“This year make it Israel” is the theme of a community-wide mission slated for Nov. 11-20. Sponsored by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, the mission is designed to enhance the partnership between Milwaukee’s Jewish community and the people of Israel — particularly those who live in Milwaukee’s Partnership 2000 Region of Sovev Kinneret (around Lake Kinneret).
“We’ll have a wonderful time together, visiting the country, meeting new people and making new friends, deepening our understanding of the issues and challenges of life in Israel today,” said Jerry Benjamin, chair of the federation’s Israel and Overseas Committee and one of the mission chairs.
Calling it a “people-to-people mission,” he added, “Mission participants will enjoy experiences that will strengthen our connections with both the people and the land. We’ll gain in-depth knowledge on a variety of contemporary and relevant topics.”
“This will be a mission unlike any we have offered in the past,” said Judy Segall Guten, MJF president, who is co-chairing the trip with Benjamin and Jim and Penny Deshur, general chairs of MJF’s Community Campaign 2004. “We look forward to sharing the experience with as many members of our community as possible. Already, 60 people have signed up.”
And Guten expressed delight in the participants’ diversity of ages, community involvement and experiences in Israel.
“We have people of all ages and levels of commitment as well as first-time travelers,” she said. “I think people are realizing the time to go is now, and that we need to connect with Israel as a Jewish community. Personally, I feel too far away.”
Guten continued, “I am delighted that Milwaukee is one of the communities from around the country planning a mission that will include the General Assembly, the largest annual worldwide gathering of Jewish community leaders. This year’s GA theme is “With Israel in Israel … Shaping our Common Future,” so we will have the opportunity to hear from the Prime Minister and other leaders.
“Also, we’ll participate in forums and discussions that will shape our global communal future and stand together in Jerusalem — representing Jewish communities from around the world. I’m sure we will return reenergized and recommitted to all our endeavors on behalf of world Jewry.”
The mission is offered at a special price of $1,599 based on double occupancy. The price includes a $1,000 subsidy from United Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization of North American federations, that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A $500 deposit will hold the price, and a commitment to the community campaign is required.
Participants will spend their first night in Tel Aviv before heading to the Kinneret area. After Shabbat on Nov. 15, the group will travel to Jerusalem.
An informational meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 18. For more information or the location of the meeting, contact Margie Stein at the federation at 414-390-5715 or margies@milwaukeejew ish.org.
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