For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War when a grieving nation came together to honor the fallen. What started as springtime tributes at newly established national cemeteries has grown into a solemn national observance recognizing all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jewish Americans have been part of that story since the nation’s earliest days. This year, as America marks its 250th anniversary — a milestone to be celebrated on July 4, 2026 — it is a fitting moment to reflect on Jewish contributions to that very founding. At the time of the American Revolution, a small Jewish population—numbering only in the thousands—nonetheless showed deep patriotism, with many serving in the fight for independence. George Washington himself directly commanded 40 Jewish soldiers, and in Charleston, South Carolina, entire groups of Jewish men enlisted together in support of the cause.

According to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Jewish service members have consistently served in numbers far exceeding their proportion of the population—earning more than 52,000 military awards, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. From the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, where Jewish Americans fought on both sides, to modern conflicts, that commitment has remained unwavering.

Many of these stories—both well-known and largely unsung—are thoughtfully compiled in an article by Aish.com (We Jews: Memorial Day Edition) highlighting Jewish military service across American history. Readers are encouraged to explore it to gain a deeper appreciation for the breadth of contribution, sacrifice, and patriotism that continues to shape the community.

Behind these numbers are deeply personal stories of courage and sacrifice—young men and women who carried not only a sense of duty, but a profound awareness of what their service meant for those they loved and those they stood beside.

Their legacy demands more than remembrance. It asks Jewish Americans to live with intention, to safeguard the freedoms they defended, and to stand firmly against hatred, antisemitism, and injustice. Because of them, Jewish Americans can live openly and proudly—as Jews and as Americans. Honoring their memory means carrying that responsibility forward, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

The Memorial Day commemoration at the Sandler Family Campus is presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. For more information and to RSVP (required), visit JewishVA.org/memorialday26.

 Alicia London Friedman, Campaign chair, welcomed attendees and described the “wonderful and successful year” of events and fundraising. The luncheon honored volunteer campaign ambassadors (members of Women’s Philanthropy), as well as Lions of Judah—women contributing $5,000 or more annually.

 Friedman thanked Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president; Amy Zelenka, chief development officer; and Linda Ausch, Women’s Development director; and offered a touching tribute to her mother, Joan London, who was in attendance, acknowledging her as a lifelong source of inspiration.

 Mona Flax, UJFT president, shared an encouraging campaign update, noting that the 2026 Community Campaign has surpassed $5.1 million and is on track to hit or exceed its goal of $5.2 million, with the Women’s Division contributing an impressive $1.5 million from 417 donors—already exceeding last year’s total.

 Flax then called Annie Sandler, past Women’s Campaign chair and current president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, to install new Women’s Philanthropy members. Sandler gave a special shout out to retiring member Judy Rosenblatt for nine years of service and thanked Debra Aleck for agreeing to serve another term. She then welcomed new members: Rebecca Auerbach, Stacie Caplan, Amy Gladstein, Nichole Kushner, Laura Wingett, Nikki Shapiro Roth, Laura Goldstein, and Ellen Rosenblum.

 A special lunch inspired by the book, eat small plates, was next. Lunch was followed by a lively Q&A with cookbook authors Zikki and Ben Siman-Tov, moderated by Deb Segaloff. The discussion was entertaining and uplifting as Ben charmed the audience while holding the couple’s newborn daughter and Zikki spoke to the mechanics and details of the ingredients they love. Both agreed that food was not just important for its nutrition and caloric intake, but for bringing people together… whether from the same community or across divides.

 Betty Ann Levin closed the event with her own thanks to the women in the room and others not present – for caring and for doing the vital work of giving and asking others to give, so that together, all can continue to strengthen the Tidewater Jewish community.

A Norfolk native, Leibler has lived in Israel for nine years.

“I came home to visit my parents, Grandma Nancy and Zayde, and other extended family,” says Leibler. “It was supposed to be a 10-day trip and instead, it has turned into two months.” 

Not only is Leibler not where she lives, she’s not near her new husband, Meir Leibler. 

A Lone Soldier (an Israel Defense Forces member who serves without immediate family in Israel), Leibler met her husband during Reserve Duty after Oct. 7. 

