Jun 4, 2024

Yerucham Mayor Nili Aharon Tours Miami’s Vibrant Jewish Community

“The longstanding partnership with Miami's Jewish community has been, and continues to be, profound and important,” said Yerucham Mayor Nili Aharon, who visited Miami earlier this week. Aharon, who began her term in March, met with Jewish community leaders, learned about the Miami Jwish community and discussed strenthening the Miami-Yerucham Partnership2Gether. She spent time at  the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, a local synagogue, Jewish day school, Jewish community center and the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, and met with Federation’s Israel and Overseas Committees and the Israeli Division. She shared how Yerucham is faring during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, how in addition to Yerucham having assisted 150 families evacuated from southern Israel in the aftermath of October 7 with help from Federation's Israel Emergency Fund (IEF) — the city is poised to welcome evacuees from northern Israel if necessary. She also shared how the Negev city of 12,600 residents has grown greatly in recent years and is embracing new opportunities for economic development and attracting tourism. The Miami-Yerucham Partnership is a key beneficiary of the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign and a recipient of assistance from the IEF.

“Our Israel and Overseas Department has taken the commitment to our partnership city of Yerucham with determination and love,” said Tracey Spiegelman, Chair of the Israel and Overseas Committee. “The relationships that have been built over the past 16 years have helped our funding create impact. The city has begun to thrive and we have truly developed a cohesive bond between our two communities. We are thrilled Mayor Aharon came to Miami this week to embrace the power of partnership, express gratitude for our support and share her vision as well as the challenges. We are eager to work together, continue to connect and encourage all to go to Yerucham on your next visit to Israel.”

“It has been rewarding to see how the Miami-Yerucham Partnership has grown and evolved during these years,” said Mytyl Simancas-Bister, Chair of the Partnership. “Throughout time, mutual understanding and respect have reached a place where the bonds between the two communities are stronger and deeper than ever. Our Partnership programs have helped facilitate and strengthen the people-to-people connection. The diversity and success of these programs have exposed the richness and beauty of both communities and have cemented the path for future growth. The proof was evident during the Mayor’s visit, when we heard firsthand the impact that our partnership has had in Yerucham. We’re excited to continue this partnership and to work side-by-side to secure its continued success.”

“On behalf of the citizens of Yerucham, we cherish your support and greatly appreciate that you stand with us, hand in hand,” added Mayor Aharon. “It was so wonderful to be here and I think you for hosting me. It truly felt like home. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in your second home, Yerucham.”

Click here to learn more about the Miami-Yerucham Partnership.