Visiting Israel

What a trip!

I have just recently returned from a Federation trip to Israel. What a joy to spend a week with fellow community members exploring and rediscovering the new and modern Israel while visiting newly uncovered archaelogical sites throughout the country.

With all of Israel's many security and social challenges, it is still remarkable to learn about the tremendous strides being made by this small country in the arts, culture, technology, and medicine.

We ate at amazing restaurants where the food was plentiful and delicious. Breakfasts are always a treat. Fresh fruit, vegetables served with a variety of breads and cheeses.

One of the most important elements of a successful mission is the guide.And we had an outstanding guide. Yona Lefetsh moved from the world of High Tech to the world of showing visitors all that Israel has to offer.

We were briefed on security issues, the social challenges that Israel faces and had a very enlightening explanation of the differences between our political system and Israel's. Prior to our visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, we were priveleged to hear some personal recollections of a child of survivors who now works at Yad Vashem.

We spent the better part of a day in our sister communities of Afula/Gilboa and visited several programs that our Federation funds, and were hosted for dinner by friends from Afula/Gilboa.

We returned home excited and inspired with a much better understanding of Israel and the important role it plays in our Jewish identity and well being.

Join us in 2 years when we will going once again as a community to Israel...and ask our mission returnees to better understand how meaningful and important this trip was.