Israel Inspires and My Journey Home
By Rebecca Markowitz ’04
Rebecca Markowitz ’04
My memory of Israel Inspires is one of dizzying excitement, and not of one particular moment. I remember feeling proud to be Jewish, to gather people together and to make a big deal of the situation on campus. We did not just cower on the sides. Israel Inspires changed the vibe on campus, and made the Rutgers Jewish community a force to be reckoned with.
As far as the role of Israel in my life right now, well… let’s just say that that’s the reason I’m not able to attend the Gala. After going to Israel several times throughout my years at Rutgers, including a Hillel trip, I decided to try my luck in Israel after graduation. I have now been in Israel for almost 10 years, so Israel is a part of my life in the biggest and best way possible. The Rutgers Jewish and Israel community, and specifically the Hillel community, had a deep impact on my decision to explore my options in Israel – and I am forever grateful for that. I met my husband, Moshe, here, and now we have a trilingual daughter, Yael, who is almost 4 years old. I also found a dream job at a WordPress web development company, illuminea, where I’ve been for the last 7 and a half years and my boss and co-workers are like family to me.
I am honored to be recognized with the Young Alumni Award, and I am so sorry I am not able to join you at the Gala. I’m sure it will be beautiful and an event to remember.
Andrew Getraer with the Israel Inspires Team ’04: Ronn Blitzer ’04, Joel Davidson ’04, Rahel Bayar ’04,
Marisa Rosner Yammer ’04, Rabbi Scott Roland ’05, Stephanie Schwartz ’04, Noam Kutler ’04, Danielle Josephs ’07,
Aviva Cohen Roland ’06, Rebecca Markowitz ’04, Rebecca Leibowitz ’04, Michelle Klein Pincus ’03,
and Shira Pruce ’04 at the Israel Inspires Gala in June 2004. Not pictured: Norman Jemal ’04
Rutgers Hillel is proud to honor Rebecca and the Israel Inspires Team ’04 at the Annual Gala on Tuesday, June 17th. Rutgers Hillel strengthens the Jewish identities of our students and cultivates the next generation of Jewish leaders. The Israel Inspires Team ’04 is a true testament to that.
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