Going into this mission, I was hoping to make a small difference and more directly help out some of our Israeli brothers and sisters in need, in addition to the numerous efforts I’ve taken over the last few months from abroad. The mission did not fail to deliver opportunities for each of us to provide support in various ways, both physically and emotionally. It felt purposeful to weed and clean at a greenhouse in Nacham, helping in the country’s agricultural needs. It was extremely uplifting to cook for chayalim at Chamal Yerushalaim and to witness the mission-sponsored Ishay Ribo concert for chayalim, and very rewarding to participate in the mission-hosted barbecue and dancing for two IDF units on a short break from Gaza. It was so gratifying to put smiles on the faces of the children who have been displaced from Kerem Shalom, with the fun activities the group arranged for them.
Some of the support we offered was more emotional, but no less worthwhile—visiting injured soldiers at Ichilov and showing support for displaced families, as well as various family members of fallen heroes, injured chayalim and hostages. Many of the mission members doubted our potential impact in this less tangible arena, but the amazing people we met made it clear that they genuinely felt the care and affection we offered—and have been feeling for them daily with our tefillot and efforts back home. The chesed we performed (in addition to the learning we all experienced) would of course have made this mission more than a fulfilling experience I would have remembered the rest of my life.
But what I never imagined to get out of the mission and the people we met was the inspiration and chizuk they all provided to me and, I am sure, the other mission members. The Israelis are mourning or working hard to get their family members back, and the last thing they need is to be making us feel better, but they do it naturally, with the strength and emunah they embody: Jen Airley (mother of Binyamin Airley, z”l, who lived for Eretz Yisrael and died in combat in Gaza); Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin (parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a hostage from the Nova festival): Rabbi Doron Perez (father of Daniel Perez, an IDF officer and hostage), Jacqui and Yarom Vital (parents of Adi Vital-Kaploun, z”l, killed by Hamas terrorists); and various members of Kerem Shalom—Talia Weitzin (wife of Amichai Weitzin, z”l), Avital Schindler (wife of Amichai Schindler, who was critically injured protecting his family from Hamas terrorists), and married couple Dudi and Geula Rabi. The indelible impressions that these amazing individuals all left on me will be the longest-lasting outcomes from this marvelous mission, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this powerful experience.
Pearl Rawson is the Head of Regulatory Labeling & Advertising/Promotion at Regeneron. She lives in Teaneck with her husband and three daughters.
