Over twenty Jewish students from across Russia, participants in various YAHAD programs, recently completed a transformative weeklong journey through Israel. The group experienced an engaging blend of visits to historical and sacred sites, top attractions, and inspiring educational content delivered in a dynamic and immersive manner.

Accompanied by an experienced tour guide and a charismatic lecturer, the students deepened their knowledge and appreciation of their Jewish heritage. The trip was organized by YAHAD, operating under the direction of Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, and was led on the ground by Avigail Komarnitky and Rabbi Yaakov Sominisky.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” said Rabbi Sominisky. “The participants encountered their roots firsthand, connected to the people and the land, and significantly strengthened their sense of Jewish identity and belonging.”

As part of the journey, an “Oy Vey” box was placed on the bus, allowing students to submit anonymous questions. These were later addressed during intimate late-night gatherings, sparking profound discussions. “The depth and sincerity of the questions reflected a remarkable desire to connect with Jewish life in a meaningful and practical way,” Avigail Komarnitky noted.

The itinerary included stops in the Golan Heights, Tzfat, Tiberias and the Kinneret, Jerusalem, the Nova Festival Victims Memorial, Tel Aviv, Hebron, the Dead Sea, and Eilat. A special highlight was the Shabbat in Jerusalem, featuring a series of timely and life-changing lectures. The trip concluded at the spiritual center of Chabad in Israel — Kfar Chabad.

The special voyage was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) YAHAD organization, the Taglit-Birthright Israel project, and the Tlalim Group.

Photos by: Yaakov Sominisky