(Courtesy of JFS MetroWestNJ) Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest celebrated a successful Centennial Mission to Israel, commemorating the organization’s 100th birthday and Israel’s 75th. In July, the Federation led 500 people, representing all parts of the diverse Greater MetroWest community, on a collective journey of learning and discovery. For more than 120 participants, it was their first time in Israel, and for those who had visited in the past, it was no less inspiring.
“Our hope was to create a once-in-a-century experience for our Greater MetroWest community as we celebrate our Centennial year. The reality exceeded every expectation!” reflected Centennial Mission Chair Ira Steinberg. “The Centennial Mission strengthened our connections between members of our Greater MetroWest community in New Jersey and Israel, and deepened our bond with the land and people of Israel. I am confident that the lives of all involved have been transformed, which will ultimately transform our entire Greater MetroWest community as we head into our next century.”
Greater MetroWest is proud to be the first Federation to provide an inclusive community mission to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to bring a bus full of participants from its partner agencies, JESPY House and Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD).
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey’s Centennial Mission to Israel and share this magical experience with hundreds of neighbors and friends,” said Jane Wilf, chairperson of Federation’s Centennial Campaign. “Now, more than ever, as we celebrate the Federation’s 100th year, I am deeply appreciative and proud of the role that Federation plays in meeting the diverse needs of Jews in our community and worldwide. The Centennial Mission launches the Federation’s year-long multi-event celebration intended to mark this important milestone while strengthening our bonds as a global community.” For details about Federation’s Centennial Celebration and upcoming events, visit jfedgmw.org/centennial.
Each day of the mission offered a variety of unique experiences. Highlights included a stirring program at an Israel Defense Forces Army base, a party celebrating July 4th with fireworks on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, getting to know Israeli community members and participating in service projects together at Federation partner communities including Ofakim, Merchavim, Arad, Hurfeish and Kibbutz Erez, where we saw first-hand the inspiring programs supported by UJA Annual Campaign dollars. Participants were honored by an address from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, spent a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel with Havdalah at the Tower of David, paid visits of remembrance to the Har Herzl Memorial and Yad Vashem’s Holocaust Museum, explored Jerusalem and more.
To learn about other opportunities to travel on a Federation mission, visit jfedgmw.org/missions
