My name is Yuval Harari and I am eighteen years old. I was in Shevet Metzada (located in Tenafly, New Jersey) since the third grade. As a shachbagist (high schooler), I was a fourth grade counselor, an eighth grade counselor, and a merakez (shevet leader).
Due to my love for Tzofim (the Israeli Scouts) and it being such an important part of my life since my early childhood days, I decided to do a Shnat Sherut (gap year through Tzofim). I was located in Haifa and worked with kids from various different age groups volunteering at schools, in teen centers, and promoting Tzofim in the community. However, around three weeks ago, my whole life changed.
On October 7th, I woke up at my grandma’s house (where I stay on the weekends since my immediate family still resides in New Jersey) to a blaring alarm sound. Growing up in the United States, I’ve never heard this alarm in person and was completely taken off guard. I ran to the miklat (bomb shelter) for safety, scared and confused.
After being glued to the news throughout the whole day, I began to slowly understand what was going on: Israel was in a full out war with the terrorist organization, Hamas.
My parents and I were in constant and direct communication the whole day and they decided that they wanted me to come home and be with them until things started to calm down. Heartbroken and unsure, I sat on FaceTime with them as they booked me a flight to the United States just three days later. Fast forward to Wednesday and I’m sitting in my kitchen, a sight I thought I wasn’t going to see until Pesach (Passover) break in April. Feeling disconnected and angry at the whole situation, I was looking for things to do. I immediately had my mom send out a text in an Israelis group chat on WhatsApp announcing that I’m home and here to help with anything one needs.
The weekend after I got home I volunteered to replace merakzim bogrim (Presidents of the Shevet) who were sent on miluiim (Reserves) to go back to Israel and help defend the war. I went to the United Nations for a demonstration to help put pressure on world powers to release all the hostages. After around two weeks, I realized that I wanted consistency.
I met with my friends and we helped organize a day camp at our local JCC. The camp was meant for families that came from Israel to put their kids there for a few hours so they could work. We’re experiencing great success!
Overall, I am frightened, angered, and simply sad with the situation. What is happening inmy home country is simply frightening and horrifically scary. But being able to volunteer here and do everything in my power to make a difference has given me a sense of comfort and love for my people.
