The siren started. Cars halted mid-road. And 15 American high school students — far from their own hometowns — bowed their heads along with an entire nation in mourning.
It was Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and for the students in the Junior Trauma Medicine class at Yeshivat Frisch, it marked a key aspect of a weeklong journey into the heart of trauma and resilience, in the place that lives both every day.
This trip was envisioned and led by Dr. Joseph Shatzkes, founder of the Frisch Medical Sciences Track, and me, Dr. Sandra Hoenig, the program’s developer and teacher. We are both practicing physicians and passionate educators who have been involved in teaching this particular group of students for the past three years. Our goal for the trip was to cultivate not only medical knowledge and clinical skill, but also empathy, leadership and a deep, enduring connection to Israel.
We deliberately timed the trip to coincide with Israel’s most emotionally charged week: the back-to-back observances of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut. This was to give students the unique opportunity to witness firsthand how trauma and resilience are interwoven into the very fabric of Israeli society. As Dr. Shatzkes shared, “In Frisch, the concepts of Torah Umadda permeate our teachings. This trip allowed us to apply those concepts to the field of medicine and see how Israel, especially in terms of trauma care, exemplifies both innovation and unity.”
The itinerary for the trip was thoughtfully curated by Sarah Dena Katz of Israel Destination, who worked closely with us to ensure that each stop aligned with our educational goals and the profound themes of the trip. Her planning was instrumental in providing a well-rounded and meaningful experience for the students.
Part of the trip included visiting the Nova Festival site, where we met with a survivor on Yom Hazikaron. The somber reflection of that afternoon soon gave way to the joyous celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, when we found ourselves at an outdoor restaurant on Ben Yehuda Street. Dr. Shatzkes recalled, “I found students the same age as ours from Panama. I introduced everyone, and it ended up becoming a giant dance celebration for everyone in the restaurant. It was a perfect example of the national unity and spirit we saw throughout the trip.”
Our students were deeply impacted by the various aspects of trauma care they encountered during the trip. They visited an underground hospital, led by Dr. Baruch Berzon, which gave them an up close look at how Israel’s healthcare system ensures the safety and resilience of its citizens under attack. “Seeing the underground hospital was incredible,” said Hailey Frolich, one of the students. “The quick transfer of patients during an attack showed how much thought Israel puts into the safety of its people. All the details that went into making this hospital were extraordinary.”
In addition to physical trauma care, our students explored the emotional aspects of healing. “This trip allowed us to learn not only how to treat physical trauma but also psychological trauma,” said Naftali Jakob. “For example, going to Beit Loewenstein rehab center showed us how Israel focuses on both the physical and emotional healing of their patients. This is an area of medicine I am interested in, and it demonstrates how unbelievable Israel is in this regard.” We also participated in healing workshops that involved using physical things such as running, to artistic forms of therapy that included breaking and restructuring ceramics.
The medical aspect of the trip left lasting impressions on all of the students. From meeting with army medics to seeing the lifesaving equipment used by emergency personnel, each experience provided insight into the complexity and innovation of Israeli healthcare. Ally Weber found the role of the army medic particularly intriguing: “The concept of being an army medic is appealing because it combines medicine and giving back to the country. We got to meet our peers in Israel and while we are thinking of university and SATs, they are planning on how to give back to their country after graduation. Meeting with the army medics and seeing all of the detailed equipment they carried was awe-inspiring.”
We were also able to engage in some lighter, more joyful moments, like dancing in the streets of Jerusalem on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, experiencing the national celebration of Israel’s independence. Tara Sklar shared her thoughts: “Being in Israel on Yom Ha’Atzmaut was incredible. Dancing in the streets with people from all over the world, all celebrating the same thing, was very uplifting.”
The emotional arc of the week struck many students. Noa Feldman put it this way: “We got to go on the trip in a week of real transition. We saw real sadness and then true happiness on the same day or even in the same place. We met people from all different backgrounds and experienced it together as one nation, unified.”
Kira Moses felt that unity too: “We got to experience trauma and healing on a national level. We met teens who spoke English, Spanish, French, and yet we were all singing the same Hebrew songs together. That solidified the concept of national healing for me.”
Jaclyn Mero appreciated seeing the real-world impact of support efforts: “Since Oct. 7, we’ve heard about all the fundraisers for emergency equipment. On this trip, we saw that equipment and what it’s used for. It showed me how important those causes really are. I can’t wait to go back.”
Throughout this journey, it was clear to see how the students were personally transformed by the trip. “Seeing how much Israel values life, how they innovate and face trauma head on with such strength, helped me understand resilience on a deeper level,” said Elisheva Secemski. “I was able to experience Magen David Adom’s Central Blood Bank and see a portable ICU in a bus. All of these experiences showed me how well the country takes care of its people. I am so happy I decided to go on the trip.”
The trip also provided ample opportunity for the students to bond with one another and grow as a team. Jacob Goldin said, “One of the reasons I chose to go on this trip was to get closer to my peers. I loved being on the trip, especially under the guidance of our incredible tour guide Natan. He guided us with his incredible knowledge and sense of humor, giving us tours using different accents.”
Another highlight was the chance to give back. Samantha Kohl reflected, “I most enjoyed barbecuing for the soldiers. I found it meaningful to give back to them for everything they do for Israel.” Small moments like these underscored how much the students internalized the values of gratitude, service and connection throughout the week.
These moments of learning and connection were not only witnessed by the students but by the parents as well. Ben Wilson, a parent and part of the Riverdale Hatzalah, reflected on the profound impact the trip had on his daughter, Rachel. “This being Rachel’s first trip to Israel made it extra special. It was truly life-changing and gave her a deep love and pride in Eretz Yisrael and medinat Yisrael. The medical science aspect of the trip was especially powerful; visiting hospitals, trauma centers and emergency facilities left a lasting impression. She came away with a real understanding of the challenges Israelis face and the incredible strength of their medical community.”
Another parent, Kellita Weber, also expressed her gratitude for the trip. “I happened to overlap in Israel with the students. As a parent, it was truly amazing to witness the energy, passion and maturity of the students. They showed unity, ruach and a genuine love for medicine and Israel. I am so very grateful that Frisch supported such an amazing program. And I am grateful to Drs. Shatzkes and Hoenig for taking the students.”
Ultimately, this trip allowed us to take the students’ learning to the next level. Teaching them about clinical and trauma medicine in the classroom has been incredible, but getting to travel with them and see their reactions to Israel — seeing their excitement and growth — was truly special.
What started as a medical science mission became something much larger: a journey of growth, discovery, unity and connection. In a country that faces trauma every day and yet responds with courage, care and community, our students did not just learn — they became part of the story.
