"Hosting participants for GAW was a decision I did not expect to make and one I would choose over and over again! It was amazing to welcome these kind, sweet Jewish teens and help them explore our city before attending a very large conference. I loved getting to know them and learning about what Judaism is like in their own country. My son, who is only five, fell in love with his "German siblings" and misses them so much!  I am already excited to host again in five years!"

Ellie Tepper Schulman
IC 2026 Home Host, Philadelphia

"Hosting teenagers from Bulgaria was the experience of a lifetime for our family.  Within a few short days, we formed a bond with amazing students who are now forever part of our family.  They were so appreciative and gracious, and we were lucky to have met such bright, impactful, wonderful young women! We also got the chance to host a Super Bowl party for 50 teens from 13 countries - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

Taryn Ferst
IC 2026 Home Host, Philadelphia

"We signed up originally to host two teenage girls and ended up hosting four.  The experience was amazing, and we would do it again in a heartbeat.  We have two teenage girls at home, and having the house full with six girls was energizing (and exhausting), but we loved every minute.  It's like the girls were hand-selected for our family.  This was a week our family will never forget... and we get to see them again in December, as we will be taking a family trip to Australia to meet their families and spend time with them in Melbourne!"

Rachel Fox
IC 2026 Home Host, Philadelphia