Letter from Claudia

K BAR L Ranch General Manager

In June 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Israel and immersing myself in its beautiful culture. I came back with countless pictures and cherished memories, but there’s one thing that continues to echo in my mind. When we visited Yad Vashem, our guide shared a profound thought that I can’t seem to shake: “There will never be another Holocaust because of the IDF.” Those words have been replaying in my head ever since.

Then, on October 7th, 2023, Israel changed in an instant. It felt like a new kind of nightmare, an unknown terror that haunted every thought. The pain of imagining what it must have been like for my friends in Israel on that day weighs heavily on me. It was a moment that will forever be etched in my heart, one that caused a deep grief in my soul.

That grief, however, sparked something powerful. It led me to be involved in HiN.

I didn’t know exactly what to expect from HiN, but my love for my Jewish brothers and sisters drew me in. I saw HiN as a way to support, to give back. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much would be given to me in return.

Almost immediately, I began building relationships with the soldiers. Even without words were few, a smile spoke volumes. There was a profound sense of safety that quickly developed between us—an unspoken bond. I couldn’t help but wonder when, or if, these soldiers had ever felt such a sense of peace before.

One night, a statement was made by an Israeli soldier that I will never forget: “Here’s to being Jewish. I will die for you so that you can keep being Jewish in America.” Even now, I get chills thinking about those words. That night, as the IDF soldiers carried on with their fun and camaraderie, I sat still, struck by an overwhelming realization: I am so incredibly blessed to live in America, a place of freedom and safety, while my newfound friends are fighting in a war-torn country, constantly under threat. The weight of that hit me hard, like a brick wall.

On the final night, as we gathered around the campfire, the soldiers expressed their gratitude. One soldier shared how deeply he appreciated the experience of meeting an American family, in the middle of the wilderness in Montana, who had opened their hearts and home to them. He said it was incredibly special for him to know that there are people in America—Jewish people—who support the IDF, who are standing with them. “This is who we are fighting for,” he said, and it touched me to my core.

I wish I could have shared my own feelings at that moment, but the tears that threatened to fall would have made it impossible to speak. So here, in this letter, I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in making HiN a reality. You have no idea how deeply this organization has impacted me.

Omri, I’m so grateful that you recognized a need and took action. To the HiN Pilot group, thank you for your kindness and dedication. Emily and Adam, thank you for your generosity and warmth. The K Bar L is truly a special place, and HiN is more than just a program—it’s a life-changing experience.

As a Christian girl from Missouri, I want you all to know that HiN has left an indelible mark on my heart. I will forever carry the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the memories shared with me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey.

With deepest gratitude,

Claudia

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