The idea of spring break typically conjures up thoughts of warm weather, beaches, and parties. This year, though, I decided to deviate from that norm; I participated instead in one of the most life-changing weeks I could have imagined.

Alternative Spring Break, sponsored by Jewish National Fund, was an opportunity for individuals to travel to Israel and literally help rebuild the country following last summer's war with Hizbullah. To qualify, participants had to raise a minimum of $800 toward JNF's 10-year campaign to rebuild the North. I am proud to say I raised more than $2,500.

The trip began at Kennedy Airport. The 130 participants gathered were an eclectic group. We ranged from college students, such as myself, to graduate students, married couples, and young professionals creating their own spring vacation. People came from as near as New York City and from as far away as California. The common denominator was the desire to participate in tikun olam, repairing the world.

Our group immediately became a family, as we had a united purpose. Upon arrival in Israel, we celebrated Shabbat in Nes Harim, a camp overlooking the hills of Jerusalem. Even though we had known each other for less than 24 hours, our Shabbat spirit was contagious. Anybody would have thought we were lifelong friends.

Our real work – which ranged from clearing fallen, burnt trees in the forests to removing debris and painting bomb shelters – began on Sunday when we went north. Housed at Kibbutz Malkiya, just three kilometers from the Lebanese border, we saw the war's emotional and physical scars up close. Needless to say, this put the months of watching CNN into perspective. We heard stories from Malkiya's residents of Hizbullah terrorists trying to enter the kibbutz, of being forced into bomb shelters for a month and a half, and of a Katyusha rocket landing in the sandbox of their playground. Despite the firsthand account, the emotional toll was unimaginable to us.

The devastation of the forest was hard to miss. Hundreds of acres of trees, planted 100 years ago by the early settlers, were destroyed. In total, 35 percent of the forested lands in the North was damaged by the war. We cleared debris and fallen trees throughout the day. We were told by one of the foresters that 60 years of work had gone up in flames and that our efforts would help restore the forests to their original glory.

Rain the next day prevented us from returning to the forests, so we visited hospitals in Haifa and brought teddy bears to children who were injured during the bombings. There we saw the indiscriminate side of war: Jews and Arabs lay in beds next to each other, united by a shared pain. Our presence was welcomed by all.

Another day saw us restoring and adding a human touch to bomb shelters, in which northern residents spent days on end in during the war. The underground rooms were flooded and dirty; whatever paint was left on their walls was peeling. We cleaned them up and painted them with cheerful colors and scenes so that if they needed to be used again, the atmosphere would be more pleasant.

The activity was of great benefit to the Israeli communities – and a lot of fun besides. Later, when a few residents came down to see our work, the looks on their faces were worth the whole trip. One woman hugged me. I was truly honored to be a Jew at that moment.

All in all, this past spring break experience was more than I could have ever asked for. It is not often that one has the opportunity to make a difference and be part of a country's history. The fact that it was Israel – my homeland – makes it all the more sweet. More than 100 years ago, volunteers from JNF gave their blood, sweat, tears, and lives to the Land of Israel. I am honored to have contributed my little bit and now truly feel connected to the soil and roots of Israel.