Teens on the Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey hear voices from across Israeli society

Approximately 400 North American teenagers participating in The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) attended a "Voices of Israel" panel at Nefesh B’Nefesh headquarters. The discussion, moderated by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, featured three diverse Israeli speakers: Mohammed Kaabiya, a Bedouin former advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu; Naftali Aklum, an Ethiopian-born CEO of a cultural touring company; and Eve Harow, an American-born tour guide and broadcaster. The panelists shared their personal connections to Israel, with Kaabiya emphasizing Israel as home, Aklum highlighting the diversity of Jewish identity, stating, "Jews are Jews. They don't have one color but lots of colors," and Harow discussing the importance of advocating for the Jewish people. They also reflected on the post-October 7 unity in Israel and offered advice to the teens on how to counter misinformation and proudly express their Jewish and pro-Israel identity back home, with Harow urging, "Be brave."