What began as a cultural school experience has quickly become a time of survival. Living inside a bomb shelter during an active war, seeing missiles being intercepted by the Iron Dome, and many other experiences have truly shaped these Broncos’ perspective on life. 

While most Brophy sophomores spend their spring semester focusing on grades and sports, three Brophy students are spending their time at a boarding school located in Israel to learn more about their Jewish faith, all while facing the struggles and hardships of war.

“We were on a bus while the missiles were getting sent to us, and it was pretty scary,” said Razon. “We had to stop at the side of the road and duck under bridges. Getting to that realization that Israelis have to go through this on the regular is just kind of insane.”

Sophomores Daniel Razon ’28 and Julian Brown ’28 are among the students living at a boarding school located in Hod HaSharon, Israel. These students have been living there since the beginning of the spring semester and plan to stay until the beginning of summer. 

The reality of living in a place where war is taking place quickly set in. Rather than experiencing their normal field trips and other activities, the students have found themselves caught in the middle of airstrikes.

Despite the constant threat of strikes, the students have quickly adapted to a lifestyle of being in and out of the bomb shelter many times throughout the day. During school, which runs from seven a.m. to six p.m., students visit historical and biblical sites. These include places like the site of David and Goliath, the tunnels David used to hide, and many others. When the sirens sound, Razon and Brown, along with 25 other boys, retreat to a bomb shelter in which they sleep, eat, and pass the time. 

“When you’re in America, it seems like it’s so crazy, but here it’s normal,” said Brown. “It’s like we’re in a war, but it feels like it’s just normal.”

The constant pressure and fear has created an unbreakable bond between the students living there.

Razon said, “The bomb shelter has brought us a lot closer for sure. You try and help each other out, you’re always trying to make the mood a lot more lively.”

These students are truly valuing their experience and are enjoying their time despite the hardships of war they are forced to face.

“I want to stay here. I’m really enjoying the program even though now we’re in a war. I wouldn’t want to go home” Brown said.