SAN DIEGO — As Israeli flags waved and songs filled the air, 130 students from the Gaza border said goodbye to their new found friends at the San Diego Jewish Academy after a meaningful week together.
"It was an experience I've never had before. It was genuinely something so special," said San Diego Jewish Academy student Daniela Kanarek.
The visit came in the wake of the Hamas militant group's attack in southern Israel Oct. 7, which sparked an Israeli offensive in Gaza that has created a devastating humanitarian crisis.
Throughout the week, students engaged in various activities, trips and discussions aimed at building bridges of empathy and connection. For many of the Israeli students, the trip offered a respite from the war back home and a chance to see beyond the headlines.
"I feel like the San Diego people are like my family. I felt so happy. This is the happiest I've felt since the war started," said Ofek Geni, a student visiting from Israel.
Status as sister schools helped streamline coordination for the visit, which was funded by the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Jewish Federation of San Diego. It not only provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, but also served as a healing balm for the wounds inflicted by the recent violence.
"There is so much trauma, and for them to be able to step away and be able to process and enjoy life again and feel loved and understand that they're not alone, to feel the support and love of our community from their sister school, San Diego Jewish Academy," said Zvi Weiss, Head of School at the San Diego Jewish Academy .
Notably, the Israeli students had to undergo a rigorous application process to participate in this transformative program. They were also graciously hosted by the families of students from the Jewish Academy, deepening the bonds of friendship and hospitality forged during their stay.
Though they may soon be separated by miles, the bonds of friendship they’ve formed know no borders.
"In the span of a few days, I was able to get a whole new family. There's people that I met that genuinely, like, I can't imagine my life without. I wish they could stay. It's gonna be so sad to see them go," said Kanarek as she hugged Geni.
Thirty Jewish Academy students plan to visit Israel in May so they can meet again.
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