Shachar Witzrabin ’18

Posted on January 12, 2024

On October 6th, I flew alone, away from Israel, for the first time. I landed in Greece that evening, and the next morning I woke up to the beginning of the war. At first, I tried to disconnect from the news because I was scared to find out what happened, but slowly, I found out about it all, and I felt very alone. I had a strong feeling of belonging and identification with Israel, and all I wanted to do was go back.

I returned to Israel that same week and right away, like everyone else around me, I started to look for ways to volunteer. So many people were volunteering that many places could not take on any more volunteers. There was a widespread feeling of helplessness. On the one hand, we wanted to volunteer, but on the other hand, it felt like it was too late to really help, after everything that happened in the massacre.

Throughout this time, I volunteered in many different areas. The more time that went by, the stronger that I felt and understood certain things, like the strong sense that I wanted to be part of a community. I often felt lonely and mournful; one main way I found meaning was my connections with those around me, and in general, the circles that I belong to.

When I was in eleventh grade, I participated in The Bronfman fellowship. We explored Jewish identity, and as part of that also dealt a lot with community and connections. Then Bronfman had the idea of connecting alumni who had kids and whose partner was serving in the army, with other alumni who want to help with their children. I was very moved by the idea, because I felt the power of this community that I am a part of.

I was matched with a wonderful family with two sweet daughters. I visit them twice a week, and I do a lot of babysitting. This gives me a sense of belonging and meaning and is really fulfilling for me, which is so important to me at this time.