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“Gesher Israel made me grateful for every sunrise I witnessed, every conversation I had, every lesson I learned.”
Alexandra Bentes is also grateful to have won the 2025 Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow Award, which allowed her to experience those moments.
This past summer, Alexandra, a high school senior from Florida, spent three weeks in Israel through Gesher Israel, a summer program offered by Hadassah’s longtime partner Young Judaea, honing her leadership skills, delving into the country’s culture and history and forging lifelong friendships. As winner of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a merit-based scholarship given each year to young women who have demonstrated a commitment to Israel and the Jewish people and a talent for inspiring others, Alexandra received a $1,000 scholarship toward the program.
In a Times of Israel blog post, Alexandra, a high school senior from Florida, described the unforgettable moments and meaningful experiences of her trip, such as exploring Jerusalem’s ancient streets and the Kotel (Western Wall). “I felt a deep connection to the generations who had come before me, to all the people who had prayed, dreamed and sacrificed for this land,” she wrote.
Upon her return from Israel, inspiration hit, and Alexandra found herself wanting to take on a greater role in her Jewish community.
“The trip encouraged me to think deeply about my identity, not just as an individual but as part of a larger story that connects past, present and future.”
Read Alexandra’s blog post, “My Gesher Israel Experience.”
If you know any female/female-identifying high school students who live in the US and are either a sophomore or junior, 16 to 17 years old, tell them about this exciting opportunity to apply for the 2026 Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow Award. Applications are due March 15.
