When American-Jewish students arrived at Hebrew University in the 1960s, many encountered a jarring disconnect between their idealized vision of Israel and the complex realities of daily life there. Dr. Simon Herman's longitudinal analysis of these students from 1965-67 reveals how bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and unfamiliar social norms initially created significant cultural shock. Yet this disorientation ultimately led to profound identity transformations. Through regular tracking of student expectations, experiences, and attitudes, Herman discovered that most participants developed deeper Jewish self-respect despite their early struggles. Religious students adapted more successfully by leveraging shared ritual practices and community connections. Perhaps most significantly, students' understanding of Jewish identity expanded beyond religious practice to encompass ethnic and cultural dimensions, fostering stronger psychological bonds with both Israel and the broader Jewish people. These identity gains proved fragile, however, often fading without continued engagement after students returned to America. Herman's findings remain relevant beyond academic exchange programs, offering valuable lessons for contemporary Jewish educators and community leaders working to strengthen American-Jewish identity and Israel connections among young people.