Tag: tel-aviv

“Just because” is not longer enough

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

There are many things we take as truth ‘just because’. Rituals we do because that’s what we were taught, without understanding the why or the intention behind them. Things we accept as fact, once again, ‘just because’. We live in a time where we no longer have that luxury.

On the English calendar, my dad died on September 6, 2022. I will always remember him on that day. In addition, the Hebrew calendar (which is lunar) means that his yartzheit (remembrance of the day he died) is different. It was the 11th of the month of Elul. This year the 11th of Elul began last night (Friday night) and it is all day today. Being in Israel and staying in a hotel, I wanted to think how to best remember and honor him. Typically I would light the yartzheit candle that burns for 24 hours and use that to reflect. Being in a hotel, lighting the candle wouldn’t be possible.

It was also Shabbat (the sabbath). This added an additional opportunity and compexity. What would I be doing Friday night and with whom? And then Saturday would be a completely free day to reflect – what an opportunity! The first answer came quickly. My friends Margot and Tamar invited me to their new home in Modi’in (the just moved there from Jerusalem) to enjoy Shabbat with their family. I always see Margot when I am in Jerusalem, so the chance to see their new home, see Tamar and their beautiful 3 children, was something I couldn’t pass up. An added bonus was Margot’s parents were visiting along with another friend of theirs from Jerusalem.

The last time I got to spend time with Margot and Tamar’s kids was about 2 1/2 years ago. During that visit, the two older ones put on costumes and ran around playing while the youngest had already fallen asleep. Remembering how much they loved costumes, I brainstormed with Margot about what they would want and got them special presents. I couldn’t wait to give them their presents and see the joy on their faces. It was something very much in the spirit of my dad – bringing happiness and joy to people was so important to him.

The excitement of the costumes was as I hoped. They put them on and ran around. It was so much fun to watch their faces and hear their voices.

Black Panther, Spiderman, and Red.

I smiled as I watched their joy. It was a fitting way to honor my dad. He loved children and loved making people happy. As they talked excitedly to me, especially Halleli as Red, I was filled with his presence. I felt like him with his grandchildren, paying full attention to them and validating their excitement with his listening. We laughed, we sang and we danced. Margot and Halleli did a dance together that was fun to watch. Halleli danced by herself for us. The joy was palpable. Yartzheit’s and remember those we have lost is usually sad and somber. I’m grateful that this year, on my dad’s 2nd Yartzheit, he joined us in spirit by making it fun and full of light. It was his spirit and the way he lived that infused Friday night. As Tamar drove me back to my hotel in Tel Aviv we had an in depth conversation about the impact of the war on her and Margot, on other parents, and especially on children. It was a reminder to me of not just what Margot and Tamar and other Israeli parents are doing to protect their children but all the things that my parents did to protect my siblings and me. I was filled with gratitude. It was far better and more meaningful than simply lighting a candle.

Margot and Halleli dancing

The day of my dad’s yartzheit (Saturday) I had a slow morning of rest and relaxation. I then spent the day on the beach with some new friends. It was a great day to celebrate life. That’s what my dad did, celebrated life. It was a different way to honor his memory this year. It was also very meaningful because it was about the essense of who he was. It was about his values (family) and happiness and enjoying life. It felt right. It felt good. And I felt him with me the entire time. ‘Just because’ you are supposed to light a candle for remembrance isn’t enough. I lived the day as my dad would have, truly remembering and honoring him.

One of my favorite pictures of my dad and me

I’m currently in Israel. The past few days I have been in Tel Aviv and enjoying the weather, the beach, the Mediterranean, delicious food, and time with friends and colleagues. A group of new friends went to dinner on the beach and it was amazing to learn how interconnected we were. The food was good, the company better, and the view of the beach spectacular. Later, we sat on the roof last night talking about Israel, perceptions, safety, and much more. It was a beautiful night. The weather was cool, the sky was clear, you could see and hear the Mediterranean. We talked about the beauty of Israel. How safe we felt. Our love for the country. Some of us were here for the first time. Some for multiple times. Some were Jewish and some were not. What a diverse group. Around midnight our group broke up and I walked back to my hotel.

A few hours later my phone rang. It was my oldest son. It woke me from a deep sleep and I immediately answered. His voice was full of excitement as the team he coaches had just won a big road game and for the second week in a row, the part he coaches played a key role in them winning. It was awesome that he wanted to call me to share his joy. I didn’t mind that it was 4 am for me – the fact he wanted to share this joy with me right after the game ended meant the world. This was my dad’s dream – that his children would have that type of relationship with their children. That his children would remain close as adults. I shared in his joy with immense gratitude. Does life really get any better than your children having success and joy and wanting to share it with you? I don’t think so. I know my dad didn’t think so.