The couple planned their wedding to take place in June 2025, but as Liebler muses, “Iran messed that up. We got married on Aug. 5, instead.”

At the time Leibler boarded her flight in Israel with Norfolk as her destination, she admits she knew there was a possibility that travel issues might occur, as murmurs of war were brewing. She says, however, she was not dissuaded from making the trip because, “I really wanted to see my family.”   

 When asked if this was the first time she and her husband had been separated, she was quick to laugh, “We’re not separated, we are just not physically together.”  In truth though, it is not their first ‘physical separation’ in their young marriage. . . “Three days after we got married, Meir was called into Reserve Duty, and we were apart for three weeks.”  

 While her husband is serving, communication, she notes, is limited.  

 “We have a What’s App group with all the wives of the soldiers and we get daily updates that everything is going well, but aside from that, communication is very limited,” says Liebler. 

 Being so far away from her Israeli home, Leibler says, “I am very concerned about my family and friends in Israel, but I am very fortunate to have my family and friends in Norfolk.” 

 Since Leibler works remotely, “I have been able to work, and my company is very understanding and accommodating during these difficult times.”   

Still, she can’t recall the last time she has spent this much time Norfolk since she was 16 years old.  

 The forced stay hasn’t been all bad. “The weather has been amazing,” says Leibler.   

“I ended up being here for Purim and Pesach – and even joined a gym.”

And there’s been an added bonus for her family: “I went to Bishulm Culinary School in Yaffa while I was living in Israel, so my parents have definitely enjoyed me cooking for them.”

  For Leibler, though, she says, “I can’t wait to get back to my husband and my blind dog Stevie.”   

 That theme shaped the evening’s program, which wove together personal testimony, education, and ritual. Through the voices of clergy, students, and educators, and the participation of descendants who serve as living links between past and future, the commemoration demonstrated how Holocaust memory is carried forward and given meaning in the present.

 Dr. Milton Zweig, the evening’s guest speaker, brought this theme to life through the story of his mother’s family, sharing their experiences during the Holocaust and the refuge they ultimately found in Colombia. Zweig spoke about how their survival often depended on human connection and compassion. His remarks emphasized that remembrance carries an ethical dimension. 

 Education remained a central focus of the event with the presentation of awards to student honorees connected to the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition. Student winners were recognized for their thoughtful engagement with Holocaust history and memory, demonstrating how young people continue to grapple with both the weight of the past and its relevance today.

 Teachers Kindra Mosher and Lisa Kilczewski were also recognized for their dedication to Holocaust education, highlighting the critical role educators play in fostering historical understanding, critical thinking, and empathy. Their work was acknowledged as essential to ensuring that Holocaust education remains rigorous, meaningful, and responsive to the challenges of the present moment. 

 One of the most moving moments of the program was the lighting of six memorial candles by descendants of Holocaust survivors. Stepping forward as representatives of their families and generations, they expressed remembrance through ritual – embodying the continuity of memory as something carried, shared, and sustained over time.

 The evening concluded with a moment of reflection and intention. As attendees quietly exited, they were offered yahrzeit candles to light at home. 

Elka Mednick is director of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission. 

 I’m a semi-regular attendee, but on this occasion, I felt compelled to go to show that the violence of the previous day’s events could not be allowed to be a deterrent. 

 Still, I was on high alert.

 So, it came as a surprise to me to find the regular police duo who provide security at the entrance showing no outward change in demeanor. They were as casually friendly as ever, ready with a warm greeting, an open door, and no bag search. 

 (They know you, I was later assured.)

 Sitting in the chapel, I found my mind drifting. I scanned the room for exits. I wondered idly if the two exit doors on either side of the bimah, which lead directly to the parking lot, were operational. Would they open? Would they set off an alarm if used? How recently had they been tested? Which of the other exits would be safer to use?

 The more I thought, the more I became concerned that I had no idea what action I should take in the event of “an active threat” – that’s the terminology used by Mike Goldsmith, former Norfolk police chief, now with the nonprofit Secure Community Network, and security advisor for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. What if my uninformed actions contributed to endangering others? And, I thought, if I don’t know what to do, there must be others who also don’t know. 

