By State Representative Christie Carpino

Last month, I was honored to join a bipartisan delegation to Israel. This gathering brought together state legislators from every corner of the United States to better understand a region and her people that is often discussed on the news, but rarely experienced in person. For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a place that carries profound meaning to multiple faiths, is so important to the very identify of many Connecticut residents, and continues to inspire strong emotions across the globe.

Over the course of several days, I learned so much—and still left with countless questions. That is the nature of a place like Israel: ancient and modern, sacred and challenged, a nation that invites reflection while confronting realities that test its people daily.

As a legislative delegation, we had the privilege of hearing from political leaders, both American and Israeli, as well citizens who generously shared their perspectives. These conversations were invaluable. Too often, discussions about the Middle East are reduced to politics, policies, and headlines. But what stays with me most are the personal stories: parents worried about their children’s safety, communities balancing fear with resilience, and young people striving for a future of peace. I saw firsthand the sad reality of a people forced to normalize safe rooms and alerts that missiles have been fired in their direction.

We honored the hostages who were ripped from their community and have yet to be released to their families. And we paid our respects at the heart-wrenching site of a music festival where hundreds of innocent citizens were murdered.  As we stood in some of the very locations where attacks killed more than 1,000 innocent people almost 2 years ago, it was a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism. We spoke with survivors of the attacks and high school kids that lost friends. These are experiences that will remain etched in my mind. These are not just statistics or news clips—they are human beings.

Our group asked difficult questions – issues such as humanitarian aid. The complexity of balancing security and humanitarian needs was evident, but so too was the determination of people committed to improving lives on both sides of the border.

Amidst these sobering lessons, there were also moments of inspiration. We planted trees of hope. We had the privilege of visiting historic landmarks, walking through streets that have been part of human history for thousands of years, and standing at the Western Wall. Like so many before me, I left a handwritten prayer in its crevices—my message a simple wish for peace and hope for both the people of Connecticut and Israel.

For me this journey was not about politics. It was about listening, learning, and seeking to understand a complicated place that means so much to so many. I am grateful for the chance to represent Connecticut and returned home with a deeper appreciation for both the challenges and the possibilities ahead.