On the field after the first home game – nothing comes close to celebrating your children’s happiness and success.

I fell back asleep and a few hours later, when I woke up, I saw messages from friends in the US asking what was going on and if I was safe. I wasn’t sure what they meant since it was quiet in Tel Aviv and I slept well. I opened my WhatsApp to see what was going on and saw this:

I understood why they were worried and reaching out. Thankfully the rockets and the alerts did not reach Tel Aviv. It didn’t impact my sleep nor did I have to go to the 2nd floor saferoom in the hotel (yes, there is one, and yes, I know where it is). The rockets and the sirens did reach Modi’in, where I have many friends and where I had Shabbat dinner this week. I checked on my friends and they are all safe, just a bit flustered from the 6:30 am sirens and going to their safe rooms, getting their children and sometimes parents into the safe room, in the time alotted for safety. I responded to my friends that reached out that I was safe and we had no sirens. Even though it was around midnight on the East Coast of the US, I texted my family, brother and sister, and mom to let them know we had no sirens and I am safe. Hopefully it didn’t wake them up and they can have a restful sleep and see it when they wake up.

A rocket did hit part of the train station in Modi’in. In May, I was at that train station. If the trains ran later on Friday afternoons (they close just after 2 pm for Shabbat), I’d have been there on Friday afternoon. This is the reality of terrorism, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi’s and the head of the snake, Iran. This is what Tamar and I were discussing on the ride to my hotel Friday night. How does she explain this to her young children? How do she and Margot deal with the stress of parenting plus parenting in a war plus shielding their children and keeping them safe, physically, emotionaly, and spiritually. Most people understand that the IDF soldiers, the families of hostages, the rescued hostages, and those who lost loved ones on October 7th or afterwards, are struggling. The reality is the entire country is struggling. You feel the struggle when you are here. The recovery will take a long time after the war ends. Tamar and I discussed that on our ride from Modi’in to Tel Aviv. While we are seeing the greatest generation of Israelis step up in this time of crisis, there are other generations that are doing the best they can in these circumstances to survive, to live, to protect their children. The repurcussions of this war are long standing. There is a deep wound in the Israeli psyche and the Israeli people that will need to heal. Those of us in the diaspora need to understand this and help as much as we can. Coming to Israel is part of that support. As diaspora Jews, we do not understand the power of our coming to Israel during this time and the message it sends to our Israeli brothers and sisters. To know they are not alone now is critical. I have been here three (3) times since May. The thanks that I get, and the shock from many that I would come to a war zone at all, let alone 3 times, is powerful. Our Israeli brothers and sisters need us. They need our support. I urge you to come. More will be coming from me in the very near future about new ways to get here that are meaningful and affordable. It matters.

Escalator at the train station in Modi’in after a rocket hit the station

Our choices determine who we are. My dad taught me that. It’s what we do, not what we say. He taught me that too. I have lived my life in a way that when my grandchildren ask what I did at key moments, there are answers that I will proud for my children to share with them. On 9/11 I was active and helping address the trauma the UF students were dealing with. During Covid I was active in helping ensure we found ways to being back our employees quickly and provide needed services. After October 7th I made sure to be at the rally in DC, I got active with helping hostages that were released, and helping Israel. I have come here 3 times since October 7, brought students on a leadership trip, and am working with Israeli nonprofits that help children, families, small businesses, US college students, and families of hostages.

“Just because” isn’t good enough. It’s no longer acceptable. Each of us have the ability to make a difference with our actions. A friend of mine in Richmond posted this message on Facebook about a fraternity brother and me being in Israel together with a picture of us here.

Two past Richmonders who are amazing Israel advocates who don’t just talk the talk but are constantly walking the walk and using social media to share their experience! This is so much more powerful than the ho hum talk of people who lead without their personal investment and family involvement. We need THIS here!

We need this everywhere. Take action. You can. The status quo does not have be accepted. In my dad’s memory, I refuse to be silent. I refuse to sit by idly. I refuse to accept the unacceptable and will fight for the future of the Jewish people, the land of Israel, and the type of world not only that I want to live in but one that I want for my future grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I owe them no less. My grandparents did if for me, how can I not do it for mine?

Am Yisrael Chai.

