Rabbis return from Israel solidarity mission

The Rabbinical Council of NSW (RCNSW) embarked on a powerful and deeply moving mission to Israel last week.

Filled with “unforgettable encounters and moments of solidarity”, according to RCNSW president Rabbi Shua Solomon, the delegation of rabbis and rebetzins was organised and supported by World Mizrachi and the Zionist Council of NSW.

Their journey began at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where the rabbis had a chance to pray and sing with brave soldiers from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), followed by a trip to the Knesset – where they were welcomed for a VIP visit and had the opportunity to engage with several members of Knesset.

From there, they travelled south to bear witness at the Nova festival site and Kibbutz Nir Oz, where they heard firsthand updates from Colonel Elan Isaacson, head of security for the Eshkol region.

The group also visited the Re’im army base, sponsoring a barbecue to show warmth and appreciation for the IDF soldiers stationed there.

The rabbis connected with the stories of the war – meeting with Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, nasi of World Mizrachi; visiting Har Herzl with expert guide Jeremy Kurnedz; and joining Rav Bentzi Mann at the Shura Base.

At Hostages Square, they sat with Ruby Chen, father of hostage Itay Chen, and later offered encouragement to wounded soldiers recovering at Tel Hashomer Hospital.

In the north, the delegation visited Kiryat Shemona and heard from Yotam Degani about the immense challenges faced by the community.

They spent meaningful time with the grieving family of Yair Shushan, a soldier who fell in Gaza earlier this year, and received a strategic security briefing from the Alma Center at Har Adir, overlooking the Lebanese border. The delegation also enjoyed a dinner sponsored by UIA.

The mission concluded with an inspiring visit to the City of David, followed by a “spiritually uplifting” tour of Hebron led by Rav Simcha Hochbaum, including prayer at Me’arat Hamachpelah (the Cave of the Patriarchs).

A “beautiful Shabbat in Alon Shvut and a festive melave malka” at the Gush Etzion Winery brought the week to a memorable close, Rabbi Solomon said.

“From all over Israel we were privileged to meet and interact with so many Israelis whose heroic everyday actions are an inspiration to Jewish people all over the world,” he told The AJN.

“The trip gave us a new and better understanding of the challenges the State of Israel faces and what we can do to help. Above all we were inspired to do more for our communities and continue to deepen our connection with our beloved homeland.”