July 24, 2014
By: Naomi Benmergui
Dear Diller Friends and Family,
We began our day early this morning as we met at the airport to board our flight to Israel. Our parents wished us safe travels as we went through ELAL's enhanced security procedures. As we were waiting to board, we participated in the custom of Shaliach Mitzvah (literally: "messenger of good deed") where travellers carry some tzedakah with them so that the journey has a genuinely just and righteous purpose. The custom suggests that this promotes safe travels and I would like to thank our anonymous donor who ensured that we could all partake in such a beautiful custom!
After just a few short (at least they felt short) hours on the plane, we landed safely in Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. From the moment we landed, I noticed that here in Israel, the colours are brighter, the sun shines brighter and the the people have all been warm and welcoming.
As for what is being heard in the media, have have seen signs supporting the soliders in the Golani unit, which Richard, the Diller Supervisor in Eilat explained beautifully: in Israel there is such a strong connection with the army because each and every soldier is like a brother or sister to one another and the rest of the country. Some families are now living in a situation that is not average for life in Israel and the country prays for each soldier like he/she is a member of their immediate family.
We are very fortunate as a cohort to have the opportunity to be in Israel now. Showing our support, and more importantly, lending a helping hand where needed is crucial at this time. I would also like to thank the Eilat-Eilot group for their warm welcome and their year-round commitment to our partnership.
As I am writing this by the poolside in Eilat, I keep everyone in Israel in my thoughts, and in my prayers. I'm certain that all my peers and those reading this share the same hope that the situation normalizes speedily.
By: Naomi Benmergui
Dear Diller Friends and Family,
We began our day early this morning as we met at the airport to board our flight to Israel. Our parents wished us safe travels as we went through ELAL's enhanced security procedures. As we were waiting to board, we participated in the custom of Shaliach Mitzvah (literally: "messenger of good deed") where travellers carry some tzedakah with them so that the journey has a genuinely just and righteous purpose. The custom suggests that this promotes safe travels and I would like to thank our anonymous donor who ensured that we could all partake in such a beautiful custom!
As for what is being heard in the media, have have seen signs supporting the soliders in the Golani unit, which Richard, the Diller Supervisor in Eilat explained beautifully: in Israel there is such a strong connection with the army because each and every soldier is like a brother or sister to one another and the rest of the country. Some families are now living in a situation that is not average for life in Israel and the country prays for each soldier like he/she is a member of their immediate family.
As I am writing this by the poolside in Eilat, I keep everyone in Israel in my thoughts, and in my prayers. I'm certain that all my peers and those reading this share the same hope that the situation normalizes speedily.
No comments:
Post a Comment