How my dog Bella (z’l) is like Israel

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

Our 13 ½ year old chocolate labrador, Bella, crossed the Rainbow Bridge last month.  We got her as a Hanukkah present on December 1, 2010, and she has been a constant in our life and our family ever since.  She taught us about unconditional love, how important playing is in life, the joy of treats, and the joy in just being together. 

Bella as a puppy when we first got her and took her for her first checkup

Almost exactly a year ago, she almost died.  While being boarded, something we hadn’t done in many years, she developed 3 major infections and had 3 major open wounds.  She couldn’t eat, walk, or do much of anything.  We were preparing to say goodbye and tried one last Hail Mary attempt before saying goodbye.  That last attempt miraculously worked and for the last year Bella fought every day to be with us and to do whatever she could do.  She went on walks.  She climbed the stairs.  She did some physical therapy in a swimming pool.  She would climb up in my lap.

The last few months she would come upstairs at 2 am to wake me up and make me go downstairs and sleep on the couch next to her.  She liked sleeping on the travertine tile floor but didn’t want to be alone, so it was my job to be close to her.  Most of the time, as soon as we got downstairs together, she would lay on the floor and be content and sleep through the night.  Every so often she would let me spend the entire night sleeping in bed, but it was a rare occurrence.  I didn’t mind (much) because I knew how important it was to her.

Bella reminds me in many ways of Israel.  Israel is 76 years old.  When the US was 76, we hadn’t even fought the civil war yet.  Israel is still a baby, or maybe a middle school student.  It is start-up nation.  It is innovation.  We joke that the national bird is the crane because when you are in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, there is so much construction that you see so many cranes all over the place.  My relationship with Israel is similar to the relationship I had with Bella.  It is one of mutual love.  It is one where we learn from each other every day.  It is unconditional love.  It doesn’t mean that I was happy when Bella stole the challah or that I am happy when the Israeli government makes what I consider to be a bad decision.  It does mean that I love Bella no matter what she does, just like I love Israel even when the government or some of the people make very poor decisions.

My relationship with Bella started the day I picked her up, December 1, 2010, and brought her to our home and our family.  While she is physically gone, it is a relationship that will last forever.  My relationship with Israel began as a child, shaped by my grandparents and parents.  It deepened when I made my first trip there in the summer of 1989 and has continued to grow on each of my 21 subsequent trips since that first one.  Just as my relationship with Bella deepened as she got older and we spent more time together, so has my relationship with Israel.  Each visit takes me deeper into my own Jewish identity.  Each visit helps me explore who I am, who I want to be, what my values are, how do I want to spend my life, and answer the question I have previously written about, “What would I die for?”, which tells me what I am living for. 

Israel is not a tourist attraction that you go to once and that’s it.  It is a fine wine.  A good bourbon or scotch.  Incredible music.  It is to be savored.  That first taste is exactly that, a taste.  It’s wonderful and exciting and exhilarating.  Floating in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada (or taking the cable car), going to the Kotel, touring the old city of Jerusalem.  Exploring Tzfat and spirituality.  Visiting the Kinneret.  Rafting down the Jordan river.  Hearing the Muslim call to prayer from the minarets, as you are in the middle Jewish or Christian prayers. Exploring Haifa and the Baha’i Gardens.  I could go on and on and on.  Yet it’s just a taste.  A first sip.  Your toe in the ocean.  There is so much to explore, so much to invest, so much to learn and grow.  Just like every relationship.  Just like my relationship with Bella.  The day I brought her home, I was in love.  She was adorable and cute and fun.  The day before she died, we were sitting outside together, she way laying the grass, happy as can be, a totally different and deeper experience.  My first trip to Israel was exciting and exhilarating.  I soaked it all up and have vivid memories from that trip, 35 years ago.  My trip to Israel last month was also powerful and deep in a very different and more mature way.  My trip this month was a deeper exploration into what Israel stands for, what she means, what her values are, and my personal connection that as a Jew, started when Abraham listened when he was told by God to “Lech Lecha”, go forth, and was guided to this land.  Just like sitting outside with Bella during her last weeks as she laid in the grass instead of playing frisbee or chasing a ball, it was even more special despite the vast difference.

