An Insightful Journey

For me, OTZMA was an incredible journey where I met some of my closest friends, was able to travel the beautiful land of Israel (including 'periphery' areas), volunteer in order to truly give back to underpriviledged communities, learn Hebrew as well as other relevant topics regarding Israel/Judaism through educational trips and workshops (politics, Judaism, education etc.).

OTZMA challenged every participant in different ways-- whether it was physically by climbing a mountain in the desert, mentally through an educational workshop, emotionally by visiting the Kotel, or spiritually by re-connecting with or expressing Judaism in a specific way as well as healing the soul through social justice.

OTZMA allowed for a great deal of independence and freedom yet provided a good structure and support system as any overseas program should. My time in Israel throughout those 10 months was rich with good memories and fulfilling experiences. It was hard to leave at the end... which is the reason why I made Aliyah and came back.

For me Israel embodies hope and OTZMA gives the 'power' (the meaning of the word 'otzma') for young Jewish adults to discover this hope all that Israel has to offer.