Israel is a multicultural country with no single race, as many Israelis have European, American, or other backgrounds. Asking "Where are you from?" is very common. When people think of Israel, they often focus on religion, but this overlooks everything else the country represents. Israel shows how a nation can be built and strengthened to become independent, offering its people a modern, advanced lifestyle without losing culture or progress. While many countries have resources and excuses, Israelis believe in "chutzpah," a boldness that helps you break free from limits and prove your strength. To start a business or achieve great things, you need chutzpah.
As I walked through Jerusalem, I realized how wrong my ideas about the country were. I had imagined a quiet, religious place, but instead saw people from many nations returning, with no racial distinctions. Judaism is the dominant religion, and I remember a rabbi giving me a fragment of the Torah, sharing prayers and lessons about Hashem. Jerusalem holds many mysteries, with ancient ruins that make you question the stories you grew up hearing.
Israel holds many secrets, and each person there has a unique story of how they came to the nation. History tells of a man, the father of faith, who left everything behind, including his beliefs. Through his spiritual challenge of trusting the unknown, Hashem, he achieved everything. This story resonates with me, as sometimes in life we must let go, trust in our faith, our projects, and our dreams. We plant the seed, but it is Hashem who gives the growth. The story tells of the father of faith who had a close relative living in a city destined for destruction. This man left the city, but his wife, for not following a command, turned into a statue of salt. The event took place south of the Dead Sea, a body of water with high salt content, adding another layer of mystery to the tale.
Many people argue about being right, but some answers can only be found by experiencing them ourselves. The Dead Sea has been talked about for 2,000 years, with the promise that one day its waters will heal. Today, it's a modern treasure, the saltiest sea in the world. Apart from being the lowest place on Earth, if you swim in it, you'll float—you can't drown. There's a scientific explanation, but it's better to experience it firsthand. It's truly a wonder.
Before the war, I had the chance to experience modern life in Tel Aviv while dealing with a big emotional issue. I learned that understanding Emuna means staying calm even without having all the answers. I never imagined that the warmth and smiles of strangers, especially a beautiful girl I met, could bring me so much happiness. Sometimes, all we need is a touch of divine light in our lives. I had never felt so at home in a distant place before. How I got there is another story, but what's important is that I found answers. Israel is a place full of smiles, joy, and resilient people despite the challenges.
