More than 180 people, 7 days, one message - the Orthodox Union and its constituents - stand firmly behind the citizens of Israel and their government and support them politically, financially and emotionally. It was a trip like no other. The group - comprised of families from around the country including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, Michigan, California, Colorado, Ohio, Florida, Maryland and Massachusetts - ranged in age from infant to 89 years old and ran the gamut of political and Orthodox religious affiliation. During the trip, the men, women and children who participated were able to see Israel through the watchful eyes of those living in the country, while gaining a deeper appreciation of the daily challenges confronted by many who live in Gilo, Hevron and Gush Etzion. Participants were also able to witness first hand "the heart and indomitable spirit of the people who live their everyday lives with one eye cast toward the future and the other looking back over their shoulder."
The goal of the trip, organized by the OU's Department of Synagogue and Community Services, was to imbue a sense of camaraderie and support to those living in Israel, and to show the Israeli people, not just the government, that the American Orthodox Jewish community supports them and will continue to stand by them. The experience proved to be that and much more for those on the trip. As one cab driver poignantly stated, "You came to give us strength, and you left having strengthened yourselves."
Based in the new Seymour J. Abrams OU Jerusalem World Center, the trip provided a flexible schedule that enabled participants to spend time on their own, yet also participate in the group events and trips. Some of the highlights included: * Meetings with residents of Gush Etzion, Gilo, Hevron, Beit El and Pesagot; * An OU organized solidarity rally attended by Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, Rabbi Nachman Kahane (Rabbi, Young Israel of the Old City) and retired Brigadier General Effi Eitam; * A meeting with the father of one of the two soldiers from Gush Katif who were killed in Lebanon; * Shiva visit to Mrs. Hila Pashkus, the widow of a recent victim of the violence.
The goal of the trip, organized by the OU's Department of Synagogue and Community Services, was to imbue a sense of camaraderie and support to those living in Israel, and to show the Israeli people, not just the government, that the American Orthodox Jewish community supports them and will continue to stand by them. The experience proved to be that and much more for those on the trip. As one cab driver poignantly stated, "You came to give us strength, and you left having strengthened yourselves."
Based in the new Seymour J. Abrams OU Jerusalem World Center, the trip provided a flexible schedule that enabled participants to spend time on their own, yet also participate in the group events and trips. Some of the highlights included: * Meetings with residents of Gush Etzion, Gilo, Hevron, Beit El and Pesagot; * An OU organized solidarity rally attended by Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, Rabbi Nachman Kahane (Rabbi, Young Israel of the Old City) and retired Brigadier General Effi Eitam; * A meeting with the father of one of the two soldiers from Gush Katif who were killed in Lebanon; * Shiva visit to Mrs. Hila Pashkus, the widow of a recent victim of the violence.