3 Shluchim, 1 Family, 1 Israel Trip

Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld of Seattle, along with his sons Rabbi Eli Kornfeld (Chabad of Hunterdon County) and Rabbi Shmuel Kornfeld (Chabad of Burbank) recently returned from Israel after their highly successful Israel Mission. The trip required dedication and resulted in a show of achdus among families, states, and countries.

Ranging in age from 17-70 (including two Holocaust survivors), the members of the group hailed from Hunterdon County, Burbank and Seattle, but each left the trip with a tremendous bond with the land of Israel, their Judaism -and each other. “I had no idea how connected I would feel to my Jewishness and to Israel after this trip,” said Ileana Stephano, a native of Pipersville, Pennsylvania.

The group also spent time together doing activities that helped them to connect with the people of Israel. Under the direction of Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov and the Chabad Terror Victims Project, the group packed Mishloach Manot for needy families in Kfar Chabad. Michael Fayfel, a participant from Los Angeles, California explained why he had such strong feelings about the project. “I have been looking forward to this trip for over a year. I love Israel more than any other country it the world. I hope Israel remains safe and that more people feel at home here.”

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with those who defend Israel on a daily basis. With the assistance of Rabbi Danny Cohen and the team at Chabad of Hebron, the group sponsored a magic show and BBQ dinner for 60 IDF soldiers at a base next to Beit Hadassah. The soldiers really appreciated the “show” of solidarity made by Rabbi Victor Atiya and the mood was jovial throughout the event. Rabbi Shmuel Kornfeld commented “I have done many things in Israel, but this was one of the most inspiring!” The group also met a young soldier who had recently made Aliyah from Boca Raton, Florida. He told them, “You don’t realize how happy you have made us.”

Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger held a private audience with the group in his offices in Jerusalem. Rabbi Metzger touched on the importance of visiting Israel and of taking one’s experiences in the country back to one’s home community.

The essence of the entire trip was brought forth by Jeremy Miller, the youngest member of the team- “We have uncovered our heritage and made close friends. Jews are a very determined people and we will continue to support Israel. This trip has taught us to cherish ourselves more. We will become better people and more understanding. I will do my best to be understanding of others.”

The Israel Mission was planned and run by Zev Jacobson of Israel Maven Tours. For more information, please email Zev@IsraelMaven.com or call +972-52-566-5162.