San Antonio has been a partner in developing a deep and meaningful relationship with the area of the Western Galilee for almost twenty years.  Along with twelve other communities, San Antonio has worked and learned jointly with educators, doctors, community leaders and more in further strengthening the relationship between Israel and our Jewish communities in the United States. And during this trip, I have experienced the fruits of our partnership.  Some of the highlights have included a visit to the Galilee Medical Center, the Western Galilee College, the old city of Akko (including the Kivunim program that supports independent living for disabled individuals) and a very special dinner I enjoyed at the home of one of our Partnership volunteers in Akko.  And those were only the highlights!  

 

While there are many organizations that advocate for and "support" Israel, I will strongly argue that the Jewish Federation does more to support the people of Israel and global Jewry than any other Jewish organization in the world. Programs like Partnership, in cooperation with the Jewish Agency, are creating impact and making a difference in the lives of Israelis and our families across the ocean.  What greater advocates for Israel can we have than those of us who have been to communities like Akko and have shared meals together and dreamed up ideas and brought people together. And in addition to Partnership, Jewish Federation works worldwide with our partner agencies such as JDC to ensure the survival of Jews wherever the may be in our world.

 

This morning we began our day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum and memorial in Jerusalem.  Yad Vashem teaches about and commemorates the darkest time in the history of our people, and it leaves one speechless.  At the same time, the surroundings and physical beauty of Yad Vashem's grounds are breath-taking.  It is green, lush and full of light.  Yad Vashem is also a testament to the strength and hope of our Jewish people.  That is the message I want to share as we begin this Shabbat. 

 

I am once again affirmed that we the Jewish people are strong because we are strengthened by each other.  I am thankful for the gift of our partnership with the Western Galilee, and I look forward to traveling again to the region with others from our community.

 

Shabbat shalom!