An Honor to Be A Part of the Program

By Stacey Silverman
Participant of the 2014-15 Jewish Federation Leadership Program

It was an honor to be part of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County's recent Leadership Mission to Israel. We got to see first-hand the important projects the Federation is involved in such as the Galilee Medical Center, the security center of Matte Asher near the border w/Lebanon, and the Neve Michael Children's Village, where children are taken out of crisis situations and cared for in a safe and loving environment. The faces of these precious children will stay with me long after my return home.

We also had the good fortune to be visiting Israel during the country's election, and got to spend time speaking with both a Jewish and Israeli Arab reporter for The Jerusalem Post. We engaged in meaningful, candid dialogue w/both reporters regarding the impact and outcome of Netanyahu's victory. Our time with them was riveting and thoughtful, as we heard their perspectives and sought to understand the political landscape and issues important to Israelis.

Our Jeep ride through the Golan Heights culminated atop Mount Bental, where a courageous and deadly battle was fought during the Yom Kippur War in '73. The Valley of Tears below serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy casualties paid by Israel. As we stood on this mountain, the sound of the bombing below us in Syria, part of their ongoing civil war, was nothing short of chilling.

Picking a favorite sight in Israel is impossible. From the Partnership2Gether meetings in the Western Galilee, to placing my hand of the Kotel, to strolling the streets of the bustling Mechane Yehuda Market before Shabbat, Israel was a treat for the soul and senses.

Appreciatively,

Stacey

Leadership 2014/15 - A Poem

A poem by Yael Sasley
Participant in the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County Leadership Program 2014-15

Leadership 2014/2015

There once was a Federation group called Leadership,
They met once a month and together went on an Israel trip.
After a long flight, they met their tour guide Shachar,
Dinner was next, but first they enjoyed some drinks in the hotel bar.

Day2
The following morning, breakfast was to die for,
Little did they know, all the walking that day would make them oh so very sore.
Ayalon Institute, Old port of Yaffo, Ilana Goor Museum, and then lunch,
Then off to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, boy, they're one cool bunch!

Day3
Even though jet lag had kicked in, they did not care,
Off they went to Independence Hall, and then to Rabin Square.
Later they checked out JDC's Turning Point, Neve Michael , and had lunch in Etta Korenman’s back yard room,
Finally after such a busy day, they spent the night in Kfar Blum.

Day4
Shooting range, jeep tour and tea on the Golan,
Har Bental, then Oz 77, but wait, they still weren't done.
A fun visit to Assaf Winery, so much wine they did taste,
Dinner at Dag Al Hadan, wow, not a minute that day went to waste!

Day5
A morning tour of Sfat, with shopping that foll-owed,
They got a quick summary of Kabbalah, you know, the Jewish Davinci Code.
Akko was next, then dinner at Beit Gani,
In Nahariya they slept, at Starkman Erna Hotel, it's kind of boutique-y.

Day 6
Today they learned about Partnership, and where Federation money goes,
Wow the security centre of Matte Asher & Galilee Medical Center are really kept on their toes.
Lunch was at Briosh, with more Partnership friends,
Then off to Jerusalem to hear Gil Hoffman & Abu Toameh speak on politics & how Israelis and Arabs can make amends.

Day 7
Col. Danny Tirza showed & explained all about the fence, boy it was tall,
Shortly after, excitement was in the air, because the next stop was to the Western Wall.
They entered the Old City and did the tunnels below,
All quarters they walked through & still had energy for the evening sound and light show.

Day 8
The day started off somber with a visit to Yad Vashem,
Machane Yehuda was next, then ended the day at the Rose Garden.
To welcome Shabbat, they made a quick stop at the Kotel,
Next it was time for the Shabbat dinner, in a private room at the Hotel.

Day 9
This was the last day, did they have enough falafel or tea with Nana?
The drive down south began, they passed the Dead Sea & headed strait to Masada.
We skipped Ein Gedi, chose the Dead Sea, we all agreed that was ok,
Then it was time to say Shalom to Shachar & Israel & catch their flight back to USA.

Thank you Bob for making this program happen,
You and your staff at Federation are totally awesome!
Your team formed a great group, you've made new Israeli eaters,
May this program bloom, and bring you many more young leaders!

Thoughts on the Leadership Program Experience

A letter from Nancy Schechter Schwartz
Participant of the 2014-15 Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County Leadership Program

This Leadership Program has been instrumental in providing the opportunity to help me become more active within the Jewish community. Through the stories and discussions of various leaders from the Federation and other Jewish organizations, I've developed a better understanding of outreach, social responsibility, and fundraising to support local Jewish initiatives. 

Specifically, the trip to Israel engendered a deep connection to Israel, the country and the people, as well as to the other participants within this leadership group. Growing up, Israel was a more abstract concept, something at the forefront of Rabbi sermons, but often distant and difficult to relate to, other than a shared ancestry and religion. This trip brought Israel to life for me, through exposure to the history, personal stories of the people, and cultural sharing. Meeting members of the Western Galilee Partnership2Gether Program was very interesting as they described their community and programs designed to foster connections; I look forward to actively contributing to this partnership and helping facilitate opportunities for our home community to engage with them. The interaction with the reporters provided a real-world point of view of the political challenges and complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict; it enhanced my understanding of the situation and view points I hadn't considered.

Every city, person met, and meal shared during our trip helped build a range of exposure to Israel. It made me understand how much support the Jewish Federations across the world provide to the country, and how critical it is to give Jewishly. It made me realize that it is my home too, and there is more I can and should be doing to support Israel. A truly life-changing opportunity, and one I look forward to sharing.

Additionally, these shared experiences among our leadership group will lead to life-long relationships, which can only serve to foster better Fort Worth & Tarrant County community collaboration.

Thanks for all your leadership over the course of this program.