San Diego Hebrew Day 8th Graders Experience a War in Israel

By Yisroel Weiser 

SAN DIEGO — For over two decades, San Diego Hebrew Day School has capped off the 8th grade year with a transformative trip to Israel. Designed to bring Jewish history and Torah learning to life, the experience is typically a celebration of identity, connection, and growth.

In what is an intentional blend of meaning and fun, Midot (good values) are on display, as strongly as skills and years of Judaic learning. But this year, my tenth leading the trip, what began as a meaningful journey through the landscapes of Tanach and modern Zionism, became an extraordinary evacuation mission under the shadow of war.

Led by chaperones, Head of School Rabbi Benjamin Geiger (First year), his wife Karen Geiger (Retired Educator) and myself as the Director of School Culture, the trip began as planned. After departing on June 8th, the group landed in Israel for a tightly packed itinerary that included historical sites, service learning, and hands-on education.

In the several days before the war, students visited the Otef Aza region, met residents of Sha’ar Hanegev- the Jewish Federation sister city impacted by October 7th, volunteered with special needs children in Nachalat Eran, explored the Judean Desert by camel, and engaged in deep Torah learning at sites like Mearat Hamachpelah, Kever Rachel, and Masada.

But everything changed with the outbreak of Operation Rising Lion, as Iran retaliated with missile attacks into Israel. Suddenly, the educational experience turned into a real-time lesson in Jewish resilience.

In the early hours of Friday morning, June 13, alarms sent the group rushing into a Jerusalem bomb shelter beneath their hotel. While explosions echoed overhead, the shelter was quiet—soundproofed and insulated. It soon became home base. Beds were moved into the basement, prayers intensified, and students comforted each other through song, Torah learning, and even cupcake competitions organized by alumni.

One alumna led a group therapy session to help students process their anxiety. Despite limited movement and increasing restrictions, the students showed remarkable poise and maturity.

By Shabbat, with the country on lockdown and airspace closed, it was clear that their original departure plans were no longer viable. Flights were canceled, and uncertainty loomed. Multiple contingencies were considered, including staying in Israel longer, but the prospect of weeks stranded was unsustainable. That’s when a bold, unconventional plan emerged: cross into Jordan.

Thanks to Miriam Belsky, just elected President of the School’s Board of Trustees—who had already made the crossing as part of a diplomatic mission—the team had a contact on the other side. I deliberated  carefully with Head of School Rabbi Geiger, and retired educator Karen Geiger.  The Zoom meeting with parents was tense, rushed, and professional.  After coordinating with parents, alumni, and travel experts, a plan was approved.

Fifteen of the Eighteen students and three chaperones prepared to cross the Allenby Bridge into Jordan. Any visible Jewish identifiers were removed or hidden. Tefillin were packed deep inside luggage. Baseball caps replaced kippot. Rabbi Geiger became “Mr. Geiger.” An armored bus picked up the group at dawn. Emotions ran high as they said goodbye to the three students staying in Israel, two by plan and one by parental decision.

Crossing the border was no small feat. On the Israeli side, the group passed smoothly. One siren had the bus take a detour, but all plans remained on track.  On the Jordanian side, however, delays, interrogations, and heat tested the unmarked Jewish group. One bag search led to a brief seizure of Judaica and multi-hour delay.  The Judaica was later returned with the condition that it not be used publicly while in Jordan. Throughout the journey, kosher food had been rationed out and pre-packed, as none would be available along the way.

With the help of skilled Jordanian handlers arranged by Belsky and her international team on the ground, the group finally made it to Amman, traveling through valleys with biblical resonance: the Yabbok River, where Yaakov wrestled with an angel, and the region connected to the spies’ journey in that week’s Torah portion. Relief washed over the group when they arrived at the posh Fairmont Hotel in Amman. Students showered, regrouped, and then headed to the airport.

From Amman, they flew to Istanbul via Royal Jordanian. In Turkey, a final flight was secured—thanks to dedicated parents, travel agents, and alumni working behind the scenes with Ms. Belsky—and the group boarded a Turkish Airlines plane to Los Angeles. One student remained in Istanbul to catch a separate flight to London.

The journey wasn’t over yet. Hungry, exhausted, but still cheerful, the students played games, davened discreetly, and upheld kashrut standards throughout their extended and uncertain travels in spite of hunger and many temptations. Upon arrival in LA, they were welcomed by community members who provided food and a chartered bus, upon which they donned TzitTzit, Kippaot, Jewish jewelry and tefillin. One student was dropped off in Irvine; the rest returned to school, where emotional reunions awaited with teary-eyed, relieved, and grateful parents.

This year’s Israel trip was unforgettable—not because of what was lost, but because of what was gained. There was a tremendous sense of being connected to all students and Jewish communities past and present. Students saw Jewish history not just as something to study, but something to live. In their bravery, compassion, and unity, they carried forward the spirit of those who came before them, writing a new chapter in the ongoing story of the Jewish people.

This account is based on the first comprehensive retelling of the 2025 San Diego Hebrew Day 8th Grade Israel Experience and will serve as a foundation for further documentation, reflection, and gratitude.

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Yisroel Weiser is the Director of School Culture at San Diego Hebrew Day School,  An interview with his daughter, Nava, is included in a companion piece by San Diego Jewish World publisher and editor Donald H. Harrison.