Last summer, I attended a BBYO summer program called CLTC. I went in thinking it would be a typical camp: waking up way too early, smores, and learning leadership skills. But what I didn’t expect was how much it would open my eyes to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the persisting antisemitism that so many Jews still face. Going on CLTC deeply connected me in a way I never thought I could be Israel.

One big thing we discussed at CLTC was the Israel-Palestine conflict. I have always been a strong advocate for Israel, but hearing other's perspectives and relations to the war made it even more important to me. While reposting things on Instagram and talking with friends about Israel felt important, the issue always felt somewhat distant. When we were talking, one of my friend's stories about how she had lost someone in her family to the war made me think about my place in defending Israel. While I wasn’t “personally” affected by the war, meeting real people who were grieving the loss of loved ones changed how I thought about Israel. Israel wasn’t just something far away to fight for. It was here, in my community of friends. The Jewish people weren’t fighting for a piece of land. They were fighting for the lives and livelihood of their loved ones and community.

But what shocked me even more was how much antisemitism still exists and is met with silence. It was easy for me to watch the news and repost something on my story about antisemitism. Being active in the Jewish world opened my eyes to the constant antisemitism Jews face, with Jews being beaten simply for existing. But hearing the horror stories of my friends in antisemitic communities made me rethink how I thought of antisemitism. Other’s stories helped me understand anti-zionism masked as antisemitism and how easy it is to play off blatant nazi rhetoric as a joke. Some of my friends have even been physically attacked for saying something pro-Israel. Hearing how people in America and even in other countries were targeted brought me closer to the cause than ever.
Hearing from others around me has infinitely changed the way I think. Going on CLTC was the best choice I could’ve made to make myself a better, more educated person. 

So, if you’re like me and feel disconnected from what’s happening in the world, learn from other’s perspectives. CLTC was the best 12 days of my life, but it changed everything I thought I knew about Israel and why I stand up for Israel. Find Jewish communities to talk to, like a BBYO summer camp or event. No matter where in the world you are, there’s a chance to change how you think. Advocate for others and their lives because it’s every Jew’s responsibility to fight for each other.