Israel Solidarity Mission
Israel Solidarity Mission
Federation CEO, Robert French, Mission Chair, Susan Green, Rabbi David Gerber, Rabbi Phil Kaplan and other community leaders travelled to Israel for an impactful solidarity mission. Read about their time in Israel and view the photo gallery below.
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Day Three Highlights
The group was able to spend impactful time with our sister city, Rosh Ha'ayin. See what Rosh-Ha'ayin New-Orleans Birmingham P2G shared from their time together:
"True partnership. A special solidarity mission from the Jewish Federation of New Orleans arrived yesterday and is leaving tomorrow…spending time in Beeri, the Nova festival site, meeting people from the south and spending some time with the people of Rosh Haayin and our new mayor. Heartwarming for all of us. Music, food and special moments. Have a safe flight back and go tell the world our story…"
Participants visited Knesset (the Israeli parliament). There they met with members representing the various parties of the house from southern and northern Israel.
Day Two Highlights
The group visited the memorial at the site of the October 7 Nova Festival massacre. "It's very moving to be here, and very powerful." Recounts CEO, Robert French.
A visit to Kibbutz Be'eri also made an impact, as group members witnessed the destruction from October 7. Also pictured is a shelter near the Gaza border. Forty people hid in this space meant for 10. All were killed.
The fields of bright red flowers are symbolic for those who sacrificed their lives to Israel. One of the group members shared, "I will never see another Poppy without thinking of the beautiful souls who lost their lives."
Olive trees symbolize peace, and the group was able to plant a tree on behalf of the New Orleans Jewish community. May it grow strong.
Conversations were had with families of those who were executed on October 7 and soldiers who returned from Gaza.
Day One Highlights
Participants flew into Jerusalem and prepared themselves for the impactful three day visit ahead of them.
The group visited the Jewish Agency with Algom Ben Horin, Regional Program Director, who shared about the Fund for Victims of Terror.
The group visited Shalva, Israel Association for the Care, and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and saw how Shalva provides an all-encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities and their families.