Bella in the yard just before she died. She was happy until the end and gave us love her entire life

As we toured the old city of Jerusalem this time, our guide challenged us to view it very differently.  He urged us not to see buildings, walls, rocks, and rubble.  Instead, take a look at what happened. What are the stories?  What does it all mean?  When he took us through the tunnels under the Kotel, he posed the same questions.  It was a remarkable two tours with Eytan.  He spent three hours each time with us, pushing us to keep moving with him as he made the old city come alive in a completely different way.  I felt like I was there in the 1948 war for the old city.  My love for Jerusalem was captured during the tour as I asked myself what I would do to defend Jerusalem.  The old city will never be the same for me as I turn every corner and there is deeper meaning.

As he took us through the City of David, we stood where King David’s palace likely was.  There is enough archeological evidence to show this is where it would have been.  You could imagine what happened in that area.  The poetry of King David being written.  The decisions he had to make, both good and poor.  As we moved to the current excavation site, you could imagine the city that once existed there, more than 3,000 years ago.  The vibrancy of the people.  We walked through the drainage system, designed to capture the rainwater from the mountain to bring fresh water to the cisterns of the city below.  The system was small and narrow.  I couldn’t stand straight up and banged my head a few times.  It felt tight and constricted.  All I could think of as I walked through this tight place was the hostages and how they live like this every day.  A 3,000-year-old water collection system teaching me about life today.  I’m not sure there is anything more Jewish than that. 

I miss Bella every day, just like I miss Israel.  There are a few images that will stay with me from this trip for a long time. 

Our hotel is where the residents of Shlomi, a town in the north of Israel, have lived since October 7th.  They are right on the border with Lebanon and were bombed by Hezbollah and had to evacuate.  Throughout the hotel, we had families living their lives.  Kids running around, riding tricycles, women doing laundry at the specially installed washing machines because this was now their home.  A Gan (kindergarten) still functioning as the other children are now enrolled in local schools.  The hotel lobby had become a community center. Shlomi is a religious community and as we prayed each day, said the Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals), and learned Torah, they watched.  They came up to one of our leaders and spoke to him in Hebrew, telling him how much we inspired them.  How proud they were because of what we were doing and because we were there.  Imagine being forced from your home and living far away in a single hotel room with your 5-7 children for over 9 months.  And young people, choosing to come to Israel during the war, doing Jewish traditions, inspire you. 

You see how close Shlomi is to the Lebanese border

I watched as their Gan began the day.  The children were adorable.  The teacher filled with excitement and passion.  The joy in the room at the hotel was palpable.  These 4-year-old children who have had their life turned upside down had normalcy.  I was inspired.  I watched and smiled.  Life doesn’t just go on.  It flourishes.  That is Israel.  Even in the worst of times, there is joy and plans for a better future.  As we visited the Kotel before leaving Israel, what did we see?  Another group of children, dressed in costume, learning at the Kotel. It was a beautiful site. No matter how much people try to kill us, try to villify us, try to isolate us, try to mock us, try to eliminate us, we will not give up. We will not forget who we are.

The joy of being at Machane Yehuda in the day, as a bustling shuk (market) and then in the evening as a crazy fun group of nightclubs is amazing. The energy, the passion for Judaism and Israel expressed at both times is amazing. When in Jerusalem at the shuk, the singing is loud, the passion is raised, and there is a strong and powerful pride in being Jewish. Why can’t we keep this when we return? Why do our voices suddenly get quiet? As you watch this video of the shuk, feel the energy, the passion, the joy and make sure you bring it with you every day when it comes to being Jewish.

Can we always sing Am Yisrael Chai with this passion and love?

I have been to Israel 22 times now and will be back at least once more this calendar year. As I walked and talked with one of our participants who was on her first trip to Israel, she talked about how surprised she was at how she felt in Israel. She talked about how much she wished we had an extra week or two on the trip, with the group, to continue learning and having the experience. She talked about how much she wanted to come back and maybe next summer would work. Once you have been to Israel this will make sense to you. Until you go, you can’t really understand it. It brings up the existential question, how to do we maintain this connection to Judaism, to our history, to our family and community, and to God, when we aren’t in Israel? How do we bring it home with us so that it lives within us all the time, not just when we are in Israel?

Many people and organizations have tried to answer this question over the years, some with some success, others not so much. What I do know is that as long as those of us who aren’t super religious can inspire the religous people of Shlomi with our effort, we are doing ok. As long as we continue to make the effort to do it, we are having success. It truly is a journey, not a destination.

P.S. – Here is a little something to put a smile on your face – the Jerusalem Youth Choir with Arab and Jewish youth singing on America’s Got Talent.