 When I expressed my concerns in an email to Rabbi Roz Mandelberg the next day, I received an immediate response —- while she was on vacation, no less. She copied her response to our temple administrator, Jennifer Levin-Tavares, who pointed me towards an upcoming security briefing at First Presbyterian Church.

 And that’s how I found myself inside in First Hall, on the left as you enter the church from the parking lot, on a glorious spring afternoon. I was part of a group of around 100 members of local faith communities who had gathered to learn about congregational safety in a one-hour presentation by Goldsmith. 

 And I give that detail about the room and its location as one of the lessons I learned that afternoon. Always know where you are! It sounds so obvious, but it’s easy to attend an event or take a class and not pay particular attention to the room number or its name, or which floor it’s on, information which could be critical in a crisis. 

 Despite feeling skeptical at the outset – what could I learn unless it was specific to Ohef Sholom? – I came away with several really useful tips, and a determination to follow up and ensure that other members of Ohef Sholom have the same opportunity. 

 I know OST has been diligent over the past few years in ‘hardening’ the facility, in training staff, and having a security committee that is constantly working to ensure the safety of those who use the building. 

 But we also, as individuals, have a responsibility to be proactive to ensure our safety and the safety of others. 

 Here are my main takeaways from Goldsmith’s presentation:

1. Take immediate action! The natural reaction to an unusual circumstance or threat is denial: It’s essential to believe something bad is happening and to act immediately. There is no time to lose; the average time of an attack from start to finish is 12 minutes. 

2. Goldsmith expanded on the mantra “Run, hide, fight” developed from the lessons imparted by hundreds of attacks at schools and places of worship over decades. (And if you already know this slogan, rest assured that as a graduate of remedial driving classes, there’s always something new to be learned from a refresher course!)

a) Run: The preferred option is to run from danger/the scene of the attack until you are far enough away to be safe. Detail: Run with your EMPTY hands in the air. 

b) Hide: Again, this does not mean to hide somewhere obvious where you are. He cited the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in Pittsburgh where multiple victims ‘played dead’ on the sanctuary floor with tragic results. To hide means that if you’re in a room with one door, you barricade it, turn off the lights, cover any glass if possible, and hide out of line of sight of the door. This option is used to buy time.  For example, the average time that it takes Norfolk police to respond to a top-priority call is 4 minutes.  

c) Fight: This is your last option when the other two aren’t possible. Scan the room in advance for anything that can be used as a weapon, such as chairs, desks, mic stands, etc. Working with others to attack a perpetrator(s) from different directions vastly increases the likelihood of success. 

Here’s some general safety advice: 

1. Check the location of the exits.

2. Know where you are.

3. Know how/with whom you’d communicate in a crisis.

4. Determine good hiding places in advance.

5. Scan the location for things to use as weapons (chairs, mic stands, coat racks).

6. Know that you should silence your phone; you can TEXT 911. 

7. If you call 911, stay on the line until you are told to end the call. 

8. Be alert to law enforcement response and follow all instructions calmly and without question.

Goldsmith’s presentation was outstanding, both chilling and practical. He presented the facts without sugar-coating and further conveyed the chaos and noise – fire and smoke alarms, sirens, etc. – that typically accompanies an unfolding situation. Body-camera footage taken from past ‘active threat situations’ showed just how terrifying such episodes are for first responders too.

So, what can you do? 

• Be personally prepared; take responsibility for yourself and learn the appropriate responses.

• Have your synagogue or church invite the local police for a tour so they’re familiar with the layout before there’s a crisis. 

• Encourage others to learn how to thwart an active threat.

While it’s hard to think in these terms, it’s both prudent and essential for everyone’s safety. And that holds not only for the Jewish community, but for the community at large, as evidenced by the diverse crowd in attendance at that recent Sunday afternoon meeting.  

 I’m grateful to Mike Goldsmith for his work and also to Ohef Sholom Temple’s administration for their thoughtful and reassuring response to my concerns. 

