candace

This morning we started at The National Institutions (home of the Jewish Agency for Israel [which brings us our beloved Shinshinim], Keren Kayemet and Keren Hayesod).

We met again with Rabbi Balter and Yitzhar Hess, who wanted to share reflections now that we are at the end of our trip. 

They also "pitched" the importance of Conservative congregations in the diaspora mobilizing to ensure their voices (and votes!) are heard in Israel.

You will definitely be hearing more about this in the future. 

A trio of volunteers with Mercaz Olami spoke about their respective roles in the organization. Gadi, a lawyer and PhD, who investigates war crimes spoke about his shifting perspectives - as a civilian, a lawyer and a reservist- since October 7. He echoed the sense of loneliness expressed by others, as well as his profound gratitude for our visit. 

He shared that one of his roles when called up was to identify belongings of soldiers (mostly Tazpitaniyot- the women who were watching the security cameras. As you are likely aware, their unit was overtaken and all the soldiers killed). 

Among other things, Gadi made clear  his sense that Jews in Israel and the Diaspora need each other now more than ever. 

Our final stop was the National Library - a breathtaking, state-of-the art, environmentally friendly facility. Built, naturally, of Jerusalem stone in a design evoking the Western Wall it was truly magnificent. 

Housing over 4 million books, newspapers and an extensive collection of rare artifacts, an hour wasn't nearly enough time to explore.

It is a must-see for your future trips.

We packed up and checked out of the hotel, heading out for our final dinner  as a group. Last stop...the airport. 

In closing- for now- I can only paraphrase what I said from the bimah on Kol Nidrei: my home may be in the west, but my heart is in Israel.

P.S. I will follow up with some additional photos and reflections soon.