My strong connection to Judaism that I have felt since the trip started when I saw the Kotel. I was nervous as I extended my arm out to touch the wall for the first time. I didn’t know how I was supposed to feel or what thoughts should be going through my head.
I was surprised to feel such a strong connection to all the other people around me who were experiencing what I was. The people that were there came from all over the world and yet we are all connected through our religion. I really felt a connection to all Jews while I was at the Kotel.
-Ariel Crocker
“Those ten days were jam-packed to give an amazing trip in Israel, and it lived up to all of the expectations and many more. That was something I had to keep telling myself during my trip. That I am experiencing life right now, this is what it feels like to be alive.”
Ashley Oliva, Chino Hills, California
“I must say this has been a most magical experience of my life! I have been blessed to have become part of this group. Thank you all for such a truly magnificent experience!”
Nicole Nerlinger, New York City
“I feel blessed to have been part of Routes Amazing Israel, I really got very lucky with the trip I was on. Thank you soooo much for everything!”
Rachel Engel, New York
“Israel is an outstanding place rich in history and tradition. I am so lucky I had the 
oppourtunity to go. I have so many great memories from my trip but my favorite was our late night hike through the desert. My group hiked about a mile away from camp and laid out under the stars listening to the sounds of the desert and watching out for shooting stars.”
Monica Zigman, Boston, Massachusetts
I had an absolutely incredible experience this summer in Israel. I have spent a lot of time there in my life, but there was something very different and exciting about bringing people to Israel for the first time. I believe that my participants had some incredible experiences, and few things in my life have been as rewarding as facilitating those experiences. Now, in addition to constantly missing Israel, I have 38 great people to miss as well.
David Houlihan, Madrich, New York
“I want to say thank you for giving me an exhilarating experience in Israel. I learned a lot about my heritage and myself during the trip while making good friends.” Semyon Lazerson, New Jersey
“I had such an amazing time in Israel. It was truly a once in a life time experience. I want to thank you and your organization for doing such 
great work and allowing people like me to see and experience such a beautiful land. The trip is something I will always hold closely to my heart. I have been telling everyone at home that it is a necessity for them to visit there at least once during their lives. It is truly a magnificent land with amazing people, amazing history, and amazing culture. Thank you again for allowing me to experience that for myself.”
Jennifer Lipton, Roswell, Georgia
“Hey there Amazing Israel Team! I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the most amazing experience of my life. You and the rest of your team have done an amazing job with the Taglit trip. I had 
heard so many things about how awesome this trip would be and it still managed to exceed all of my expectations. Everything you guys do from tours to kibbutz make the experience once in a lifetime. This trip has implanted memories I will never forget and gave me the opportunity to make friends that I hopefully will have forever. I will be rapidly spreading the word of birthright when I get home so other people can experience the trip I just did. On behalf of our entire group with the utmost appreciation we thank you, especially me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Jamie Boxer, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
This trip has affected me by showing me the importance of living your life to the fullest and having a positive impact on 
the world. I also had a special moment in the silence and nothingness of the desert. It was there that I realized that I had both the potential to be just an ant in the universe, and the potential to honor God by being all that I could be, and serving a purpose. It all made sense for me when we visited the Save a Children’s Heart Foundation, as it was the most enjoyable experience of my life. By simply playing basketball with the children and providing them with a bit of joy, I was overcome with a feeling that my purpose in life was to impact others in a positive way every chance I get. I have always felt this way, but now I understand that I need to actually do something. To Jew is to do! Thanks again, Amazing Israel for giving me a push towards being the person that I have the potential to be.
Matthew Waldman, Lexington, KY
Since returning from the trip, I have found myself caring more about what is going on in the world and of course in Israel. I think part of it was that prior to I just did not have any experience with Israel and where/what places were. Now having that information and having a better understanding of the politics and everything else I can knowledgeably have a position on the issue at hand. Lastly, I think the trip provided me with time to mourn and heal from my grandmothers passing, I could not have thought of a better place to have this all happen.
- Jeff Tate, Bedford, MA
There literally hasn’t been one day where I haven’t spoken about 
or thought about Israel since I arrived home. And by that, I mean I rave about it and show off my pictures, because everyone I know is just so unbelievably fascinated that I had the opportunity to go. I want you to know how truly grateful I am for everyone’s effort at Amazing Israel who planned the No Limits trip. While I’m sure it’s always hard work to plan any Birthright trip, I imagine it must have been significantly more intense to plan an accessible trip, so I wanted you to know that all the planning truly paid off. I cannot thank you enough for all you did to put together a trip that I will never forget.
Emily Ladau, New York
Thank you so much for providing me with the most am
azing experience in Israel. I could not have asked for a better trip organizer to go with. Everything was purely perfect!!! The staff were the perfect set and I hope to one day follow their lead and become staff for future Birthrighters. RT 25-459 truly changed my life. Since I have been home I have been able to share my stories with friends and it makes me miss Israel so much more. The effort you all put into this experience is clear and should not go unnoticed. Once again, thank you for providing me with the best 10 days of my life!
Shari Pilcz, New Jersey
This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel.
