As my wife and I approached a milestone birthday, we decided that we would travel to Israel. We had not been in Israel since the bris milah of our oldest grandson. We knew this would not be a “typical” visit due to the wartime conditions that have existed since October 7, 2023. Indeed, on three separate occasions, we had to retreat to shelters and saw what reality is like when you are awakened by incoming rocket attacks. This article is a reflection on what we saw and a suggestion for ourselves as individuals and as a community.

We decided to stay at the Prima Palace (formerly the Central Hotel) with its prime location near Geulah, the Shuk, and one of Jerusalem’s oldest synagogues, Zichron Moshe. The hotel is in close proximity to the light rail, which made travel easily accessible. The excellent Israeli breakfast was also a plus. Unfortunately, the hotel was not crowded, as tourism has dramatically declined since the onset of the war.

One Israel Tour Malachei Shalom

We took a tour of the Gaza Envelope organized by Artzeinu. We visited the site of the Nova festival, the burnt cars memorial, and the location where IDF soldiers warned the IDF brass of suspicious activities. We also toured the remains of Kibbutz Reim, which is closed to the public as searches are underway for body parts of those killed al kiddush Hashem on October 7, 2023. While some might refrain from such a tour, I feel this view is misguided. It is important to understand what Hamas sought to accomplish. It reinforces that calls for a cease fire are futile, since Hamas is not a rational partner. The dream of a two-state solution espoused by American foreign policy died on October 7, even among some Israelis who thought that such a solution was workable.

Artzeinu also sponsored a tour of the tunnels and excavations underground and adjacent to the Kotel. For those with a knowledge of Tanach and Daf Yomi, the excavations reveal the adherence to Dinei Tum’ah v’Taharah during the Bayis Sheini. They provide an understanding as to the entrances, referenced in the Mishnah and the Gemara, that lead to the Har HaBayis. We of course went to the Kotel and walked through the Rova on Zos Chanukah.

Chanukah in Geulah on Rchov Chafetz Chaim

We also toured Yehudah and Shomron with One Israel Fund. We saw what Ramban contends as the end of Parshas VaYishlach is the proper location of Kever Rachel on Derech Chevron. We also visited the site of Har Eival and toured mikvaos dating back to the Chashmona’im. We met the mayor of the bustling town of Mtzpe Yericho. One could not help but be impressed by the m’siras nefesh of those who are living in these “settlements.” They exemplify the strong connection between am Yisrael, Toras Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael. This was strongly exemplified in our visit to the site of the Adva soap company. The owner is shomer Sh’mitah l’chumra. Again, the notion that Israel should allow these communities to become part of a Palestinian State clearly compromises the safety and security of Israel. We did some individual tours to Yad Vashem and the new National Library.

Of course, one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was reconnecting with many of our friends. We spent the first Shabbos in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef, where we met old friends from our shul. The second Shabbos, we were in Har Nof. We connected with an old NCSY advisor. Lastly, we visited Eretz HaChaim, where many members of our community are buried.

Temple Excavations Model

It was a memorable trip. We were moved by the determination of the chayalim, whose knowledge of their mission is so apparent. The chayalim we saw represented every sociological group. We were also impressed by the chesed of ordinary citizens. We observed a policeman assisting our tour driver when he had a flat tire, and another citizen who helped pull our tour bus out of the mud.

The message from all we met were that we need to see more Americans in Israel, whether through aliyah or frequent visits. We should continue to say T’hilim, daven, and learn with more intensity and kavanah. In truth, there is no substitute for traveling to Israel, where you can do chesed for the IDF and their families and assist the economy through hotel accommodations, dining out, and purchasing items. We should be thinking of going on our own missions to show solidarity with all of am Ysrael in Eretz Yisrael.

By Steve Brizel