“The opportunity to both see Israel, and be amongst so many other talented Jewish athletes was definitely an incredible experience.  Never have i felt such pride in my Jewish heritage, and such a sense of belonging.  For reasons unexplained, my feelings of capability as a person have been bolstered higher than ever before; and the feeling I experienced being in Israel and around the other U.S. athletes of being free from judgement, critical looks, and attitudes that too often accompany revealing my Jewish identity, will stay with me for the rest of my life. ”