(Courtesy of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey) Two hundred and seventy Jews from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex and surrounding areas recently returned from the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey’s Four Corners of Israel community trip. The journey, spanning October 14 – 22, brought participants to the most Northern parts of Israel in the Golan, and as far south as Tel Aviv-Yafo.
For most participants, Jerusalem was a key highlight on the trip.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to come to Jerusalem,” said Saul Ziss of Manalapan. “I touched the Wall and felt tears rolling down my face, and I don’t know why. I am not an emotional guy.”
Renee Freedman shared the sentiment many feel when visiting Jerusalem: “I looked down at the Old City and it looked like a big white heart. It felt like home.”
Participants also had the chance to visit Federation-funded programs like Kol Ami, an organization that hosts Jewish youth from all over the world to better themselves through leadership development, community service, love of Israel, army preparation and understanding of Jewish peoplehood.
“We got to Kol Ami and I had my moment. We talked to the most amazing young adults,” said Michelle Schneiderman, who was visiting Israel for the first time. “I finally see where my Federation money is going and I’m very happy about it.”
Others were treated to a demonstration at the ZAKA Search and Rescue Training and Empowerment Program for at-risk youth. The federation-funded program provides therapeutic support for local at-risk youth via dog training therapy. Michael Danziger of Long Branch said he enjoyed “seeing young people in need being helped in a positive way to give them better lives as adults.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, in Israel for business, joined the Jewish Federation at the Havdalah ceremony in Jerusalem on October 20. He compared Israel’s drive as a start-up nation to New Jersey as the state of innovation and the benefits of the two working together. Regarding the recent uptick in anti-Semitism in New Jersey, Murphy vowed to “pursue and prosecute [these crimes] to the fullest extent of the law.”
Murphy closed by saying “The Federations are irreplaceable. They are existential institutions in the state.”
Many participants returned home with a deeper connection to Israel and an appreciation of the country after 70 years of independence, and over 3,000 years of history. In addition, seeing the Federation’s commitment to those in need in Israel provided trip-goers with a first-hand look at the impact of not only the Federation, but those who support it.
If you would like to get involved with the Jewish Federation, visit jewishheartnj.org/connect.
For those with teens and tweens, they can experience Israel without the plane ticket – Sunday, November 16, 1 – 5 pm, at the Israel Teen Summit at Rutgers Hillel in New Brunswick. The free event features keynote speaker Chloe Valdary, Director of Partnerships and Shillman Fellow at Jerusalem U. The day will also include a variety of sessions ranging from advocacy to sports to teen life in Israel, plus an Israeli Shuk (marketplace) with food and free gifts from Israel. Details at jewishheartnj.org/teensummit.
