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Comments from KOACH birthright israel alumni and family members
We thank you so very much for the wonderful monologues which we looked
forward to each evening. You were able to keep us closer to our
grandchildren even while they were so distant.
And it gave us a chance to visualize so many of the places you
described and to feel some of what the participants felt. It is not easy
to describe our feelings towards Israel, our homeland, but we certainly
know that the participants will be positively affected by their
experiences and be able to better understand the position of Israel in the
lives of the American Jews; and vice versa.
Thanks again, P.G., New York
Over the past 10 days you have kept all of us parents on the know of
where our children have been and what they were doing. The emails have
been wonderful, and the sights listed to visit have been great. I
personally felt as if I were there with the students and staff. Three
years ago when our daughter went on birthright israel, I
also enjoyed the daily emails you sent out. This time I made the effort to
also print out many of the sights so that we would have something in black
and white (and also in color) to go with the many pictures she has taken
and also to help keep her memories alive.
I have also been forwarding your
emails to family and friends and they have also expressed their gratitude
for the very informative emails. Many have asked us about how nervous we
were to let our daughter go to Israel at this time�No, I am not nervous,
the security is there and I know that before sending a bus load of
students to any of the places they visited, safety was checked out and
that they were never in any grave danger. My personal feelings were that
any of us can walk out our door, get into our cars and be in an accident.
Many thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedule and
sending us such informative emails. I hope that some day we can meet and
that I can thank you in person. Having had two of our children go on this
trip, I would recommend to other parents to encourage their own children
to go. There is no greater, or safer, way to see the country at this time.
B'Shalom, B.V., Amherst, NY
Thank you and all your team partners for the wonderful e-mails sent
each day, for the opportunity you and birthright israel provide,
and for my daughter's safe return tomorrow. I am responding to this e-mail
in particular, since it describes their purchase of 44 pairs of shoes from
the Naot factory and how this helps the Israeli economy. Prior to her
departure, she (to aid Israel) was collecting a list of what everyone
wanted in Israel. I said that we can (as we already do) make a
contribution to the Federation or Magen David Blood Bank, etc. She replied
that this doesn't help the merchants in Israel. We are very proud of her!
I am sure that the goals envisioned by the birthright israel
supporters will be achieved through her future endeavors.
Shalom. D. N., Philadelphia, PA
Thank you so much for your daily reporting of the group's journey. I
have looked forward to each entry, not only because I am able to know how
my daughter has spent her day, but because your descriptions and
commentary have been exemplary. I have been moved to tears-joyful ones,
the ones parents shed when they are grateful for the wonderful experiences
that life has to offer their children- each day. Although I know, the end
of the trip will bring a poignant farewell to friends and to a homeland, I
look forward to her safe return. I hope that she will continue her
connection to KOACH and if there is any way that we as a family can
further your important contributions, please feel free to contact us.
Again, thank you.
P.K., White Plains, NY
I just want to thank you for writing these e-mails and letting us know
about the day. It certainly helps the connection with what my daughter is
experiencing on a daily basis. I also want to take this opportunity for
what you did for my daughter in getting on the trip. These experiences
will last her a lifetime and for that I am eternally grateful to you.
N.N., Los, Angeles, California
"Just wanted to wish everyone a quick Shabbat Shalom and
tell you all what an amazing time I had with you all in Israel. I hope
that you all remember the times we had together as a group while we were
there and especially while we were all there together on Shabbat.
Have a great weekend and I will talk to you all after Shabbas.
Can�t wait to see you all at Kallah."
B'Shalom, Ariel Cohen
"The ruah that was in my shul could not have been
compared to the ruah that we all had while singing
z�mirot...in a nut shell- I miss you all and have not stopped thinking
about Israel since I have been home...thank you all for a positive
experience -- thanx!"
Jessica Koss
"Hey all...well, it's Monday. We've been home for 4 days, and already I
want to go back. I got my pictures developed the other day, and couldn't
help but cry as I went through them. I never thought I could have so much
fun, and I never thought that one week could change my life, but it has.
After talking to people from other busses, I realized truly how lucky I
was to be able to share such an amazing experience with such an incredible
group. Thanks so much to everyone for such an amazing trip. Good luck to
everyone, and see you all at Kallah."
Love, Lori Schlesinger
"I hope everyone is settling back in to school. It was amazing to be in
class today for my American Jewish Experience class and talking about what
words came to mind when one is thinking about their Judaism. We went
around the room, and people said family, Shabbas candles, Hanukkah
and such. When the teacher got to me, I said the Kotel. This was a
place that I never thought much about before I went to Israel. I am now
able to connect my belief in Judaism with a place that I now hold dearly.
This trip has definitely enriched my Jewish life and I was glad I was able
to share this experience with all of you."
With Love, Nicki Nathanson
"I miss the Hebrew being spoken everywhere. I miss the men in kippot
walking around on the streets. I miss the fast food signs in Hebrew and
the palm trees and the white Jerusalem stone everywhere. I miss the sand
and flatness of the Negev and the mountain ranges and green fields in the
Golan. I miss the mud from the jeep ride!! I miss the Dead Sea and that
stinging from the water... I miss the hike up Masada and the incredible
wind at the top while we were bravely trying to hold the torah down so we
could davven.
I miss the most amazing ruah I've ever
been part of on Friday night at Moreshet Israel and on Saturday night at
havdallah. I miss the z�mirot after Shabbat meals and
the rugelach that were.... yeah. :-) and I miss all of you- the Yana, the
laughing, the incredible bond that we formed in such a short time. because
when I walked through Yad Vashem, and davvened overlooking the Burma Road,
and saw Rabin's grave and where he was murdered, and looked around me and
knew that all of you understood the emotions i was experiencing- that we
all shared the love of Israel, the sadness and anger at those who've tried
to destroy us, and the pride and joy when we hear Hatikvah played-
I knew that these are connections we cannot explain, but will stay with us
forever.
I hope that we continue to stay in touch and that we all return to
Israel many, many times in the future."
Much love, Deb Norris
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