The Journal That Could Have Been (If Free Time Were a Thing)
- Yael Lederman, Excel Business 2017

Day 0
Over 24 hours of traveling later and I’m exhausted. But Israel!! Everyone seems so cool and nice.
Day 1
Is this business casual thing for real??
Day 10
Aside from my mounting addiction to Tamara (their chocolate is a divine gift), this summer has exceeded every expectation. People actually care here. Being sick and studying for finals means check-in texts, visits, and FOOD! This country is beautiful and I can’t wait to explore more.
Day 35
We made awkward introductions. We traveled. We worked. We challenged ourselves and were challenged. We opened our minds to new cultures, new city streets, and new perspectives. We were inspired. We danced like idiots. We spoke out. We grew.
For me, the best part of Excel (hands down) is the people — the “we”. Whether taking in the fireworks, video montages and band (what?) of the Mega Event, enjoying the open bar while ~networking~ with fellow North Americans at the Singer and Schusterman event, exploring the heartbeat of Tel Aviv during White Night, or listening to accomplished speakers like Nadav Tzafrir of Team8, it’s the people alongside me that have made this program so special.
But Excel is also the offline events. We’ve forgone sleep to swap life stories. We’ve belted out the lyrics to Britney Spears as we watched from way too far. We’ve increased our skin tone several shades at the beach and fell in love with every and all of the food in Tel Aviv. We’ve explored Neve Tzedek. Jaffa. Jerusalem.
In the end, we will remember the small moments — what excited us, terrified us and challenged us to grow. Thanks to everyone on this program for adding to the Excel experience. Let’s make this last month incredible!
Yael Lederman is a member of the Birthright Israel Excel 2017 cohort, interning at 500 Startups. She studies at Stanford University (c/o 2019), where she is pursuing a B.S. in Biomechanical Engineering. Yael is from Golden Beach, FL.

