Benna Berger - Team Israel

Playing for Israel is a dream come true. To be able to play the sport I love in the most amazing country is just pure happiness. The first time I went to Israel I fell in love with the country. Learning about all the history and being able to explore such a beautiful place  made me realize how proud I am to be jewish. Being  able to put on  a jersey   with ישראל  on it is a true honor, but it is so much more than just the jersey. It's about the bonds made on and off the field, it's about building up this program, and most importantly its about connecting me to my roots.  I feel humbled and blessed to represent Israel and all it has to offer.

Growing up in a Jewish household, I was raised upon Jewish values and traditions. I was raised as a conservative  Jew and attended a conservative temple. I also had a Bat Mitzvah. Being Jewish and being apart of a small minority, I feel lucky to have a connection to such an amazing culture and religion. Having the opportunity to go to Israel and immerse myself in the community and culture was a once in a lifetime experience and I cannot wait to go back. My connection to Israel and Judaism has developed more and more as I have gotten older and have learned to appreciate how lucky I am to connect to my Jewish culture. Being a Jew has made me appreciate Israel and my Judaism even more.