As the journey in Israel came to a close, the group spent their final days engaging in deeply meaningful experiences that encapsulated the emotional and cultural depth of the trip. From standing in solidarity with hostage families at Hostage Square to working alongside Ethiopian immigrants in Rishon LeTzion, these last moments provided a powerful conclusion to an already transformative experience. As participants reflected on their time in Israel, they grappled with the weight of the stories they had heard, the connections they had made, and the impact of their work. This final entry captures the group’s last days together before returning home, carrying these memories and lessons with them.
Standing Together at Hostage Square
On Saturday, the group had a free day to explore Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. That evening, about half of the participants reunited at Hostage Square for the weekly rally in support of hostage families. Attendance at these rallies has declined in recent months, reflecting the division and exhaustion felt across Israel. However, this Saturday was different—Phase 1 of the hostage deal had concluded with no clear plans for the next steps, and frustration was palpable.
Upon arrival, the group discovered two separate rallies taking place—both advocating for hostage families, but one also serving as a protest against the government. The rally at Hostage Square was packed, filled with powerful chants and an overwhelming emotional intensity. Even those unfamiliar with Hebrew quickly picked up the chants, moved to tears by the collective energy. The evening concluded with a solemn and deeply moving rendition of HaTikvah.
Service and Connection in Rishon LeTzion
Sunday marked the final day together in Israel, and it was one of the most impactful. The group traveled to Rishon LeTzion, one of Israel’s oldest cities, and worked in a neighborhood ranked among the country’s lowest in socioeconomic status.
The morning began at an Absorption Center dedicated to supporting Ethiopian immigrants. Participants assisted in preparing a community garden, taking on tasks too strenuous for elderly residents. After hours of digging and planting, some members may never want to see a shovel again, while others may have discovered a newfound appreciation for farming!
Following lunch, the group visited the neighborhood community center, which is heavily supported by the Jewish Federation of Metrowest NJ. There, they met a dedicated social worker who has spent 25 years serving this community. She shared the reality of her work and the profound shift that occurred after October 7. One of the most haunting stories she told was of the “family center” that was originally built for disaster response but became overwhelmed by over 300 families seeking to identify missing loved ones. The room was silent as participants processed the gravity of her words, followed by deep discussions and thoughtful questions.
A Story of Resilience: The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
The final experience of the day was a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, led by a woman in full traditional attire. As the group sipped coffee, she shared her powerful journey—starting as a nine-year-old girl in Ethiopia, dreaming of Jerusalem, and culminating in the Israeli Air Force airlifting her and 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Her story of immigration, resilience, and cultural connection was nothing short of inspiring.
Reflecting on a Transformative Journey
As the sun set over the Mediterranean, the group of 22 gathered on the beach to reflect on the week. Participants shared personal highlights and challenges, acknowledging that transitioning back to daily life would not be easy. The friendships formed, lessons learned, and stories heard will stay with them forever.
