By Jewish Federation of San Diego
This week more than a dozen local community leaders and clergy are in Israel on a 4-day solidarity mission organized by Federation. Throughout their trip, we are sharing the stories and reflections from those on the ground as they bear witness to the atrocities that happened on October 7 and learn what it will take to rebuild in our beloved sister region, Sha’ar HaNegev.
Below are excerpts from Day 2 of the mission, after the group met with ZAKA, visited the Shaare Zedek Medical Center and had an official visit with President Herzog at his residence.
Click each writer’s name to read their full account or visit our website here to read them all. We will continue to add stories as they are received.
Am Israel Chai.
“My Sha’ar HaNegev family, born out of decades of partnership and investment from Jewish Federation of San Diego and the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, is in terrible pain. The tragedy and trauma began on October 7th, and continues to deepen as they await the return of family members still held hostage by Hamas, and struggle with the difficult reality of being refugees in their own country: Without a kitchen, how can you make your kids a snack? How do you do laundry at your hotel?” Read More
“The unwritten theme of today’s meetings and conversations has been how do Israelis keep their souls in the face of such immense darkness. The repeated “mantra” we heard was that we can’t let the horror and brutality change who we fundamentally are.” Read More
“On many levels, it feels like Israeli society is building a new plane while flying it. It’s quite incredible to meet these extraordinary volunteers and see their amazing creativity, heartbreaking to hear many of the stories and fascinating to see Start-Up Nation, Part Two.” Read More
“Yesterday was a tough day – to see the destruction and devastation, first-hand, has felt surreal and painful and numbing. Today, however, felt like a small antidote and ray of hope to all October 7th has meant for those living here in Israel. Most of today’s experiences were responses to renewing hope. The brutality should not and will not define their and our humanity.” Read More