The trip to Budapest, Hungary was life-changing. Even though I come from a Jewish background, the experiences I was given could not have been matched in America. As a result of the trip, I have a newfound sense of pride that I feel within my religion.
While walking around Hungary with a Kippah on my head, I was safe, but I never felt safe. Having always taken my 
freedom of religion for granted in America, I felt devastated and compassionate for my friends I made at SSG. They told stories about how they are too afraid of publicizing their religion to the general public or even their close friends. When I tried to think of situations in the U.S. where I ever felt scared of wearing my Kippah, I couldn’t. If there was something, I could do to help the Hungarian Jews feel the sense of safety and pride that I feel in America, I would give it to them.
Unfortunately, that idea isn’t plausible, but it starts with our generation. If we don’t do anything, who will? We need to continue to advocate for Jews around the world, whether we know them or not. I am so excited to welcome the students from SSG when they come to Beth Tfiloh next year when we can all be proud of our Judaism together.~Louis M.
