SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — The Jewish National Fund-USA says hundreds of Americans have volunteered in Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.

Many volunteers are helping with agriculture in Israel, spending time with evacuees and working in hospitals. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Jewish National Fund-USA says hundreds of Americans have volunteered in Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks

  • Many volunteers are helping with agriculture in Israel, spending time with evacuees and working in hospitals

  • Chana Konikov just got back to Satellite Beach from a three-month volunteer trip to Israel

  • She used social media to showcase the reality in Israel

One Space Coast Orthodox Jewish woman recently returned from volunteering in Israel.

Chana Konikov returned to Satellite Beach from a three-month volunteer trip to Israel. But the souvenirs she brought back from this trip are a bit more somber than the ones from previous visits.

“This is a necklace that we were in solidarity for the hostages. It says bring them home. Our heart is in Gaza. I have been wearing this since I’ve gotten it in Israel,” Konikov said.

While in Israel, she met with released hostages, families and wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers — all bringing their own stories and trauma from a country that’s at war.

Everywhere she goes, she brings a reminder.

“When I was talking to the displaced families, people who have lost arms and legs, I was just being there for them. My emotions weren’t important at that time," Konikov said. "If you ask any Israeli right now what their emotional well-being is right now, they’d say we’ll take care of that afterwards.”

During her time volunteering, she shed light on Israel’s reality and their resilience. Using the power of social media, Konikov showcased how she filled in where she could, be it at a hospital, farm or a military base.

“I’ve always been very vocal about my religion and my nationality. It’s very important to me to go to Israel and show the world what’s going on there,” Konikov said.

While she grew up Orthodox, volunteering during this time in Israel’s history made her even more proud of her Jewish identity.

“Growing up, I was always embarrassed of my name Chana, in a town where there’s not many Jews. I always went by the name Hannah when I went to tennis lessons. But now that I’m older, I’m very proud of my Jewish name. I’m very proud of my Jewish identity,” Konikov said.

While she doesn’t know when she’ll be in her home away from home next, she still shares the reality of an Orthodox Jewish woman on social media.