Jerusalem U Fellows Program & BOMAH

I never had Facebook, so why am I posting right now?!

Throughout high school I was the girl who never followed the crowd. I walked around saying “My real friends are the ones I get to hang out with” – and unlike every other teenager I shied away from the Facebook world. I regarded it as a waste of time.

I wasn’t shy or timid when people asked me why I didn’t have an account. I scorned Facebook, and considered it a fad for sheeplike followers that I would proudly avoid. Today, after two months of the BOMAH workshop, I now know that Facebook can be my voice to the world!

It all started when I met Itzik Yarkoni, CEO of BOMAH, and heard about his vision to rebrand Israel. He wants to bring back the biblical brand of milk and honey.

What is The Brand of Milk and Honey?

BOMAH, Brand Of Milk and Honey, connects people to the story of Israel. It’s built on the philosophy that one’s personal story can powerfully influence the worldwide community. BOMAH also tries to diminish Israel’s negative online image by creating a more optimistic one.

Google says…

Today if you Google, “does Israel have…” or “travel in Israel…” or “life in Israel…” hundreds of anti-Israel messages appear. BOMAH is trying to change that. Through workshops, BOMAH teaches students the skills they need to effectively counter these messages. Their mission is to change Israel’s reputation and Israel’s brand!

What the Workshop taught me?

• How to effectively engage the cyber world
• How to create pro-Israel messages
• Most importantly I learned how to tell my personal story:

Growing up in various communities across the United States, I’ve never had one place to call home; that is except Israel. Israel is my home. My heart beats to the pulse of Jerusalem, and its people are my people. I know my next step is to return home. I’m proudly making Aliyah. This year I am going from a tourist to a citizen. I’m excited to share my personal story along the way. I’m sharing my story BOMAH STYLE! My stories are endless. It may sound bizarre, but for me a trip to the fruit market is a “chavaya” (Hebrew word for experience). Facebook is not just about a cute status update or a picture, it’s how I get to globally share my story.

Anything is possible once you are willing to dream

Two months ago if someone told me that I would be writing this article I would have laughed in disbelief. I would have laughed even harder if someone told me that I would be one of Facebook’s 1.4 billion users. However, I’ve learned that life takes us to the most unexpected of places- and it’s exciting. BOMAH taught me the tools, techniques and infused me with the confidence I need to tell my story.

MY STORY IS NOT ENOUGH! The world needs yours as well. Write, post articles, Show pictures, tell you Israel story and we can take the world on Together.

Join me and others by telling your story, go to bomah.org and make a difference!