In the wake of Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, World Mizrachi set its goals on bringing thousands of visitors to the affected regions in an effort they called “community educational tourism.” Hundreds of individual groups were organized and came to Israel to obtain a firsthand understanding of the breadth of the tragedy, the bravery and heroism of Israel’s soldiers and civilians, and the need for rebuilding in the south.
Now, as Israel’s northern border region works to rejuvenate and return its residents to their homes after rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon starting on Oct. 8, 2023, the organization is offering a series of new tracks to the communities and villages that were ravaged by months of incessant rocket fire and attacks.
Launching this month, the program will allow groups to intimately understand the experiences of the northern residents and the goals for healing and rebuilding that are already underway. Specially designed as two-day tours, groups will visit homes and facilities that suffered direct Hezbollah rocket strikes, receive briefings from high-level security and political officials, meet with evacuees and more.
Rabbi Dr. Shimon Rapport, director of the Educational Tourism Department at World Mizrachi, noted that his team has put together original itineraries designed to emphasize positive messages, meeting inspirational speakers and key people focused on the rejuvenation of the Jewish people.
“Mizrachi’s solidarity missions are intended as both educational and inspirational experiences by directly introducing our participants to the people who demonstrate in the most powerful of ways the uniquely Jewish spirit to bounce back from tragedy and terror,” he said.
World Mizrachi CEO Rabbi Danny Mirvis added that “it has been exceptionally meaningful for our team at World Mizrachi to promote partnerships between Diaspora Jewry and the communities in the south. At this point in Jewish history—a time of both pain and resilience—we need to embrace and support the communities of the north, and we invite all those who have already been on missions or have not yet visited Israel during the war to come and do so.”
The organization is expanding its offerings to include programs for high school students.
For more information, see: missions@mizrachi.org
