I am excited to be participating in the Dream Israel Teen Initiative and raising funds for crucial projects in Israel. The money I raise will support the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, which is located along the Gaza Strip on Israel's border.

The children living there are always on high alert, not knowing when a rocket attack could occur. The Center doubles as a bomb shelter and is equipped with 300 tons of steel. It was built in hopes to give these kids living along the Gaza Strip a sense of normalcy in their lives where they can rock climb, play soccer, dance and learn without having to worry about their safety.

Living in America, specifically Boise, I never had to worry about my security when I was playing on a playground; in fact, it never crossed my mind. I want these kids to have that same opportunity of feeling that same sense of security.

If I meet my fundraising goal, JNF will provide me with a grant for my own Israel travel experience, a program called Heller High. It will continue to solidify my Jewish identity by ensuring my opportunity to meet Israelis whose lives have been changed due to our support and to explore my own connection to the land and people of Israel.

Gaining these new perspectives and experiences was my main motivation to join this program and travel to Israel to get a Jewish education that isn't offered in Boise. Please consider supporting this important initiative and my efforts to meet my fundraising goal.