Jul 5, 2023

Israel Mini Mission Demonstrates Federation Dollars at Work

Federation’s Israeli Division introduced 16 Miamians to an Israel they had not seen before during the annual Israel Mini Mission, offering a firsthand look at the scope and diversity of our wide-ranging impact in Israel. The group, all members of the Miami Israeli community, visited various Federation-supported programs such as Beit Issie Shapiro, an international leader in innovative therapies and state-of-the-art services for children and adults with disabilities. From there, the group met with members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community in Pardes Channa for a visit to its first gojo (traditional Ethiopian home), built with Federation funds on the grounds of the Pardes Channa Community Garden. Keiss (Rabbi) Yossef shared his inspirational story of aliyah from Ethiopia and why the gojo is so important to the community of elders.

Next on the itinerary was the Druze city of Daliat Al Carmel for a tour of the Mercaz Ma'ase Neurim Youth Center, which works to integrate young Druze women into Israeli society. "I was especially moved by our meeting with the Druze community," shared Mission participant Noga Friedman. "It is impressive to see the achievements and successes of the Druze students. Knowing that much of this is possible thanks to our Federation's support makes me very proud."

Over lunch at the home of Hicam Arayde, Mission guests heard how their hostess launched a home-based restaurant business with the aid of Esek Mi’Shelach (A Business of One's Own). Later in the day, after a trip to the local shuk, participants travelled to Nazareth, where they met Abir, another small business owner who also received assistance from Esek Mi’Shelach to open Al Hakim Boutique Hotel. Both Mercaz Ma'ase Neurim Youth Center and the Economic Empowerment Business of One's Own program are funded by Federation through the Women's Amutot Initiative grants.

Mission participant Yoram Ben Amram, said, “To see our donations at work — how they completely change the lives of men, women and children — is simply amazing. “The tour was important, exciting and incredibly enriching.”