My name is Isabella Krupitsky. I am 16 years old and a straight-A student at Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. I come from a multicultural family with Jewish, Belarusian, and Taiwanese roots, and I speak English, Mandarin, and Russian.

Growing up surrounded by different languages and cultures has taught me that people can experience the same world in very different ways. It has also made me curious about how our history and identity shape the way we understand one another.

From August through December, I have the opportunity to spend a semester at Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Although I am an adaptable and well-traveled teenager—and attended school in Taiwan for two years during the pandemic—this will be the first time I will live across the globe for an entire semester without my family.

It will also be my first meaningful opportunity to explore and understand my Jewish roots. Until now, my Jewish heritage has largely been part of my family’s history rather than something I have been able to experience personally. At Alexander Muss, I hope to study Jewish history in the places where it happened, learn about different perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of my own identity.

I love the creative process of making art because it gives me a way to observe the world, express ideas, and connect with others. I also enjoy building friendships and learning from people whose lives and experiences are different from my own. During this semester, I hope to form lasting friendships with other students and become a more independent, compassionate, and thoughtful person.

For me, this journey is not about choosing a political side or supporting every policy of any country. It is about education, listening, and gaining a better understanding of the complicated world in which we live. I want to become a global citizen who understands human relationships, respects different perspectives, and learns how communication and conflict resolution can help create a more peaceful world.

Through the Dream Israel Teen Initiative, I am raising $5,000 for charitable projects, including programs that support people with disabilities, emergency and rescue services, youth activities, environmental education, and community needs. In recognition of this fundraising effort, Dream Israel will provide me with a $7,500 educational grant toward my semester at Alexander Muss High School.

My fundraising deadline has been extended to July 20, 2026, so I have only a short time remaining to reach my goal. Every contribution, regardless of the amount, will make a difference. Sharing this page with others would also mean so much to me and my family.

Thank you for supporting these important causes and for believing in the power of education to help a young person understand her heritage, build bridges between cultures, and contribute to a more peaceful future.