This summer, rising Junior at Atara Girls High School, Sarit Benzaquen traveled to Israel on a Bnos Machanayim  International trip. She had the summer of a lifetime and passed along her heartfelt thanks to Karyn Zimerman, Grant Manager of Cincy Journeys, for providing the grant that allowed her to experience Israel. Cincy Journeys is managed by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and funded by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and is designed to give children and young adults the skills, experience, and desire to become tomorrow’s community leaders.

Dear Karyn,

I cannot begin to describe my amazing summer experience in Israel. The trip made me more proud of who I am and more connected to my people and my land. I got to relate my experiences to what I learned in school; making it much more real, and more impactful. Meeting friends from all over the world showed me how even though Jews are scattered we still come together to Israel for the same purpose and with the same love. 

I got to see my friends' reactions when we landed in Israel for their first time, it was so amazing. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to have such a special and impactful experience! 

Sarit Benzaquen

For more information about how to apply for a Cincy Journeys Israel travel grant, contact Karyn Zimerman at kzimerman@jfedcin.org, or visit cincyjourneys.org.