A Journey Through Israel: Rachel’s Eyes
Israel is an absolutely incredible place to visit. Everything about it is beautiful — the landscapes, the food, the culture — but above all, it’s the people who make it unforgettable.
On our second journey to Israel, we crossed paths with Rachel while waiting at Newark Airport. The airline was still setting up the check-in area, and we struck up a conversation. Rachel was born in Romania to Holocaust survivors who endured the unimaginable horrors of Auschwitz and was raised in Israel, carrying with her the legacy of their survival and strength. She had a warmth about her that instantly drew us in. She was headed home to Jerusalem after a vacation in the states. We chatted, laughed, and learned so much from her in just those few airport hours. As fate would have it, our seats on the plane were just across the aisle from hers.
The flight felt like traveling with family. We shared stories, connected with the crew and other passengers, and when the captain announced our arrival with a heartfelt, “Welcome home,” the entire plane erupted in cheers.
While we were en route, several rockets were launched toward Israel — every single one intercepted. Rachel kindly suggested we stay with her. Though we didn’t want to impose (and already had a packed schedule), we promised to keep in touch. That was May 25, 2024.
Months later, in October, we returned — and this time, we took Rachel up on her offer. What an incredible decision that was.
She welcomed us like old friends, and together we explored so many layers of Israel’s history and beauty. We shared home-cooked meals (Rachel is an amazing cook!), helped an elderly man clean and reorganize his home, and visited stunning parks and wildlife areas. One highlight was Haniya Spring — the biblical site where Philip baptized the eunuch. We also toured the YMCA where Rachel had spent time as a child, adding a personal touch to every stop.
Our visit happened to fall during Sukkot, so we were lucky enough to experience the colorful celebrations and see countless sukkahs lining the streets. On October 21, we joined Rachel for the Jerusalem March, a joyful, vibrant experience we’ll never forget.
Seeing Israel through Rachel’s eyes opened up a whole new layer of meaning. Her kindness, generosity, and spirit made the trip unforgettable, and we truly can’t thank her enough for her incredible hospitality.
Israel is a land of stories — and thanks to Rachel, we now have our own beautiful chapter there. G-d willing, we’ll meet up with her again this year for even more shared memories.
-Michael