To schedule a presentation, contact Mike Goldsmith at mgoldsmith@securecommunitynetwork.org; for more information, go to www.securecommunitynetwork.org.

 In early March, I joined 17 other Jewish women on a United Jewish Federation of Tidewater mission to the Jewish community of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had no idea what to expect, but it didn’t take long to recognize two things simultaneously: The Jewish community in Buenos Aires is truly special; and the Jewish Federation of Tidewater is, too (especially it’s women!). 

 I’ve been on Federation missions before, with each one unique and memorable. Like my previous mission experiences, this mission’s itinerary allowed participants to see wonderful Jewish sites and hear from many impressive speakers. For the sake of sanity – yours and mine – I will not include every site we toured in this article. There is simply too much to say, so I’ll share some thoughts on a few of the places we saw and experienced. 

 We toured AMIA, the main Jewish institution in Buenos Aires (something like our own Federation as far as being an umbrella organization). AMIA assists the Jewish community in strengthening and perpetuating Jewish life in Argentina. Its priorities include social welfare, cultural issues, community funding, and management of Jewish cemeteries. Its highly secure campus (featuring a magnificent Agam sculpture in the courtyard and memorials to those who perished in the 1994 bombing there) also houses the offices of the Jewish Agency for Israel, where we met JAFI Shaliach, Eli Cohen, and several young adult alumni of JAFI’s Masa program. Today, these bright young people are working across the Buenos Aires Jewish community as teachers, rabbis, sports coaches, and schlichim – strengthening ties with Israel and the Jewish people. They serve as outstanding role models for the next generation and are well-prepared for community leadership.

 At the amazing ORT school (ORT Belgrano), we saw how the students from elementary to high school-age engaged in cutting edge science and technology, coding, business administration, and music and TV production. The students were bright, energetic, and confident as they presented their projects. It was very impressive! We were surprised to learn that there are more than 30 Jewish day schools in Buenos Aires. This school has more than 8,000 students (about 30% of which are not Jewish – which speaks to the quality of the educational programming). We ended our ORT Belgrano visit at Shabbat Sing-along with the youngest students and watched the Abba and the Ima light Shabbat candles and say the brachot over the wine and the challah. It brought back a lot of nostalgic feelings for those of us who recalled participating in Shabbat Sing-along when our own kids attended SIA and Hebrew Academy.

 Our visit at the LeDor VaDor Home for the elderly was incredibly moving and impressive. A state-of-the-art facility originally started with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), it is now self-sustaining. Visitors arrive and are immediately met with a spacious lobby flooded with natural light and soaring ceilings. LeDor VaDor features a beautiful synagogue, library, coffee shop/bakery, hair and nail salon, and even an optical department (whose available frames were incredibly stylish!). LeDor VaDor also provides physical and occupational therapy, with a full-service gym and expert rehab specialists. And yes, there is a waiting list to get in.

 Other stand-out experiences included attending the Megillah reading on Purim at the Amijai Synagogue, where we returned later in the week to celebrate Shabbat with the congregation. Rabbi Alejandro Avrug proved to be everything his reputation has said he would be: smart, energetic, engaging, and even a bit opinionated. The Shabbat service was truly mesmerizing, and as we stood with 1,000 others to turn to the back of the sanctuary and welcome the Sabbath Queen, we felt truly part of the Argentinean Jewish community. All of this I saw with my own two eyes, heard with my own two ears, and experienced with my whole soul. 

 During Shabbat dinner with the rabbi and other community leaders, we learned that in addition to his 1,000-strong congregation on an average Friday night, Avijai recently purchased a house not far from the shul, to serve as a place for young Jewish adults to hold services and programming. This location draws 150 – 200 worshipers every Shabbat. Their services are run by a young assistant rabbi (who is studying under Rabbi Avrug), and apparently it is the “place to be” for young Jewish singles and couples on a Friday night.

