Mizrachi Mission to Israel

This afternoon, we had a wonderful opportunity to spend time with children whose fathers have served in miluim, experiencing lives different since October 7th. We rented out a bowling alley in Maaleh Adumim, offering a much-needed outlet to our new friends.  It was amazing to witness how the shared language of ahavas yisroel transcends all other language barriers (alongside the universal language of bowling!)  We listened to stories from the children and their parents about their experiences on that challenging day, gaining firsthand insight into what families similar to ours are currently enduring. These families truly cherished this special time.

Our second day in Israel commenced with Shachsris and a delicious and varied Israeli-style breakfast at Kiryat Moriah.  Afterward, we headed to the World Mizrachi headquarters to listen to Rav Doron Perez, the Executive Chairman of Mizrachi. Rav Perez's son, Daniel, went missing in action on October 7th, and his fate remains uncertain. His other son, Yonatan, was wounded in battle. Rav Doron spoke about the remarkable unity demonstrated by the Jewish people following October 7th, emphasizing that our enemies consistently underestimate the consequences of attacking us, which ultimately leads to their downfall. During the session, one of our students, Benaya Aryeh, inquired how Rav Perez copes with the uncertainty surrounding his son's status. Rav Perez, with deep emotion, expressed that it's especially challenging for his wife, who constantly worries about their son's well-being. Rav Doron emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outloo...

Today was a day filled with profound and meaningful moments, and after a very early start following a long flight, we finally reached Yerushalayim and the Kotel. As we approached this sacred site, we guided the boys in performing kriah, tearing their shirts as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, followed by a special prayer. Our Maariv service at the Kotel was a moving one, allowing each boy to connect with the Hashem in their own personal way during the individual davening time that followed. To conclude the day on a lighter and relaxing note, each boy received a card for dinner at one of the many food establishments in the Rova HaYehudi. It was heartwarming to see many of our alumni studying in various yeshivot, and several boys enjoyed spending time with siblings and family members. Now, we have settled into our lodgings at Kiryat Moriah, where the boys had the opportunity to unwind, get a hot shower, and play some ball. We hope they will have a restful nig...

Our next stop was to the Bring Them Home headquarters which shed light on the crucial work being done to advocate for the release of hostages. Led by dedicated individuals, this organization tirelessly pressures and encourages the Israeli government to pursue deals that will bring our fellow Jews home.  We had the privilege of hearing from former Israel ambassador to Paris, Daniel Schick, who provided insight into the complexities of this delicate situation. Following Daniel's enlightening discussion, we visited Hostage Square, a makeshift exhibit highlighting the plight of hostages and their families. We walked through a model Hamas tunnel, and gained a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by those held captive.  However, the most emotional moment came unexpectedly when we encountered Daphna Elyakim, one of the hostages who was released in the first wave of released hostages three months ago. Seeing her seated next to her own hostage poster was a sur...

At our next stop, we were deeply moved as we visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where over fifty brave soldiers are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Each encounter with the four chayalim we spent time with left an indelible mark on us.  Each soldiers story of bravery and sacrifice that left us in awe. One soldier survived multiple grenade attacks, while another courageously battles injuries sustained from shrapnel, including serious wounds to the skull. Their strength and determination in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young men only slightly older than our students.  Please join us in davening for the speedy and complete recovery of our new friends: Shalev ben Tesma Omer ben Osnat Ofer ben Michal Noam ben Tova May they be granted a full recovery and may their bravery continue to inspire us all.

Bruchim Habaim! With Hashem's help, we arrived safely in Israel, filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Our mission to inspire the next generation and teach life lessons has already begun, and nothing compares to the experience of bringing 32 boys to Eretz Yisrael at this meaningful time. Today marked the beginning of our journey, and our first stop was to Ir Yehuda where we had the privilege of visiting a farm in Tel Aviv owned by Yair, a dedicated farmer since the 1960s. Yair has faced challenges, particularly since the recent conflict, which has impacted his work. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and helped Yair pull weeds from his farm, allowing his beet and radish plants to thrive.  Rabbi Kaminetsky shared insightful words, highlighting the significance of our actions. Just as we cleared away the weeds to promote growth, he explained how this parallels our spiritual journey—sometimes, we must rid ourselves of negativi...