A day of lessons – there is so much to learn

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

Yom Ha’atzmaut continued today in such a subdued manner it was shocking.  It was easy to forget that it was still Independence Day as so much was different than previous years.  I am used to the beach being packed, barbecues happening, an undercurrent of joy, the planes flying over the beach in formation, and so much more.  Last night, the port was empty as we went for dinner.  In a normal year, it would have been packed with people, music, fireworks, and celebration.  This year is different.

My friend, Dr. Debi Gilboa (also known as Dr. G) spoke to use this morning about courage and resilience.  Debi is a wonderful person, doctor, friend, and speaker and today was no different.  There were three things she talked about that really resonated for me.

Dr G, my friend Debi Gilboa, and me.

The first was about how in 1908, sixty-six (66) families left Jaffa and moved to Tel Aviv to create something.  There was nothing there.  I have seen the pictures at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv or what it looked line then.  Huge sand dunes.  That’s it.  These pioneers and their families took and incredible risk moving to the middle of nowhere, on a sandy beach, with no drinking water, no housing in place, and no farming for food that was growing.  Why would they do this?  What could be their rationale? 

The pioneers that created Tel Aviv in 1908. They had courage.

By moving to Tel Aviv, they had a chance at self-determination.  They had a change to take control of their own destiny.  They could build a city where they were in charge and could live the way they wanted to live, as Jews.  I’m sure every one of them was scared and felt unsure at times.  Yet they did it anywhere.  The fear of where they were coming from along with the opportunity that presented itself was enough to help them fight through their fear to build the city of Tel Aviv.

The second was about courage.  Courage is not feeling fear or being afraid.  Courage is feeling fear and being afraid and getting through it anyway.  The 66 families that started Tel Aviv in 1908 felt plenty of fear, yet they would not let that fear stop them from following through and building the city of Tel Aviv.  We heard from and met people from Kibbutz Alumim today.  The Kibbutz is 3 km from Gaza and was attacked on October 7. It is the only kibbutz that was attacked on October 7th, the terrorists got into the kibbutz, but did not get into the houses.  Those on the kibbutz who hid in their safe rooms with their families and those who defended it were scared but they fought through the fear to survive.  Courage looks different but always involves facing your fears and finding a way through them.

The third topic that resonated strongly with me was when she talked about how God told Abraham and Sarah, “Lech Lecha”.  Translated this means ‘Go to yourself.”  This is when they left where they were living, left Abraham’s father’s house, and followed God’s directions.  Debi shared with us that it also means for each of us to be true to ourselves.  That we must take care of ourselves.  After October 7, Israelis are doing what they have to do to take care of themselves.  It’s emotionally difficult and requires courage to do this.  In the diaspora, we are struggling with this.  How do we take care of ourselves in a world filled with rising antisemitism?  How do we take care of ourselves when we see the hate on college campuses?  How do we take care of ourselves when we see physical violence occurring just because somebody is Jewish?  When Jewish speakers and events are cancelled because the venue ‘can’t ensure security’?  During the day today, this became a topic of many conversations I had.  The consensus seemed to be that we need to invest more in what being Jewish means to us.  Each of us individually has the opportunity to ask that question of ourselves and our families.  What does being Jewish mean to me?  How do I express being Jewish in a meaningful way to me?  Are there things I might want to do or that I like to do that I am not?  If so, what are they.  If not, maybe I want to explore what they could be.  I have found myself doing this over the past few years and coming up with my own answers for me.  I have found that I enjoy learning more about what being Jewish entails by spending time each week talking and learning some Torah with a Rabbi and how it applies to my life today.  Can the lesson change my behavior and how I feel about things?  Each week I learn a little bit more.  I am not more religious.  But I do feel more Jewish.

Debi’s talk, similar to when I am learning lessons from the Torah with my Rabbi, made me think a little deeper about issues.  I have more to chew on and more questions to ask myself.  Being on this trip, I have brothers to talk with and delve deeper together.  That’s also part of being Jewish – having a community to be a part of so life is not lived alone.

We spent time at the Peres Center for Innovation and Peace.  I’ve been there before and it is an amazing place, created by Shimon Peres, with an intentional incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea to inspire peacefulness.  The main floor is an exhibition space and when I walked in, I was struck by the exhibit from October 7th that was there.  It was truly unbelievable.  There was a huge screen with a video documenting the events.  There was a photo exhibit that was captivating.  I videoed part of the video screen and noticed that the reflection of our group watching it was also seen in the recording.  I thought that was appropriate as we are all a part of October 7 just like it is a part of us. 

