Dear Oren This trip has been amazing! I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for really giving us the best 10 days of our lives. You truly showed us all of Israel's beauty & it was so touching to see how great your love for your "heaven" is! I feel that I am leaving Israel with so much more knowledge & love for this beautiful country. I couldn't have asked for a better person to show me Israel. Your fun, loving, caring & energetic personality really made this experience unforgettable! Thank you again! With Love, Denise Huczneker P.S You and your future wife are MORE than welcome to stay with Dax and I

Oren! WOW! I can't even describe how much fun I had on the trip with you. You are such an amazing and passionate person that made every second of the trip unforgettable! Thank you so much for everything and I do not have enough words to describe the experience you made me experience. The trip was amazing and I really love you Birthright #596 Oranim

Oren, I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you. I am sitting here now in my hotel room at 5:11 am in San Diego, CA and all I can think about is the trip I just left behind. If you look at everyone's Facebook pages you can clearly see how much we miss each other and wish that we were still in Israel. You were successful in your goal...making us all have the best 12 days of our lives. I personally can say that it was a break I so needed in my life. I know that we talked a bit throughout the trip and I feel like you got to know me a little bit. I just wanted to say that you helped ME get to know me a little bit. I don't want to come off sounding like some immature girl, so I hope that's not how this message reads. I am a believer in the idea that sometimes people come into your lives, even for a short time, for a reason. I think you came into my life to open my eyes to what real life is all about. It's not about money, material things, etc. I think Momo said, "it's more important who is lying in your bed, than how many bedrooms you have." He couldn't have been more right and let me tell you that message has resonated with me loud and clear. I grew up moderately privileged. As a result, I feel like I often take things for granted. If this trip has taught me anything, it's not to do that. I think each one of us goes on Birthright for different reasons - find a husband, connect to Israel, find their spiritual self, meet new friends. I have to admit that I think I came on this trip for all of these reasons and was successful in all but 1 - meeting a husband (well at least for now). But, it did open my eyes a bit to what I was looking for in a husband. I admire your relationship with your wife. It's an unconditional happiness that I envy and hope to have in my own marriage someday. I wanted to say to you on the trip without sounding weird but I am proud to know you. You bring such a passion into everything you do - family, home, work, etc. You exude happiness, a quality I admit I have been lacking these last few months and years. But, I feel like you rekindled that spark in me and it will push me into taking all of the necessary steps to make myself a happier person. To be real and fair, will I make Aaliyah? No, probably not. Will I visit Israel maybe once a year or move there for a short period of time? I truly believe I will. When I get back to New York I am going to look into receiving a Jewish education with a goal to have my Bat Mitzvah. How long it takes or how soon I can begin, only time will tell. But, never before did I truly push myself to move forward with it. Until now. I know you love every group you've ever had practically. Were we really your favorite? Probably not. But at least you let us believe that we are Admirable. I can tell from the pictures you bring other groups to your house, say "wakey, wakey", etc but the fact that you were able to make us feel so special and individual was amazing....Achla! So, I wish you the best of luck in the future and hope that you keep in touch! I hope you can come to New York and visit with all of us and that you don't forget us all anytime soon. I hope to eventually see pictures of your "Jordan" girl or boy who will be lucky enough to have a father like you. In short, you have changed my life! Saying thank you seems insignificant, but it's the truth. Thank you! Best Regards, Sarah Becker Achla 2008

Oren, I just wanted to say thank you again for an incredible experience. I couldn't imagine the trip being as good without you. Being in Israel, visiting the historical sites, cemeteries, your home, and the diverse terrain really changed my life. I cannot say that I am more religious because of my trip to Israel, but I can say that I am proud to be Jewish and that I will do what it takes to preserve our culture and heritage for the next generations to come. I am really considering staffing over the summer or next winter so I'm pretty excited about that. Maybe I can even request to be in your group!! I can't wait to take my next trip to Israel and I haven't even been home a full day yet! One more thing, I know you are very busy, but do you think you might be able to email me exactly where we went on what day. The itinerary that is listed on the website is not 100% accurate and I would love to make an album to commemorate my first trip to Israel with the appropriate information. I hope you can do me this favor and please take your tiem. Keep in touch. Much love and thanks, Rachel Herman I miss the Achlah group and Israel!!!

Oren, Thank you so much for the time that you spent with us in Israel. We saw a side of Northern Israel that few tourists see. Together we went from border to border, and explored all four corners of the Galilee and Golan. The natural places you took us to were beautiful, and we really enjoyed all the hikes that you chose for us. Also, it was good to see and experience first-hand all the different valleys, castles, forts, and ruins, and to hear how it all fit together for ancient peoples, especially during Bible times. Your passion for the land, its people, history and stories made our guiding days with you very rewarding. When I listen to Frumie talking about our trip, one of her proudest moments is showing people that she made it through the Arbel cliff walk. I know that she would not have made it without the confidence that you inspired in her. Your supportive nature and sense of adventure helped give her the extra incentive she needed to get through it. Many of the highlights of our trip were the walks and hikes that we took with you. We really felt your connection to the land, and being with you on the memorial and independence days was very special to us. And we appreciated all the good discussions that we had about people, politics, religion, culture, or most any other topic. Thinking back on our time together, it's hard to believe that we covered so much ground in just six days. We gave you the green light to change our itinerary around, and to select the sites and hikes that you thought would deliver the most value, and that proved to be a great decision. You really made the most of the time that we had together. Oren, we could not have asked for a better private guide of a better overall experience in Israel. Our contact information is below. Please feel free to post this email on your Web site, or use it as a reference. In addition, don't hesitate to have people call or email us for a great reference. Take care. Frumie and David Burns Holliston, MA USA davidmartinburns@gmail.com

