Second Meeting (a few new faces) and a talk from AIPAC

We held our second gathering of Israel Travelers on Sunday, January 22.  There were a few new faces in the group, recent sign-ups for the trip, as well as some attendees who did not make the first gathering.  We are now at 31 travelers for our trip !!


Sy Davidson and his sister Doris Bernstein

Our current list of travelers includes:  Harold and Irma Batt, Chuck Batt, Lucille Baver, Richard and Shirley Becker, Doris Bernstein, Ken and Linda Colman, Sy Davidson, Sharon Farber, Beverly Fein, Patricia Ferri, Dorothy Ferrigno, Nancy Frederick, Lee and Judy Gould, Michael and Janice Kessler, Jeff and Terri Levi, David Osborne, Susan Paster, Hal and Anita Rosnick, Diane Schwartz, Elaine Sibel, Debbie Velthuizen, Margery Verlezza, Sandy Young, and Rabbi Colin Brodie.  What a diverse group we have !!

Lee and Judy Gould in a hug for the camera

  

At the meeting, we went around to each participant and each of us told briefly what it was we were hoping to experience on the trip.  It was interesting to hear who had been to Israel before, and who was a first timer, and to hear what inspired each of us to want to visit Israel and what we hope to see and experience.  Also we were given more details about signing up for the bus  ($70 -- remember to bring payment at the next meeting), restaurants in the areas we will be visiting, and an optional Shabbat Walking tour of Christian sites in Jerusalem, as well as more information about the Heels for Hope fundraising effort to provide much needed shoes to the Emunah Children's Center in Afula, to benefit these children at risk.

After the meeting we had a talk from Elana Lichtenstein, the Southern Connecticut Regional director of AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee).  She gave us great insight into the efforts of this group in educating and informing our members of Congress (on both sides of the aisle) on the benefits of a strong US-Israeli relationship, and in strengthening that alliance.  She talked to us very specifically about the benefits to Americans in Itelligence, Joint Training efforts, and in Military Technology improvements and advancements that have been achieved through the US's strong relationship with Israel.  And, she discussed the safety and security of the people of Israel as being a paramount concern.  She provided a broad political review of new developments in neighboring Egypt, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip.  The Palestinian pursuit of an independent state, while attempting to isolate Israel economically, and deligitimize Israel in public opinion. 
 

Debbie V talking with Sandy Y in the foreground
Rabbi Colin talking with Elana Lichtenstein (in Red)
of AIPAC in the background

 
AIPAC is a lobby group (not a PAC) that continues to make the case to our Congressional leadership and policy makers for a strong US-Israeli relationship as a strategic asset of the US.

NEXT MEETING - Februrary 12 -- to discuss - packing suggestions, luggage, what to bring, what to where, weather to expect, and other details more specific to our travel.  Only 45 days and counting...