My Journey Back to Israel

By Avivit Geva, Director of Jewish Arts & Culture

I recently returned back from visiting Israel. This trip to Israel was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about visiting my dad, my sisters, or my home — it was about closing a circle that started two years ago.

Two years ago, I came to Israel to celebrate my daughter’s PhD graduation. Both of my daughters had moved to Israel to pursue their advanced degrees — my middle one for her master’s and my oldest for her PhD — and I was beyond excited to see them after six long months apart. At the time, I was living in Colorado and working for United Airlines, and I couldn’t wait to finally hug my girls again.

I landed in Israel on October 4, 2023. Three days later, October 7th happened.

Being born and raised in Israel and having served in the IDF, I wasn’t immediately alarmed when my daughters woke me up that morning. I remember thinking it was probably just another flare-up — nothing unusual. But when the sirens kept coming every few minutes, I knew this was different. I knew something terrible was happening. What followed was the darkest time in Jewish history since the Holocaust, and I left Israel heartbroken, carrying a pain I couldn’t put into words.

This year, when I came back — almost to the same date — I witnessed something completely different. I arrived just as the last 20 live hostages were returned home. The streets were alive again. People were dancing, crying, singing — the air was filled with tears of joy and relief. Everywhere I looked, I saw love and hope reborn.

As I stood there, watching families reunited with their loved ones, I couldn’t stop crying. It felt like my own child had come home after two long years. Every mother in Israel — and every Jewish mother around the world — felt that same ache, that same gratitude.

This trip reminded me once again why Israel is so much more than a place on a map. It’s our heart. Our shared story. Our strength and resilience. And no matter where we live, Israel will always be home.

Avivit also works with our J Life team.