Riding camels with Israeli soldiers and sleeping in a Bedouin tent were just a few of the experiences University of Dayton sophomores Hollie Rawl, Ben Rudzin and Abra Carne encountered during Birthright Israel, a program that funds trips to Israel for young Jewish men and women. They shared their experiences with others at UD during a presentation in February.

“Everything I learned in Hebrew school came to life. It was finally a reality for me,” said Rudzin, a psychology major who had never before been out of the Midwest.

Rudzin and Carne traveled to Israel together with other Jewish students during fall semester break.

“It’s amazing to meet and connect with so many other students with the same beliefs as you,” Carne said. “There’s a special feeling inside your heart when you’re in your country.”

Rawl, a double major in photography and criminal justice was accepted into the program a week before it began and had little time to prepare. “I didn’t know anyone,” she said, “but as soon as I met my group at the airport I felt immediately welcome.”

Among the highlights for Rawl was Event Mega, where more than 4,000 Jewish students packed into the Jerusalem Convention Center for concerts, presentations by dignitaries and a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The three students hiked up Har Shlomo, the highest mountain in the Negev desert, where they could see four other countries from its peak: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt.

They also hiked up Masada, the ancient desert fortress overlooking the Dead Sea.

The three students are also co-founders of the Jewish Student Union at UD, coordinated by Scott Segalewitz, chair of the engineering technology department. About 20 students and 30 professors are involved.

Locally, support for Birthright Israel comes from Elaine and Joe Bettman, Marla and Dr. Stephen Harlan, and The Wolfe Marcus Teen/Israel Fund.