Standing together in unity with the people of Israel - Part I

Rabbi Majesky noted this mission was the largest group to go to Israel this year and the Orlando delegation was the largest within the Jewish Learning Institute – Land and Spirit group.  

This was my third consecutive trip to Israel with JLI's Land and Spirit. Two years ago, the trip was focused on the land. Last year, the focus was on the people. This year, the focus was on unity with our people and with our land. Am Yisrael Chai!

Day 1 (Monday, March 17):

Caesarea – Built by King Herod in 22 BCE, it was the second largest harbor in the ancient world. Under Roman rule, it served as the capital of the province of Judea. We toured the ruins and remnants of the palace, the sports arena, and the Hippodrome (theater); which is still used today for concerts. In Roman times, Caesarea held great challenges to the Jewish people and their faith. The city came to represent all that was counter to the holiness of Jerusalem. We were challenged by our tour guide with a question: Are you personally on the road to Caesarea or the road to Jerusalem?

Magen David Adom – Israel's national emergency and blood bank service. We toured the call center where all emergency calls are monitored and responded to...in seconds! A vital organization that is mostly funded by donations.

Lecture – Mordechai Shenvald, a hero of the IDF who had 11 of his 12 ribs fractured from a terrorist missile strike spoke to us about his experiences in the war on Hamas in Gaza. A violin player, he used his musical ability in the healing process for himself and fellow soldiers in the hospital with him.

Panoramic view of Jerusalem and visit to the Kotel – We stopped for a picture-perfect site that overlooks the city. The visit to the Kotel, first (of three) for the trip feels new and energizing each time. Words cannot describe the emotion that I feel to be standing and praying in the shadow of the Beit Hamikdash.

Day 2 (Tuesday, March 18):

Shura Army Base – This is a military base that attends to the burial of fallen soldiers. Unfortunately, the facility was pressed into also providing service for civilians murdered by Hamas on Oct. 7. The love and compassion that these special soldiers have for their fallen warriors is inspirational. Knowing that the people of Israel have the highest respect and regard for human life, even in death, took my love and respect for the Israeli people to an even higher level.

Sheba Medical Center – This facility is a rehabilitation center for wounded warriors of the IDF. We had the honor of visiting with some wounded soldiers and their families. It is extremely impactful and emotional to see such young

men and women determined to not let a physical set back stop them from returning to a meaningful and productive life. All that we spoke with expressed a desire to return to their units and continue the fight to defend the homeland.

"Hostage Square," Tel Aviv – A solemn and sobering display of a past Sukkot table set for the hostages. We heard from rescued hostage Luis Har, who the IDF rescued in Gaza. An amazing story that culminated with "the best moment" in his life when he was saved. There was a memorial to the Bibas family. The husband, wife and two children who were taken hostage. The husband, Yarden, was released in a hostage–prisoner exchange, and the wife and children were subsequently murdered by Hamas. Their bodies only recently returned. The square is a strong reminder of the central issue tearing at the hearts of the Israeli people. The question is not about getting the hostages returned...but how best to do it. Do we negotiate with Hamas through a ceasefire, or do we pressure Hamas with military action? Presently, military action is being applied in efforts to make Hamas release the hostages.

Barbecue with IDF soldiers – At a remote military base north of Tel Aviv, we had the pleasure to dine and dance with Israeli soldiers of the Golani Brigade, an elite infantry unit. Every one of these heroic young men and women personify the pride and hope of the Jewish people. I cannot convey the heartfelt gratitude that we have for these brave men and women, and yet they repeatedly thanked us for coming from the U.S.A. to support Israel. In a trip that is full of highlights, this event was the highlight of the highlights!

Day 3 (Wednesday, March 19)

Tomb of Rachel – A very emotional visit to the tomb of Mother Rachel. We were able to daven the morning service at this place that is special to the Jewish people.

Discussion with two men that survived the attack of Hamas on their Kibbutz

– A firsthand account of the horror of Oct. 7. Twenty-five percent of the people of this kibbutz were murdered or taken hostage by Hamas. These two men represented the resiliency of the people of Israel when they told us that they, and their community, are rebuilding the kibbutz over the next two years, and they look forward to returning to live in the "safest community in Israel." These two men also represented a reality of Israel since Oct. 7. Not everyone agrees with the government's policies. Not everyone has the same level of religious observance of Judaism, but everyone believes in the State of Israel and is willing to do whatever is needed to defend it.

Visit to Ofakim – This town is about 12 miles east of the Gaza Envelope; so, it was surprising and very concerning that Hamas would attack in a town so far from Gaza. We met a police officer who single handedly fought off Hamas terrorists. He saved so many that had been injured and killed, at close range, so many murderous terrorists that at the end of the day at the hospital, he was covered in blood and none of it was his. A miracle. A true hero who was committed to save his town from barbarians. We also met "Mama Rachel." The women who kept Hamas terrorists at bay in her house. Offering them cookies, while firmly telling them that she would not leave her house. The IDF eventually were able to access the house and rescue her.

Day 4 (Thursday, March 20)

Discussion with a widow of a fallen hero – One of the bravest women (of many) spoke to us about her husband who was killed fighting in Gaza. Her strength was inspirational. As if her story of loss was not emotional enough, she told us that her husband was actually killed by friendly fire in the fog of war. She came to terms with this by telling us that her husband was too good of a man to be killed by Hamas. If he was to die defending Israel, she would rather that it was by accident in the chaos rather than at the hands of terrorists.

Hebron – We visited the Cave of Machpelah where the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and the Matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Leah) are buried. It is also believed that Adam and Eve are also buried here as the entrance to Gan Eden. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with our Judaism as our ancestors are buried here. We danced down the street in Hebron to the Avraham Avinu Synagogue. This shul is several hundred years old.

Evening Discussion – A unreal experience of listening to Eliya Cohen, a hostage who was released just three weeks ago! He told of his personal experience of being taken hostage by Hamas from a bomb shelter, after covering his girlfriend with dead bodies murdered by Hamas, so she would not be captured - she wasn't. He was taken and first kept in a house with a Gazan family. As the IDF moved into the area, he was then taken to the tunnels. He was moved from tunnel to tunnel through school and mosque entrances. He was intermittently given food and water and then not given anything for days and days. He was with the American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who helped Eliya learn English to pass the time. Before Hersh was killed by Hamas, he gave a book written in English to Eliya. Eliya read the book 12 times, which he attributed to why he spoke English so well to us. It was sobering to hear Eliya explain that there are no innocents in Gaza because anyone with compassion would not have done this or have been party to it. When asked, he said that he does not hate the Gazans. He feels sorry for them. They have been brainwashed to hate, and it is all that they have in their lives, and will ever have, until they decide differently.

Part II will cover the last four days of the trip.