Yes, we still plan on going to Israel and Dubai

By Jane Schiff

Since Oct. 7, 2023, we have all been watching the tragic events in Israel unfold. I have heard over and over again from so many people, “I know I can send money to help with the plethora of needs now and ongoing in Israel, but what else can I do?”

Israel’s economy since before the founding of the state of Israel has been linked directly to tourism. My parents went there on their honeymoon in 1938! All that came to a screeching halt on Oct. 7, 2023. There is no way to know when the war will end but when it does, tourism will creep back slowly. What can you do to help Israel? Plan to go on our mission in November. We have no way of knowing if it will actually happen, but if we plan for it and things are quiet, we will be doing a mitzvah by being there and showing our support.

We planned an itinerary before Oct. 7, so we may change it to include discussions and visitations to sites that were affected by the events of this war. But, whenever we plan a trip to Israel, we leave the schedule somewhat flexible so that we can see and react to conditions on the ground. And this trip, in particular, will give us a chance to thank our Abraham Accord friends for their support during this difficult period.

So, whether you have been to Israel often, like me, or have never been to Israel, this is an opportunity to show your support and love for Israel by showing up!

We will have two informational meetings — one on Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m. and one on March 14 at 7 p.m. — both at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, to give information and answer questions. The trip is being chaired by me and Nat Ritter, with Jeffrey Feld as our staff person. Please come to one of these meetings and ask all your questions.