Mission to Israel becomes ‘now more than ever’ moment

by Ron Kaplan
NJJN Staff Writer

For four local leaders taking part in the recently completed United Jewish Communities’ 2007 Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission to Israel, the military crisis that came in the midst of their trip was affirmation for their volunteer and professional commitment to the Jewish state.

“How fitting for…us to be in Eretz Israel learning about the many ways all of us make a difference in our homeland,” they wrote in an e-mail to their colleagues at United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ on July 17. “Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. We have been safe and secure. We can assure you that we have been very impressed by the fortitude and solidarity of the Israeli people.”

The message was signed by Maxine Murnick, UJC MetroWest Women’s Campaign chair; Joyce Goldstein, UJA MetroWest Campaign vice chair, major gifts; SaraBeth Wizen, Women’s Department director; and Amy Cantor, assistant campaign director.

They were taking part in the mission with 180 Jewish leaders from more than 50 North American communities.

In a July 18 phone interview from Israel, Goldstein told NJ Jewish News that she was sad to leave. “Even in times like this — especially in times like this — people appreciate us being here, and it’s just nice to express our solidarity with our cousins over here.”

The four women were part of a UJC campaign that arrived in Israel July 12, “exactly when everything started,” she said.

Goldstein, a resident of Essex Fells, said not too much time has been spent alleviating fears of family and friends back home who are concerned for the group’s well-being. “My husband said, ‘You wanted to be there in 1967. You’re there now. Enjoy.’

“I would say that most of the people who were with us on the trip had very little concern, which is kind of interesting. It shows you the kind of dedication that many of our UJC-Israel folks have and their belief in [Israel].”

On the other hand, Israelis are asking very few questions about what Americans are thinking about the current situation, secure in the strong support received from the United States in the past. Goldstein attributed that to President George W. Bush’s “off-mike responses,” which helped give the Israelis “a sort of feel for what the American policy is. But the Israelis know that what they’re doing is the right thing in order to live safely and securely.”

She was referring to a highly reported exchange between Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, during which Bush, expressing frustration at the United Nations’ stance on the Israeli-Hizbullah conflict in Lebanon, used an expletive in urging that pressure be put on Syria to halt Hizbullah’s actions in Lebanon.

When she returns to New Jersey, Goldstein said, she plans to tell people that in Israel, “there is a sense of resolve, which was heartwarming to see.”