Yes, we are doing it again. After the moving and amazing experiences which were shared last year by the Link Solidarity Mission to Israel, Peter Abelow and I are creating another amazing trip. We will leave Jan. 12 for a week of heartfelt experiences, eye opening exposure to the breadth and depth of our homeland, and meetings with Israelis who have been impacted by life since October 7. We will do chesed (not getting down on the ground and picking potatoes), visit the Southern cities that were so devastated by the pogrom of October 7, and most meaningfully show Israelis that we care and love them.

A short story from our last trip: At Cafe Aroma in Bet Shemesh, which devoted most of its store to making sandwiches for soldiers, I quite accidentally met a young Israeli woman by the name of Estie. She asked why I was there and I responded “Because I love you.” She put her arms around me and began to cry. As we spoke I found out that she has a car service where she provides drivers for people all over Israel. Obviously because of the situation at the time there was not a good deal of business. I offered to help her and have advertised her name in different places. Many times I have read postings where people were looking for “safe” drivers. Estie now calls me her queen, as this very little effort of mine has helped her slightly. We need to transmit to the average everyday Israeli how much we care about them despite the distance. We are one family.

We will have our own bus, accompanied by a security guard who last year was also a medic. Those who are familiar with Peter know that there is little that I can say that would adequately describe his depth of knowledge and the ahavat Yisrael that he feels and which has increased since he returned home to Eretz Yisrael with his family many years ago..

We will be staying at the Kings Hotel. I prefer to stay there because it is in an excellent location (walkable for most to everything) is mehadrin, and allows the cost of the trip to be more affordable. Last year our group greatly enjoyed being there. Breakfasts offered a million choices and the Shabbat meals were delicious. We entertained guest speakers last year for our meals which greatly added to the warmth and interest of the group. The same will happen this year.

The greatest challenge we and everyone else is facing this year is securing flights. We are working with Claude Hakim, who helped many of us last year, and has great connections at El Al. I urge you to call him immediately to secure and book flights. He can be reached at Field Travel at (917) 861-1853 on his cell anytime. The group is flying out on Jan. 12 although no one is obligated to fly with us if you prefer to arrive in Israel earlier or to extend their stay.

I look forward to hearing from you with any and all questions. No one should be traveling to Israel today without proper insurance which we arranged last year as well. I look forward to hearing from you.

Quotes from last year’s participants: “It was a wonderful way to bring encouragement to the people of Israel, and to yourself!”

“It was perfectly programmed start to finish. The people we met and the places we visited impact one’s life forever. Peter Abelow, or incredible program coordinator and guide, shared and inspired and laughed and cried with us throughout the life-changing trip.”

“This mission was life-changing. I witnessed Israel in its darkest hour and yet I was deeply moved by the Jewish nation’s strength, courage and unity during this difficult time. I will never forget and hope to join again soon.”

“One of the most inspiring images in my mind of our group last year was the way we became one. We shared our emotions, delighted in having contacts every day with the residents of Shlomi who were evacuees from the North who stayed in our hotel (hope they went home where they belong). There was not one glitch in the program. Great to have special speakers joining us for Shabbat and during the week. A highlight was visiting the home of Stuart and Anita Tucker, who were the leaders of the Gush Katif movement and are now living in the new Gush Katif. Thank you, Peter and Nina”

Please see the ad on this page for further details.

Nina Glick can be reached at [email protected]