The last day of any trip is usually the busiest and today did not disappoint. I began the day at the Knesset where I had been invited to visit by Member of Knesset, Yuli Edelstein, the Speaker of the Knesset. MK Edelstein is a very busy man and literally runs the floor of the Knesset along with his own responsibilities being an official in the Likud Party. I was lucky to briefly greet him and then tour the Knesset with his senior assistant, former Montreal Kollel Torah Mitzion rabbi, David Tzviel, a close friend of mine. While there I was introduced to several committee members and sat in during discussions on the role of women in Israel, a cause that I personally am very passionate about. While there I also had the opportunity to greet and rekindle my friendship with former Israeli Consul General Joel Lion.
Following the visit to the Knesset, I went to Hadassah hospital to visit with Beth Zion member Shelly Rothman-Benhaim and her family. I arrived the same time as the Canadian Ambassador to Israel; Vivian Bercovici was visiting with the family. Ambassador Bercovici, a child of survivors is committed to making sure that Shelly’s brother Howie is not forgotten about by the Canadian government. The report I received today while visiting was more optimistic than I had heard the last time Shelly and I spoke. Howie is slowly being woken from his medically induced coma state. They are cautiously optimistic that while there will be permanent damage; hopefully he will regain much if not all neurological functions. Please continue to pray for Chaim Yechiel Malka that he should have a Refuah Shelema- a Compete and Speedy Recovery. Amen.
As my world-wind, four day trip draws to a close, I am amazed at how much was accomplished. Whether it was meeting with families of victims of terror, visiting hospitals, meeting with an Imam, Rabbis, Druze communal leaders, attending an Ambulance dedication ceremony, touring a famous settlement located on the “Green Line,” giving a blessing to a sick Druze child, visiting a bullet ridden synagogue, meeting dignitaries or praying at the Western Wall; it was an honour and a privilege to represent Beth Zion and the membership every step of the way. I want to thank the Shul for making this trip possible. I look forward to sharing in person in the very near future highlights from the trip and concrete steps that we can take as a community to continue the bridge building that was begun during this special mission.
