In the beginning of March, the Israel & Overseas Allocations Committee visited Israel for the first time since the outbreak of the war. The purpose of this trip was to visit current and potential Detroit funded programs, to meet with the people of Israel and, of course, to bear witness to the atrocities of October 7th.
Here are some of the things we heard during our week long fact finding trip:
“ I was 32 years old and I was afraid to go to the bathroom in my parent’s house.” – Dor, Nova survivor & Platforma participant.
“Here we can be ourselves without masks which is really ironic because this is theater.” – Bar, Nova survivor & Platforma participant.
“We currently have 500 army units and 6000 troops on our waiting lists for mental health services” – Bshvil Representative
“There are currently only 1,000 psychiatrists in all of Israel. 400 are set to retire in the next few years. 300 are brand new.” – ICAR Representative
“From meeting with the new Shinshinim and sitting down with the next Israel Campers and their parents, to conversing with the Partnership Staff – these people/programs are all the fruits of our labor. It feeds my soul” – Richard, IOAC Committee Member
One of our committee members is Rabbi Bennett from Temple Israel. After we arrived home on Friday, he gave an inspirational sermon that evening to his congregants about his initial reflections. To watch it, click HERE.