Q: When did you go to Birthright Israel, and who did you go with?
Arielle: I went in June 2026, from the 15th to the 25th, on a trip from Montreal. I went with friends, and I was lucky because I already knew a lot of people on my bus, which was really nice. There were also people I had never met before, so having the opportunity to make new connections was really special.
Q: What was the single moment or realization that stayed with you the most?
Arielle: Going to the Kotel for the first time was surreal. There really are no words I could use to describe that feeling. It was this incredible sense of awe. You hear so much about it throughout your life, but actually being there is something completely different. It does not disappoint.
Q: Did being in Israel give you the feeling that “we have a home”?
Arielle: Definitely. The second I got there, even though it was my first time in Israel, it felt like I was going home. I had heard about what it was like to be in Israel, but actually being there in person was completely different. There was this feeling that I was meant to be there.
Q: How did the experience reshape your sense of identity or belonging within the Jewish community?
Arielle: I would say it strengthened my sense of identity. I already had a strong foundation and was proud to be Jewish, but being in Israel made me feel even more connected and closer to other Jewish people. It also made me realize that there are so many different ways to express your Judaism and that everyone is on their own path. At the end of the day, we’re all Jewish. Being in Israel felt comfortable because you can express your Judaism in whatever way suits you, and you can do it freely, surrounded by people who share that connection.
Q: What opportunities opened up, or are opening up, for you after Birthright Israel?
Arielle: Birthright made me want to take part in another program, like Birthright Israel Onward. I felt such a strong connection to Israel that, before I even left, I tried to find a way to stay longer. Once I came home, all I wanted to do was go back. I want to continue being part of that community, deepen my connection to Israel and find more opportunities to spend time there.
Q: As a Montrealer, was there anything about being part of a Canadian cohort that stood out to you?
Arielle: I think there’s something really special about coming from Montreal. We have a smaller, very tight-knit Jewish community, and I think that gave us a strong sense of connection going into the Birthright experience. Having that community and shared background made the experience even more meaningful.
Q: With the rise in antisemitism in recent years, including on campuses, how did this experience impact you?
Arielle: Being in Israel gave me such a strong feeling of belonging. You feel included and part of something bigger than yourself. There’s also a sense of peace and connection that is difficult to describe until you experience it. Coming back home made me more aware of the contrast and of some of the challenges Jewish people are facing here. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by a strong Jewish community and people who helped educate me about Israel and Judaism from a young age. Not everyone has that same background. I think that’s one of the reasons Birthright is so important. It gives young Jewish people the opportunity to experience Israel for themselves, to learn, ask questions and develop their own connection to the country and to their Jewish identity.
Q: Has your experience shaped how you engage with the Jewish community here in Montreal?
Arielle: Absolutely. It made me want to become more involved in the Jewish community in Montreal and continue the sense of connection I felt while I was in Israel.
Q: What would you say to another young adult from Montreal who is on the fence about signing up for Birthright Israel?
Arielle: Just do it. Honestly, it’s the experience of a lifetime. There’s no reason to miss out on an opportunity like this.
Q: What would you like to say to the Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada for helping make this experience possible?
Arielle: Thank you. Without this opportunity, so many young Jewish people wouldn’t get to have an experience like this. Birthright genuinely gives young Jews an experience of a lifetime, and it can be life-changing. I’m incredibly grateful that we’re given the opportunity to experience Israel in this way.
Q: Why do you believe experiences like Birthright Israel are especially important for young Jews today?
Arielle: Birthright teaches you so much and opens your eyes to things you may never have experienced before. It helps young Jewish people grow and mature, become more connected to Judaism and feel inspired to explore their identity even further. It gives you the opportunity not just to learn about Israel and Judaism, but to experience them for yourself. That can have a lasting impact on how you see your identity and your place within the Jewish community.
