We’re counting down the days to our 500-strong Centennial Community Mission to Israel this July to kick off our Centennial year celebration.
Why should you go on a Jewish Federation mission? Because it’s more than just a vacation!
When you travel with Jewish Federation you experience unique adventures and make personal connections with Jewish communities around the world. In recent years, our Greater MetroWest community has travelled together to Israel, Paris, Morocco, UAE, Cuba, Ukraine, Poland, the American South, and more. And in each locale, we meet new people, experience different Jewish cultures and traditions, and see first-hand the impact of the work we and our partners around the world accomplish through funds raised by the UJA Annual Campaign.
Read below for reflections of our mission participants, in their own words. And to check out information about all upcoming Federation missions, visit our web page.
NextGen Women’s Mission to Paris (October 2022)
“I enjoyed every aspect of the mission. It was wonderful getting to know an amazing group of women, our tour guides were excellent, the trip was well-planned and organized, and the trip to Sarcelles, as well as the meeting with the Deputy Ambassador, so meaningful, and something I know I’d only get to experience with a Federation trip. I am so happy I went, and very grateful for the experience!”
“[I was inspired by] by visiting Sarcelles and the surrounding community. It was unbelievable to see this aspect of Jewish life outside of Paris, as well as understanding how the community coexists with the Arab community. Similarly, I particularly enjoyed the meeting with the Executive Director of CRIF, I felt this also was an excellent learning opportunity to understand Jewish life today within France, as well as lessons to bring back home.”
King David Society Mission to the United Arab Emirates (March 2022)
“I think by mutual respect and tolerance amongst people of all religions, we can create a better world. I came to Dubai thinking it was like any other Arab country. I was completely surprised to see how advanced the country is. Thank you for organizing such a wonderful enlightening trip.”
“[I was inspired by] meeting the owner/director of the museum in Dubai that had a Jewish/Holocaust exhibit. Who would think that in an Arab country this could exist? Or that I, as a Jew, would be there visiting it? It does give hope for Jewish acceptance. I also really enjoyed the smaller conversations with other attendees on the bus and at meals.”
CommUNITY Mission to Israel (October 2018)
“It was an unbelievable seven days in Israel for almost 500 members of our Greater MetroWest community. From our opening night in Tel Aviv, to our Farewell Party at the Barkan Winery, we bonded with Israel, friends new and old, our sense of Jewish Identity, and our Collective Future. What an amazing week!”
“Because of the Mission, I feel the importance of the Greater Jewish community…I am more grateful that the Federation is here doing what they do. I feel more part of the Federation. Thank you.”
“Because of the Mission, I feel more connected to my local Jewish community. In the week after I got home, I have participated in 4 Jewish activities, which is more than I have in many months. I have also gotten together with new and old Mission friends several times since I’ve been home.”
“I bonded with many people I knew but learned more about them. Made special friendships. I saw Israel in a different way than I did before. I was proud to see where our dollars were going in Israel. A great trip.”
Mission to Cherkassy, Ukraine (April 2018)
“Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is important, but so is the tradition of Kol yisrael arevim ze lazeh — all Jews are responsible for one another. This extends beyond our home community and Israel. Our experience on this trip emphasized the opportunity for saving Jewish lives and building Jewish life in the rest of the Diaspora.”
Women’s Philanthropy Civil Rights Journey (March 2017)
“This Women’s Philanthropy Civil Rights Journey was different; this Mission was an opportunity for our group of women to explore Jewish and non-Jewish involvement in the Civil Rights struggle in America. We visited sites in Atlanta, Georgia and Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, Alabama. At each stop along the way, we were reminded how important it is to tell and retell the stories from this tumultuous chapter in our country’s history.”
Women’s Philanthropy Mission to Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest (October 2017)
“We saw some of the amazing work that our Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, through its partnership with JDC, is accomplishing – facilitating a true rebirth of Jewish life and culture where it was almost fatally extinguished. We felt immense pride in this partnership and were inspired by the effect our support has for these communities that are struggling to re-establish themselves from ravages in the past and fighting against the present-day resurgence of anti-Semitism. Through this effective and powerful partnership, our dollars have maximum impact in fulfilling our sacred obligation to help and support our global Jewish family.”