Proud of my Jewish heritage, I have traveled to Israel on at least 10 occasions over the last 25 years. I have a special place in my heart for this beautiful country and the wonderful, courageous people who inhabit it. Israel is a model of courage, pride, and accomplishment for all the world to view and I plan to continue my sojourns here for as long as I am able.

Over the years I have been somewhat outspoken on the qualities of a visit to Israel in discussions with my close friends. With these friends I have traveled to their ancestral homes, including Italy and Portugal. Both male and female, their backgrounds varied from businessmen to law enforcement officers to teachers. One common denominator was their Catholic upbringing.

Efforts to have them accompany me to Israel were not successful until this May, when they agreed to travel to Jerusalem for the first time. I was certain from their conversation that they did not know what to expect.

In addition to my other vocations, I am a Deputy Sheriff for the Essex County Sheriff's Department. In conjunction with this position and with the help of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey, I had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of members of the Israeli National Police from the town of Ofakim, MetroWest's Partnership 2000 sister community. Last year they traveled to the United States in commemoration of American police officers who died in the line of duty and participated in the Police Unity Tour. Their counterparts here appreciated their direct participation in honoring the memory of their American colleagues. It was an honor for me to help bring the Israeli officers here during this sacred time of mourning.

During the officers' visit to the States they asked that I return to Israel so they could return the hospitality. With the help of Orli Dudaie, the executive shliha, or emissary, of UJC MetroWest's Legow Family Israel Program Center, my friends and I were able to take them up on their offer. From the time of our arrival in Israel to the boarding of our plane at Ben-Gurion Airport to go home, members of the Israeli National Police took a direct role in making our visit a most pleasant one. From a special briefing at National Police Headquarters in Jerusalem, to a Shabbat dinner at the home of the mayor of Ofakim, to a police escort to the Western Wall, to an extraordinary feast at the home of a Beduin family, my friends from the National Police demonstrated overwhelming hospitality. David Bitan, Yossef Farajun, and Igal Ilouza went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that my party's stay in Israel would be a memorable one.

Words cannot express the enjoyment that my friends experienced during their stay in Israel. They continuously spoke of the beauty of the country, from the sprawling deserts to the lush forests, and of the kindness of the people. During our eight-day stay, my friends succeeded in becoming comfortable in the greater Jerusalem area; the food, the people, the landscape, the weather, and the vibrant tone and tenor of the city all combined in making this trip an incomparable one.

One of my pals, a former FBI agent, commented that "in America we were told that the people of Israel were our friends; let me just say that during these eight days, we learned what friendship means." Others in the group, citizens of both Portugal and the United States, are world travelers. All embraced the people and the country of Israel and characterized this trip as one of their favorites. Every member of the group has pledged to continue to pray for peace for Israel.

The relationship that UJC MetroWest has established with the community of Ofakim is special. I would suggest that other members of our community become involved in similar experiences. UJC MetroWest can help others plan trips like ours, creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities while building stronger connections between Americans and Israel.