The video presentation at the Peres Center for Peace

I came out of the Peres Center with three takeaways this time.  First, Israel has always been about peace.  The Declaration of Independence explicitly offers peace and a welcome to the Arabs to join the new country.  It was the Arabs that rejected that peace and went to war.  Since 1948, Israel has offered peace many times and until the Abraham Accords only found peace partners with Egypt and Jordan.  Neither is a warm peace, but both have held.  Despite the media wanting to say that Israel is the problem, the colonizer, the oppressor, Israel’s actions since 1948 have shown them to be a willing partner for peace with whoever wants to engage with them about peace.  When the war with Hamas in Gaza ends, and it will end, it is highly likely that the peace and normalization with both Saudi Arabia and Indonesia will be finalized.  More and more Arab nations are coming to realize that they are better off being peaceful and partners with Israel than trying to eliminate them.  That is both the narrative we need to be using and the future for the region.

Secondly, there was moment in the video about Shimon Peres where he says that he didn’t feel like he was really the Prime Minister until he “sat in the Old Man’s chair”.  The Old Man is David Ben Gurion and it made me think about leadership.  Israel has had some incredible leaders.  Ben Gurion, Shimon Peres, Moshe Dayan, Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Golda Meir, Ariel Sharon, Chaim Weizmann, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Yigal Allon, Abba Eban, Levi Eshkol, Yitzhak Shamir, Yigael Yadin, and Ezer Weizman are like Israel’s version of our American Founding Fathers, only I remember almost of all them in my lifetime.  Israel is a young country and with the loss of these key leaders, the question remains who is going to step up.  There is no question that the current situation both in Israel and in the world is a result of leadership challenges.  I found myself wondering who would be the next wave of leaders that will step up, both in Israel and the United States, to take us to the next level.  Israel turned 76 this week.  When the US was 76, it was 1852.  We were 8 years away from Abraham Lincoln and his leadership.  The US was about to enter a civil war.  It was leadership that got us through those challenging times.  Who will be both Israel and the United State’s Abraham Lincoln for this time period?  Without that leadership, I fear for the future of the world.

The third takeaway was when Peres was summing up his own life near the end.  He said, “I didn’t dream big enough” and he urged everybody to dream bigger.  In today’s world, I think we need to listen to him and dream bigger.  We need to think beyond what is possible and think what would be ideal.  Then we work towards accomplishing the ideal.  We may not reach ideal, but we will be far better off than if we just try to accomplish what is possible.  It reminds me of the saying, “Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you will be among the stars.”

One of the highlights of the day was our visit to The Squadron, a flight simulator created by a high-ranking commander in the Israeli air force.  The commander gave us a very high level briefing which was incredible.  The pattern of three take-aways continued from his talk. 

The Squadron let us wear flight uniforms and do the simulator. I always wanted to be Top Gun

When talking about October 7, he said that the country was already in a weakened position because of the civil unrest that was going on before then.  The protests of the government policies and attempts to change key laws, the status of the Prime Minister and his legal issues, and the split in the country.  It sounded far too familiar to what we are dealing with in the United States.  He said to us, “When the body is weakened, the germs can get in and attack”.  This is what happened on October 7.  This is what we are seeing set up in the United States today.  I found myself asking myself how far away are we in the US from our own version of October 7?  Would it come from the far right?  From the far left?  From a terror attack funded by Iran?  Are we getting ready for another 9/11 but on a much larger scale?  Will we learn from Israel or continue to stick our heads in the sand?

He also said that he believes there will be no peace for at least 100 years because we have lost the youth.  It made me think of the exodus from Egypt and how we had to wander for 40 years for the generations of slaves to die so that a new generation that didn’t know slavery could rise.  Do we need to wait until the generations who have grown up with hate die off so we can have a new generation that doesn’t know hate rise?  I hope we don’t need to wait 100 years or more.  I hope we can make changes in our world now that shorter that time.  The one thing that I do believe is that the instant gratification expectations of the US and Europe are not realistic and that this will take time.  Can we shorten the 100 years to a decade?  2 decades?  I don’t know but perhaps it is time that we change our expectations and begin the hard work to get there instead of hoping and praying that it will happen in 2024 or 2025.

The final takeaway was when he said that the only thing that will get us out of this is leadership.  I agree with that 100%.  As I wrote above and have written before, we have a serious lack of leadership in the world and in our Jewish communities.  It is time to invest in leadership.  We need to make hard choices and difficult decisions.  We need to change the paradigm that we currently live in where leaders are determined by money.  Our leaders need to lead, unafraid of the personal consequences because they are doing what is needed for the community, the nation, and the world.  We need the courage Debi talked about.  We need to dream bigger like Shimon Peres said.  We need to allow the great leaders to rise and truly lead. 

