For Leah Weinstein, the summer months after graduation meant the chance to travel to Israel, first through Birthright and then a month of solo exploration.

But soon she, as well as other students visiting the region, found themselves in a country plagued by violence, forcing them to question whether they should stay.

When attacks first began in Israel, the Birthright Israel program, which offers free trips for Jewish adults 18 through 26 who haven’t been on a formal youth trip to the country, had six groups in the country. Four were from the former Soviet Union and two were from the United States, said Hillel spokesman Jeff Rubin. For some, the attacks meant a quick end to their trip. For others, it provided a deeper look into Israeli life and an even stronger sense of patriotism.

Attacks on Haifa, which Weinstein said was her favorite city, didn’t deter her trip, but security in the area noticeably increased.

“I was nervous when I decided to stay on in Israel by myself. I have traveled alone before but never in such a politically turbulent area such as the Middle East,” Weinstein said. “As soon as I got used to it, though, I realized that the extra security measures are a part of life for them.”

When two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped, it heightened tensions but still didn’t threaten Weinstein’s sense of security.

“I saw how Israeli resilience is so strong,” she said.

When the attacks began, Birthright groups’ itineraries were quickly altered. Safety was the first priority, Rubin said.

“We’re constantly monitoring security in Israel when groups are on the ground there,” he said. “We certainly would never put students in unsafe situations.”

Hillel’s Birthright season has come to a close – the next trip isn’t scheduled until December – but it’s hard to predict how the current situation in Israel will affect recruitment for future trips because the conditions could change rapidly, Rubin said.

“During times of turmoil, our application pool is smaller, but it always rebounds,” he said.

Rabbi Elli Backman of the university’s Chabad Jewish Student Center said he knows many students, friends and family members who are currently in Israel and many who shortened their trips to return to the United States.

He said some students who recently returned felt an increased connection with the country by experiencing the country’s current struggle instead of merely reading about it.

Recent graduate Josh Brown just returned from his spring semester studying abroad at the University of Haifa. Brown, who has traveled to Israel on other occasions, plans to join the Israeli army soon.

But the outbreak of violence overseas doesn’t make Brown fear for himself. Instead, he worries constantly about the people still in Israel – those closest to him whose lives are at risk.

It’s a sentiment many who hold Israel close to their hearts can relate to.

“The hardest part is being here in America and not being able to experience what the country is going through first hand,” Rubin said. “I have always believed that a country mourns together as well as celebrates together, and right now it is tough mourning alone.”

Joining the Israeli army came as an easy decision for Brown, who enjoyed the country and its culture. After realizing Israelis his age are required to join the army, he knew he would be providing a service to the country he had grown to love.

“We should still be going to Israel and supporting them, but need to use common sense,” Backman said.

Both Brown and Weinstein agreed it is up to an individual to decide whether to travel to Israel, but they say it is a beautiful country filled with history and an amazing experience for all people, regardless of race or religion.

“The political situation is not at all how it is often displayed in the media. Israel is not a war zone, and the citizens do not live in perpetual fear,” Brown said. “Up north, there is a battle raging on with Hezbollah, but in the center and southern parts of the country, there is calm. Couples are getting married, clubbers are going out and life carries on.”

Contact reporter Caren Oppenheim at oppenheimdbk@gmail.com