by Yifat Nadler, Aardvark Israel Program Director.
This year at Aardvark Israel we are privileged to welcome nearly 100 new students from 17 different countries around the world to Israel, a land that is a center of history, culture, and spiritual significance for the Jewish people.
Dear students,
Your arrival in Israel comes during a time of both challenge and opportunity. About 10 months ago, the “Swords of Steel” war began with a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, leading to a period of intense violence, fear, and resilience. Since October, we are still eagerly awaiting the return of 101 hostages, our soldiers to return from fighting on the front lines, and displaced families from the north and south of Israel to return safely to their homes. Simultaneously, something beautiful happened to the Jewish people. For the first time in a long time, we learnt to overcome our differences and come together as a nation to courageously stand before our enemies. The courage demonstrated by Jews in Israel and abroad—and now by each of you choosing to come here—speak to a profound commitment to being part of Israel’s story.
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Re’eh, tells the story of the Jewish people entering the land of Israel after a long journey in the desert. In this parasha, Moses stands before the Israelites on the border of Israel the Promised Land and says to them: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin upon you this day; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn away from the path I enjoin upon you today” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). He stands at the brink of a mountain and lays out a clear choice for the Jewish people: to follow the path of blessing by keeping to their covenant with God, or to face the consequences of turning away. This choice is theirs to make, and it will shape their future in the land they are about to enter.
Just like the ancient Israelites, you are at the start of your own journey here in Israel. The path you choose and the decisions you make during your time here will shape your experience and growth. Your journey in Israel is not just about exploring a new country; it’s about discovering your own identity and making your own choices. Moses emphasizes the importance of conscious choice. He urges the Israelites to “see”—to be aware, to understand the weight of their decisions, and to choose wisely. The same applies to each of you. This year is filled with choices that will define not just your experience in Israel, but perhaps the direction of your life after.
This year, we have three communities at Aardvark Israel, each with a Hebrew name that carries significance to this unique year:
Eitan, meaning “strong,” represents the qualities of strength and perseverance that we see as essential for your journey in Israel. “Eitan,” honors the spirit of resilience that has defined this land and its people throughout history. Just as Israel has withstood tests of time, you can too navigate your own personal journeys here with strength.
Ofek, meaning “horizon,” represents the possibilities that lie ahead. As members of the Ofek community, staying in Israel not only for a semester but a full program year, you are encouraged to look beyond the immediate, to dream big, and to reach for new horizons during your time here.
Barak, meaning “lightning,” symbolizes the power of a single moment to light up and inspire others. Just as a bolt of lightning can light up the sky, we hope that each of you will bring your unique spark to this community, lighting the way yourselves and others around you.
We want to wish you all a year of conscious choices- one that is filled with intention. We are sure each of you will contribute to Israel in the upcoming semester or year and leave your mark on the Jewish people.
Yifat Nadler,
Program Director
Aardvark Israel