We then got to try their fight simulator. These were F-16 simulations and it was truly amazing. It gave me great admiration for the air force pilots and made me want to practice more and more.

Keith taking off in the flight simulator

Our final stop for the day was to meet with the people from Kibbutz Alumim.  They have been relocated from their kibbutz near Gaza to a hotel in Netanya since October 7.  We heard from two people at the kibbutz.  Sarit, a young mother, hid in her safe room for 26 hours with her husband and 2-year-old daughter.  Sarit’s husband was able to grab a little schnitzel for their daughter and one diaper for her before they entered their safe room for 26 hours.  That’s not much in terms of food and one spare diaper for 26 hours isn’t nearly enough.  Her descriptions were intense and thankfully the terrorists didn’t get into any of the houses on this kibbutz.

Sarit talking to us

The reason they didn’t get into any of the houses on this kibbutz was because of people like Eyal, the second speaker.  This kibbutz had 15 members of their defense force that were trained and had access to guns in their armory to protect the kibbutz.  Facing 150 or more terrorists invading the kibbutz, these 15 people fought them off.  They ended up getting help from the IDF with a helicopter coming and helping shoot at the terrorists, killing many and driving them away after a full day of battle.  Eyal ended up getting shot 4 times.  Once on the side of his face, once in his back, once in his side, and once through his lung and out his scapula.  He was rushed to the hospital where he was able to recover.  The story of bravery on this kibbutz was not remarkable compared to the stories I have heard on other kibbutzim.  What I took from it was the importance of being prepared and trained.  Nobody wants to think that we have to be prepared to protect ourselves, but the reality is that we do.  We can hope that we never have to use the training and that the practice is just that, but we need to be prepared.  Whether it is in Israel or in the United States, a failure to prepare is preparing to fail.  We no longer can afford that luxury.

Eyal talking to us

Outside the hotel, near the school they had created for their children, we had a huge barbecue and got to celebrate life with the members of the kibbutz.  There was nothing like seeing the children fully engaged in life.  Just as my grandparents used to say that looking at us, their grandchildren, was the proof that Hitler had lost, watching these children play and live life was proof that Hamas failed.  Those who hate us failed.  We survived once again and we will thrive again.  Some of the little kids gave us gifts of vegetables from the kibbutz and seeing them warmed my heart.  Then a few of the young boys came over to dance with us and that was the highlight of the day.  It warmed my heart.  We danced.  We sang.  We smiled.  We laughed.  We lived.  I made sure to get a picture with them to remind myself that no matter what, we choose to live.  And we choose to live freely as Jews.  Authentic to ourselves. 

The boys from the Kibbutz who came to dance with us
Dancing with the kids from the Kibbutz – it made the entire day.
Kids from the Kibbutz giving us gifts of vegetables from their Kibbutz. They were so adorable.
How can you not smile watching this toddler on his tricycle. 7 months ago he was hiding in a safe room as his parents hoped they wouldn’t be butchered by Hamas terrorists

I knew when I got on the plane to come this time that part of why I was coming was because October 7 and what has followed has ripped a hole in my soul.  Watching the children, dancing with them and seeing them choosing life has begun to repair that hole.  We need to listen to Dr. G and be courageous.  We need to hear Shimon Peres and dream bigger.  We need to pay attention to the lessons from the air force commander and demand real leadership and invest in leadership development.  And most of all, we need to live authentically and with joy.  Life is too short and too important to waste.

Kids at the barbecue back to life after the terror of October 7th. We must live life to the fullest.

The journey begins – return to Israel post October 7th

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

The journey begins.  My son took me to the Orlando Brightline station so I could take the train to Ft. Lauderdale so I can board me El Al flight to Israel.  My bags are heavy, filled not just with my clothes but also with things to give away to my friends serving in the IDF and their fellow soldiers.  I usually bring some things to give away but this time it feels like a holy mission as they mean more than the usual knickknacks. 

