Showing solidarity

In June, I was fortunate to embark on a transformative three-day mission to Israel with a group of young Jewish leaders from Chicago. The JUF Young Leadership Division Solidarity Mission to Israel provided us the opportunity to show our support and we returned with unforgettable stories of pain, resilience, and heroism.

Our journey began at Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community still scarred by the events of October 7. Nothing could have prepared us for the devastation we witnessed. A resident, whose father-in-law remains a hostage, led us through the remains of dozens of burned and destroyed homes. With meticulous care, she recounted who had lived in each home, describing how some survived by hiding, but most were murdered.

We visited the living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens of families who had been neighbors for decades, amidst flowers and trees planted when the kibbutz was founded in 1955. The residents had been deeply committed to peace, often helping Gazans receive medical care in Israeli hospitals. These were the same people who were tragically murdered by Hamas in their homes.

Then, we visited the Nova Festival, intended to be a joyful celebration where young Israelis gathered for music. Instead, it was a site where 364 young adults were murdered, wounded, or taken hostage by Hamas. The field is now marked with signs bearing victims’ faces and personal mementos.

Our next stop was a bomb shelter where Hersh Polin-Goldberg–who has strong Chicago ties–was kidnapped, further illustrating the horrors of October 7 and the ongoing crisis.

In Kiryat Gat-part of JUF’s Partnership Together region and home to many former residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz-we engaged with Kedma student village representatives who provided firsthand accounts of October 7 and voiced appreciation for the ongoing support from organizations like JUF. These conversations highlighted the communal strength and solidarity crucial for the region’s recovery.

Back in Tel Aviv, we visited Hostage Square, a solemn reminder of the ongoing efforts to reunite families and bring everyone home.

Throughout the trip, we learned how Israel is uniting to help and heal, how JUF is partnering with them, and how unexpected problems are being addressed in partnership with the Chicago Jewish community. We saw firsthand how JUF’s Israel Emergency Fund is making a difference.

We visited several programs receiving grants from JUF addressing the overwhelming physical and mental rehabilitation needed. While touring the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, located on Hadassah Medical Organization’s Mount Scopus campus, we were provided a glimpse into the incredible long-term efforts to heal wounded soldiers.

The mission concluded at the Jewish Agency for Israel Building. Jasmine, cousin of hostage Omer Neutra, discussed the ongoing challenges faced by Israeli families. Her story, and the stories of countless others, underscored the enduring hope and resilience that define the Israeli spirit.

Throughout our journey, we witnessed a nation grappling with immense pain, but also displaying remarkable hope and resilience. The scars left on the community were palpable. We saw firsthand the immense need for support-emotional, financial, and infrastructural.

The strength and solidarity of the Israeli people, their commitment to peace and healing, and their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on all of us. We returned with a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and a renewed commitment to support and stand with Israel in its journey towards recovery and peace.

Lisa Wiznitzer is an Advertising, Entertainment, and Sports Attorney at Loeb & Loeb LLP in Chicago. A former president of YLD and current member of JFNA Cabinet, Wiznitzer served as Chair of the YLD Solidarity Mission.