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Stay Updated with Us!

In light of the events of October 7th in Israel, we have reimagined our travel experiences for students. Our renewed focus emphasizes faith formation, education, humanitarian efforts, and advocacy for our Jewish friends through two trips: Washington D.C. and Israel
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Stay Updated With Us!

In light of the events of October 7th in Israel, we have reimagined our travel experiences for students. Our renewed focus emphasizes faith formation, education, humanitarian efforts, and advocacy for our Jewish friends through two trips: Washington D.C. and Israel
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Katelyn Hernandez: “It’s No Longer Abstract, It’s Real and Tangible”

A trip to Israel with Passages isn’t just a tour of incredible Holy Land sites. It’s an opportunity to grow, lead, expand your mindset, and challenge yourself.

From leading with Passages to living in Israel, Katelyn Hernandez, has taken full advantage of opportunities to grow in both her Christian faith and understanding of Israel.

Hernandez first went to Israel in 2017 after her freshman year of college. After returning from Israel, she immediately got involved in all that Passages has to offer. She jumped in to serving as a Campus Ambassador at the University of Florida and then served as a Fellow for many of the same students she helped recruit.

After her first Fellow experience she served as a Campus Liason as well as an intern during her graduate studies. Her Passages experience helped redefine what leadership meant to her. Through continued opportunities to lead in Israel and at home, she continued to grow as a Christian leader.

“Passages introduced me to the concept of Christian leadership in a way I had never experienced before. Although I had been involved in clubs, sports teams, and leadership organizations, Passages was the first time I encountered passionate Christians who lead and live with their faith at the core of everything they do. This perspective transformed my understanding of leadership,” Hernandez said.

Through leading with Passages, she learned to truly value not only success but the individuals she was serving.

“Growing up, I approached my goals with tunnel vision. Working with Passages has encouraged me to approach challenges and objectives more holistically,” Hernandez said.

A few years after her first trip to Israel, Hernandez took her connection to Israel a step further by moving to Tel Aviv to study Security and International Diplomacy at the Tel Aviv University International School.

“Since my first trip with Passages in 2017, my life trajectory had shifted significantly—I interned at AIPAC, traveled to Israel every summer during undergrad, and developed a deep connection to the Middle East,” Hernandez said. “I felt like I understood the region better than I understood myself, and my bond with Israel was undeniable.”

When she returned from Israel she worked in Washington, D.C. in public affairs representing Jewish and pro-Israel nonprofits as well as traditional corporate clients. Today continues to pursue her love for engaging with global issues and supporting Israel.

Hernandez’s Passages experience has impacted her career and her faith. Through opportunities to stay involved with Passages and make Israel a part of her own story, she has grown as both a Christian and leader. From facilitating the Israel experience for new students to serving pro-Israel organizations, Hernandez’s Passages experience is continuing to impact others.

“Traveling to Israel has breathed life into my faith. Experiencing the place where biblical events took place—walking the distances, tasting the foods, and meeting the people—has deepened my understanding and connection to the stories we hear during Mass,” Hernandez said.

“It’s no longer abstract; it’s real and tangible.”

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