A journey that takes a diverse group of Jewish teenagers from around the world to Poland’s Holocaust sites and the vibrant streets of the Holy Land, CTeen’s Heritage Quest empowers Jewish teens to be leaders back home by immersing them in the history of their people. The trip, one of six organized by CTeen that saw 230 teens from over 17 countries converge on Israel this summer, despite the ongoing war, deepened their understanding of Jewish history and strengthened their connection to their heritage.
As the conclusion of the three-week trip draws near, the teens met with former US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. David Friedman. A close acquaintance of CTeen’s Chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky who recently passed, Friedman met up with the Heritage Quest at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem and discussed the importance of remaining steadfast in their Jewish values even when interacting with the outside world.
In recent months, Jewish teens worldwide have had their identity under fire from peers and the media, challenges that threaten to obscure their sense of belonging. Drawing from his vast experience as a proud Jew in politics, the Former Ambassador addressed their struggles head-on. Hearing from Mr. Friedman was an uplifting experience for all involved, reaffirming their sense of mission as they prepare to return home and bring their renewed Jewish pride along.
“Seeing the way these teens have stood up proudly despite all that has been happening gives us tremendous hope for a vibrant Jewish future,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, of CTeen International.
The meeting was facilitated with the help of Rabbi Zalman Wolowik of Chabad of The Five Towns, together with his son Binyomin, a counselor on the trip.
As the world’s largest Jewish teen movement, CTeen’s 804 chapters across 63 countries ensure Jewish teens have a place to call home. Local teen centers and activities provide teens with a platform to connect with like-minded peers away from the pressures faced in public schools or online. The summer experiences take this to the next level, engaging with fellow Jewish teenagers from around the world in an immersive learning experience that will surely reverberate back home.