When I go to Israel I tend to write a lot, often daily.  So, I hope you bear with me as I chronicle this trip.  It already feels different.  My family really doesn’t want me to go but they could only delay this trip for so long.  Israel is in my entire being.  It isn’t just my heart and soul but it is core to my identity.  This is my 21st trip but is very different than any before.  I came during the start of the first intifada and again during the second intifada when few Jews were traveling to Israel.  It broke my heart every time somebody thanked me for being Jewish and coming to Israel because all they had seen were Christians on a pilgrimage.  I was here when Jordanians were massing on the border and we could hear gunfire from our hotel room on their side of the border, not knowing they were going to breach the border.  I came during Covid, before the country even was open.  We got special permission and were limited to one of three flights.  We had to have been vaccinated and boosted, get a Covid test before we left, two when we arrived plus a blood test.  We were forced to quarantine for a day until the results came back. 

As you can tell, I’ve been here under a variety of circumstances.  Yet none is like this.  It is not because it is an active war zone.  It is not because there are still three active fronts (Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in the north, and the Houthis).  It is not because this is a solidarity mission, as I have been to Israel for that in the past.  This trip is about healing the rip in my soul that happened on October 7, 2023.  Similar to the Harry Potter story when Voldemort ripped his soul into many parts, mine was torn and damaged as I watched the horrifying events unfold on television.  The frantic texting and WhatsApp messages to my friends and family throughout Israel to check on how they were doing.  I remember one telling me about those dead at one of the kibbutzim near the Gaza border and I thought she was telling me about the Moshav that she and her husband lived on.  For more than an hour, I thought they were under attack and the terrorists were near their house until she corrected me.  My friends who were in the IDF reserves who didn’t respond to me because they were responding to the attack.  Were they alive?  My friends who had children in the IDF.  Were they alive?  Who did I know that might have gone to the Nova music festival?  While the initial reports were bad, they were nowhere close to as horrifying as what really happened there. 

I lived near Three Mile Island when it almost melted down. We evacuated, not knowing when or if we could go home.  On 9/11 I had a campus of Jewish students at University of Florida who were scared and unsure what was happening.  I had to let people go during the financial crash of 2008 for no fault of their own.  I had to lay off 136 employees when Covid shut down The Roth Family JCC in 2020.  I’ve dealt with crises before.  Nothing prepared me for the internal impact of October 7th.  This trip is entirely about that.  It is a healing journey for me. 

When I arrive, Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day will begin.  This is the third time I will be there for it and both were incredibly impactful.  This one will be very different.  The next day is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.  I have also celebrated two of these in Israel.  It’s usually a joyous day, filled with celebrations, parties, fireworks, barbecues, and a parade of boats and planes on the beach in Tel Aviv.  It’s one of my favorite days of the year when I can be in Israel for it.  This year will be very different.  We will go to the south, to a Kibbutz that was attacked on October 7th.  Visit the Nova music festival site.  Go back to Sderot, a place I have been many times but looks nothing like it did prior to October 7th.  I will spend a few days with two friends who are IDF reserve officers.  One spent the first four months in a high-ranking role in Gaza, the other spent the same time in a high-ranking role in the north.  My visit to the Kotel (Western Wall of the Temple) will be unlike any before.  We will volunteer on a farm, picking fruit and vegetables.  That is one of the things people have either forgotten or don’t know.  The people who worked in the fields were largely either Thai or Palestinian.  Since October 7, the King of Thailand won’t allow any workers to come to Israel and Israel has not been able to allow the Palestinians to come to work in the fields for security reasons.  Volunteers have been ensuring produce is harvested and food is available.  Imagine taking a day off from your work to go into the fields and pick produce that will help feed the entire country.  Not once.  Not twice.  It is now seven months. 

One thing will be the same.  When I walk out of the airport, that first breath of air will be sweet.  The sound of Hebrew spoken everywhere will warm my heart.  When I get to Tel Aviv tonight, I will go for a walk on the beach, feel the sand in my toes and see and smell the Mediterranean Sea.  I will dip my feet in the water and realize that I am home.  In a few days when we pull into Jerusalem, the city of Gold, I will see the breathtaking view as we drive in and be captivated.  When I go into the old city of Jerusalem, I will be overwhelmed with a closeness to God that I will work to keep with me when I am not there. 

The view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea from my hotel balcony

I’ll miss going to the north, where it is not safe due to the Hezbollah rockets that land daily.  I’ll miss going to Tzfat, one of my favorite cities for its mysticism and beauty, because it is too close to the north.  I’ll miss being on the top of Masada and at the Dead Sea because that’s not what this trip is about.  I’ll miss the opportunity to go to Hebron and visit the tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs due to security issues.  Those are all things I can do on a future trip.  There will be future trips.  Israel will win this war and survive.  That is what the media doesn’t communicate.  Israel is fighting for her survival.  And as Golda Meir said, our secret weapon is that we have no place else to go.