Expressing gratitude wasn’t something that came naturally in the Israeli culture I grew up with, but this past week, I heard it more than ever. From the moment I stepped off the plane last Monday and began my travels—starting with a meeting with the mayor of Arad—I felt a shift. My emotions were heightened, and my mind was wide open to learn—from our GMW professionals on the ground, from the dozen Peoplehood participants wrapping up their trip, from the leaders of all our partner communities, and from the friends and family I hadn’t seen in 18 months.
Aside from the Covid period, this was my longest stretch between visits to Israel in the past 40 years, and the changes were striking. It wasn’t just because the country has been “at war,” but because life has carried on. Construction has continued, new roads have opened, old ones are expanding, and the people of this remarkable country remain steadfast in their resilience.
In almost every meeting—Arad, Kibbutz Erez, Ofakim, Rishon LeZion and Hurfeish—there was some discussion about expansion and growth. Of course, there were also presentations and neighborhood tours showing where the Hamas terrorists attacked our innocent family members on October 7. Or how the brave Druze of Hurfeish, living only 2 kilometers from the Lebanese border, were preparing for Hezbollah terrorists to cross into THEIR country.
At once these feelings are simple. Grief at all the loss, and joy as more hostages are released. But at the same time, they are complex. Too many Israelis are still contemplating how they can return to their homes of October 6, 2023—in the South and in the North.
Amidst this confusing period, culture continues to thrive. On the first evening of my visit, I attended an exhibit showcasing artwork created by the people of Shaar Hanegev, a community that was severely impacted on October 7.
In Ofakim, a city where 48 residents lost their lives defending the Mishor Hagefen neighborhood—just 20 miles from the Gaza Strip, I reviewed plans for significant growth of its population by the thousands, as it continues to develop an economy based on Agricultural Technology.
The population has transitioned from multiple “red alert” alarms each day to a more “normal” existence. New security arrangements are in place, but uncertainty about the future still hangs over just about every decision.
In another sign of normalization, I had a briefing at the egalitarian section of the Kotel with the CEO of the Masorti Movement. We discussed the controversies about this absolutely harmless and beautiful location, and how the government has yet to figure out a long-term plan for equality at this holy site.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Late in the week, we had the honor and pleasure of being the first Greater MetroWest people to visit our partners in Hurfeish. I have never felt so warmly embraced and appreciated as I did on that visit. Also, I have rarely felt so insufficient in my knowledge about an important segment of Israeli society, the Druze.
I have long known that GMW not only has an excellent reputation in Israel but also boasts a top-notch professional team. After spending a week here, I’m even more convinced of both. We are looked to as a model by many communities, as well as by JAFI (The Jewish Agency for Israel), the Joint (the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee), and even other Federations’ Israel teams. This team, working alongside our professionals in New Jersey, has skillfully, impactfully, and compassionately allocated nearly $3 million in emergency funds to support all of our partner communities.
I could not be prouder to be the CEO of this great Federation at this time.