Oren! I wanted to write you a little note to thank you. I want to give you the biggest thank you can imagine! You have, hands-down, 100%, made this trip. You are so knowledgeable and your passion for this Land and the people in it is truly something to be admired. Oren, you are so amazing, not just at being a tour guide, but you are an amazing individual! You bring Israel to life through your words and passion! It was very moving to hear you speak about Amnon Shukrun and in Rabin Square; you are truly inspirational! You have been our fearless leader, and although I know it has only been 10 days I feel like I've known you a lifetime.

Taglit Birthright 2011 Oren was an amazing guide. He made touring personal and made us all feel a deep connection with Israel. Oren was always engaging and passionate while teaching and speaking with us. Our bus agreed that having such a great tour guide made the trip even more enjoyable. Oren was fantastic. His lectures at the different sites were well organized and really interesting. I especially liked when we read from the Bible and from speeches/letter, etc to make each site come alive. His knowledge was about everything. Oren was one of the most passionate tour guides I have ever met. He's Amazing! Oren was absolutely amazing. He was very passionate. He made it a point to make sure that everyone on the trip really got something out of it. I wish that everyone who goes on Birthright could have Oren as a guide. He really brought Israel and the whole experience to life. Oren is truly special.

Oren was one of the most significant parts of the entire experience. He showed passion, energy and enthusiasm every part of the trip. He truly cared about everyone being able to learn about Israel and have a positive experience.He encouraged us to ask questions and most importantly, Oren exemplified true leadership skills. He demanded respect and when he spoke I always listened because I wanted to hear everything he had to say. He was organized, clear with his expectations and he pushed everyone to maximize the opportunity given to us. He worked so hard but it was also apparent that it wasn't just a job/work for him in that he truly cared about us and what the trip meant for us. 5/2014

Oren, I can't begin to thank you for your incredible leadership, knowledge, love & friendship during this experience. You are an amazing person and I feel so honored to have you as part of my life. You have made this experience for me and I thank you and respect you from the bottom of my heart. Please keep in touch, I love you! Cortni

Oren - Again, there are not enough words to describe our thank to you. You brought such joy and passion to our trip - one that was so meaningful to us all. Wishing you and your family love - The Greenspans

Dear Oren As I read through all the notes of thanks on your website, one thing was perfectly clear: there was nothing unique about how you cared for and nurtured our 17 person (personality-filled) tour group of our family and friends. That is to say: you so clearly devote every fiber of your being to making each experience beautiful, meaningful, FUN, and full of love and attention. In our case, also not unique, you caused a 17 person cascade of love all flowing to you and for you. Throughout our trip, you were "there" for each of us in every imaginable way. (Like making our bus driver pull over so you could hire the perfect cab driver, whose fancy new cab you spotted from the bus, to escort my road-weary parents from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea when they decided to skip Bedouin life for the night.) What belongs to only us, though, is sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience (all of us, and you) that was of your making. The heroic rescue of a girl and her family on her Bat Mitzvah day is one, literally, for the history books. As you know, so very clearly by now, you have etched your name in our collective heart. While you had already gained 17 new family members the week leading up to the Bat Mitzvah, you managed to secure another 30 more in one magical hour. There are hardly the means to describe you to anyone who hasn't been blessed to spend even 5 minutes with you, but to those who might be the lucky ones, I say DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE!!! Oren is your guy. He'll forever be ours. With love, gratitude, and totally groupie-like awe, The Kozolchyk Plotkin Extended Family

Dear Oren We had the most wonderful experience with you, and will give you the highest recommendation anytime you need it. Also will be referring friends who plan to visit. Thank you for the great tours you gave us Best regards and love, Leonard and Marcelle

Dear Oren, Thank you so much for everything that you have done for our family (and especially for Clara) over these past six days. This has been a mind-expanding journey for all of us, and we will always remember and be grateful for everything you shared with us - your deep knowledge of history and talent for bringing it alive, your seemingly infinite energy, your humor, and perhaps most of all your genuine kindness and warmth. We feel that we have not only gained a greater understanding of Israel but have also made a new friend. We hope that you feel the same way and that you will stay in touch (and certainly let us know the next time you visit NYC (we would be delighted to host you at our home in Brooklyn). With our deep thanks and appreciation, Andy, Kathy, Clara, Barry & Marjorie Shapiro

Oren THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL TOUR SO FAR! YOU ARE SUCH A SPECIAL PERSON & WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU. LOTS OF LOVE, TAHRA & KERIN

July 21, 2010 Oren! I wanted to write you a little note to thank you. I want to give you the biggest thank you can imagine! You have, hands-down, 100%, made this trip. You are so knowledgeable and your passion for this Land and the people in it is truly something to be admired. Oren, you are so amazing, not just at being a tour guide, but you are an amazing individual! You bring Israel to life through your words and passion! It was very moving to hear you speak about Amnon Shukrun and in Rabin Square; you are truly inspirational! You have been our fearless leader, and although I know it has only been 10 days I feel like I've known you a lifetime. Leah