Danna Homan, a proud Alabama native, has long held a deep connection to the Holy Land. Growing up in Demopolis and graduating from the University of Alabama, Homan’s roots run deep in the Heart of Dixie. After stints in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas, she ultimately returned to Alabama, where she now calls Birmingham home.

On March 14,  Homan embarked on a three-week journey that took her over 6,500 miles away from Birmingham to a land gripped by war and heartache. Motivated by her Christian faith and a profound love for Israel, Homan volunteered through Sar-El. This organization places international volunteers directly on Israeli Defense Force (IDF) bases to provide critical support during times of conflict.

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“My deep love for Israel is a direct result of my Christian faith. Jesus was Jewish, so I have always been committed to everything the Bible says about God’s irrevocable promises to Israel,” Homan shared with Yellowhammer News. “The very existence of Israel is a miracle and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.”

Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, and the alarming rise in antisemitism, Homan felt compelled to act.

“After the horrific tragedies of October 7th, 2023, along with the abominable rise in antisemitism in this country, I got to a point that I could no longer sit idle and do nothing.”

Through Sar-El, Homan was assigned to the Tel HaShomer medical base where she and other volunteers supported active-duty soldiers by preparing surgical packs, repacking soldiers’ backpacks, checking medical supplies, and loading essential equipment for field use.

However, her time in Israel was far from easy. Homan recounted the stark realities of living under the constant threat of rocket attacks.

“Night #3 at 3:45 a.m. — sound asleep — the first alarm. The loudest thing I have ever heard in my entire life. Sixty seconds. That’s it. You have sixty seconds to get to the shelter. I jumped up, threw on my boots that were placed very strategically by my bed and ran… FAST.”

Despite the fear, Homan was inspired by the strength and resilience of the Israeli people.

“The Israelis know exactly what to do. The second those alarms go off, they fall right into motion… protecting everyone around them and guiding people to safety with a precision, confidence, and calmness like I had never experienced.”

One of Homan’s most emotional moments came during a flag-raising ceremony on the base.

“As I raised the flag and stood there at attention with two female soldiers while Hatikvah was sung, the emotion was overwhelming. How is a small-town girl from Alabama now standing on a military base in Israel singing their national anthem and raising the flag? But God. Against all odds.”

During her time there, she also built deep connections with the Israeli soldiers, who often questioned why a non-Jewish person would travel so far to help.

“As tears flowed from my eyes as I witnessed the pain and confusion in theirs, I would explain to them my love for Israel and why it was so profound. We spoke about their own Scriptures from Zechariah, Isaiah, and others.”

Reflecting on the experience, Homan said:

“This is why Jesus placed me right there in the middle of a nation at war, a nation broken over lost hostages, a nation feeling the oppression of antisemitism from all over the world. In a world full of so much hate being spewed their direction, He placed me there to SHOW THEM how much they are loved.”

Now back in Alabama, Homan carries a strong message for both citizens and policymakers.

“Let’s bring the hostages home… NOW. There have been enough words. Enough failed cease-fire attempts. Just bring them home, whatever it takes. It’s time.”

She also urged elected leaders to take bold action against antisemitism.

“Stand with action, words, and votes. Just stand. Even if it means that you stand out from the rest.”

Homan emphasized the historical ties between Alabama and Israel, reminding readers that in 1943, Alabama became the first state to call for the establishment of a Jewish homeland — a legacy she remains deeply proud of.

Her journey, as she described, is only just beginning.

“This chapter in my life will forever be seared deep into my soul. I am beyond honored that they trusted me and allowed me to be there to help in some small way. This experience gave me a million times more than I ever could have given, so I cannot wait to go back again. For such a time as this.”

For more about the Sar-El volunteer program, visit www.sar-el.org.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].