Just before Thanksgiving, I returned from Israel, where I spent six intense days experiencing the highs and lows of life during wartime in Tel Aviv, Karmiel/Misgav and Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. For the first time, I heard an air raid siren and had just 90 seconds to reach a shelter in Tel Aviv before the Iron Dome intercepted missiles fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon.

Rather than a full trip recap, I wanted to share a few impactful moments through photos:

Jonathan in Karmiel: An emmigrant from the U.S., Jonathan stands outside his now-uninhabitable apartment after a missile from Lebanon landed in his courtyard, shattering windows and causing extensive damage.

Idit and Ronen Ohel: I met this couple in Karmiel at the mayor’s office. Their son, Alon, has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023. They are advocating for the release of Alon and all the hostages. I promised them when I met them earlier this year I would return to celebrate Alon’s release, and I reiterated that promise.

Kim Salzman at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak: Federation’s Director of Israel and Overseas Planning stands at a memorial honoring Kibbutz members killed in conflicts. Eight of the names are as a result of the October 7 attacks.

School Safety in Misgav: Concrete barriers provided by our Federation to protect children at this school. Though not visually appealing, they serve a vital purpose in a building not originally designed for quick shelter access.

Inspiring. Emotional. Powerful.

Shabbat Shalom.

Jeff Finkelstein
CEO/President