’s more than simply educational. It is fundamental for life—This trip will stay with them forever.”
Under the guidance of Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, Rabbi Josh Rosenfeld and four other BCHA faculty members, students arrived in Israel on February 4, settling at the Ein Gedi Hotel. Their itinerary balanced traditional tourism with unique experiences designed to deepen their connection to Israel.
The cornerstone of the journey was the Dead Sea Race, where BCHA students joined Israeli peers from Jeremy’s Circle and displaced youth from the Upper Galilee in distances ranging from 5K to half-marathon. Thanks to pre-trip training coordinated by Howard Goldstein, BCHA’s students were prepared to meet the physical challenge of running at the lowest point on Earth.
“The shared athletic experience created instant bonds between our students and their Israeli counterparts,” noted trip coordinator Rabbi Bernstein. “We watched language barriers and cultural differences dissolve as they encouraged each other toward the finish line.”
Beyond the race, students explored Masada’s ancient fortress, traversed the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve’s stunning trails, and participated in an exhilarating desert jeep ride. A special evening barbecue with 100 IDF soldiers provided teens with a powerful connection to Israel’s defenders during this critical time.
The group’s time in Jerusalem included visits to the Western Wall and Machane Yehuda market, where students engaged in food tasting and cooking activities. In Tel Aviv, they visited the ANU Diaspora Museum and had the incredibly moving experience of speaking with released hostage Moran Stella Yanai at Hostages Square.
A particularly moving pre-Shabbat celebration incorporated both traditional observance and community building, culminating in a “hafrashat challah” ceremony and balloon release where students prayed for Israel’s soldiers’ safety and the return of hostages.
The journey concluded with visits to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation and historic Jaffa, providing students with perspectives on both Israel’s future and past.
“The timing of this trip, amidst global challenges facing Jewish communities, made it particularly meaningful,” explained Rabbi Rosenfeld. “Our students returned with strengthened Jewish identities, new Israeli friendships, and a deeper understanding of their role in the global Jewish community.”
For many participants, the experience transcended typical educational travel. As they ran along the shores of the Dead Sea, formed bonds with Israeli peers, and witnessed both Israel’s resilience and challenges firsthand, these students embodied the connection between diaspora Jewish youth and the land of Israel.
Pamela Becker is the co-founder and CEO of Jeremy’s Circle.