 Our trip was well-balanced. We had a terrific opportunity to “follow our Campaign dollars” to see where they are hard at work in places such as LeDor VaDor, ORT Belgrano and the JAFI Masa program (as well as others I haven’t described, such as the Jewish community medicine bank, Refuot, started by JDC and now run under the auspices of the Tzedaka Foundation. Refuot provides free prescription medicine across the entire country – to Jews and non- Jews, alike – to 50,000 patients).

 To balance the site visits, we had wonderful Argentinean culture opportunities; we learned to Tango, we saw street art, we visited one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world (and peaked in on a live rehearsal of Swan Lake, what a treat!), and we even experienced a cooking class. Yay for corn empanadas! 

 I went to Argentina, and I did buy a t-shirt (it wasn’t for me). But I came back with so much more. I am glad to know our Federation dollars are hard at work helping our people not just at home in Tidewater and in the US. Again, not my first mission… but I am always proud and gratified to see that because of the work we do here at home and the dollars that we raise… we are connected with Jews around the world. Those in need are not forgotten. We are one people, stronger when we are united. We all just must help a little bit more.

Amy Zelenka, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater chief development officer and Mission planner, contributed to this article.  

Jewish Family Service’s Run, Roll & Stroll returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront next month. The 5K race and 1-mile fun run will begin at 24th Street Park. 

“We are thrilled to return oceanside and once again offer a true race-day experience,” says Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO.

 This event is about more than just running—it is a celebration of community. Whether participants run, walk, roll, or simply come out to cheer, there is a place for everyone. This year’s event will also feature a variety of fun activities for all ages, including free fairy hair, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and more, making it a perfect outing for families.

  “We are so excited to be back at the oceanfront!” says Kelly Burroughs. “I am personally so looking forward to seeing all the kids and Team Tiger out there running, Cheering them over the finish line is always my favorite part!” 

 As the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, Run, Roll & Stroll plays a vital role in sustaining JFS programming such as the JFS Food Pantry, home delivered meals, Embrace counseling, and support services. Every dollar raised goes directly back into helping individuals and families in Tidewater when they need it most.

 One of the most special aspects of the event is the way it brings people together. Individuals, families, and local organizations are encouraged to participate, and in past years, teams have added an extra layer of energy and connection to the day.

Whether by participating in the race, forming a team, sponsoring, or simply coming out to cheer, everyone’s involvement makes a difference. 

 Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available, offering meaningful ways to support the community while gaining visibility for organizations. 

For more information on registration and sponsorship, see the links below and contact Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2238.

Registration: runsignup.com/jfsrunrollstroll

Sponsorship: jfshamptonroads.org/spring-into-healthy-living-sponsorships/

While we knew there was a chance a war might break out, our nephew and niece were having a baby, and we were meeting our sister and brother in Zichron Ya’akov to celebrate.  Zichron, as the Israelis call it, is an idyllic, small hill town 30 minutes south of Haifa with great ice cream.

 Just before our arrival, our great nephew was born after two girls. We were to be there for the Bris. Then things started to change.

• Israeli airspace closed.

• Our sister and brother’s flight was diverted to Athens two hours outside Tel Aviv.

• We were thrown into Israeli wartime life.

War in Zichron Ya’akov

We were staying at the beautiful ELMA Luxury Art Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has three shelters. One in the underground parking lot (-4); one in a more comfortable building but without internet; a safe room in the gym.  To get to -4 was a 15-minute walk. We got it down to 6 minutes. BUT if it’s a rocket you only have 90 seconds to get there safely.  So, after many trips to -4, we opted for the gym, which was under 90 seconds from our room and more comfortable, if not quite as safe, but this was Zichron.

 If you look at the Home Front Command app warning map, which is new for each missile/rocket launched, Zichron is among the safest places in Israel as it is out of the range of the Hezbollah rockets and not a place of interest for Iran with few people and no strategic sites. Still, people are vigilant and take all this seriously.

Each night we had dinner at our nephew and niece’s home with their three children.  Our nephew made delicious meals as we gathered around their table.

 The Bris became a private event for 30 as public gatherings were not allowed.  It was still marvelous with a joyous welcome to our newest family member, Noam Avraham Levin. The maternal Safta grew up in Egypt in the Karaite community, so we experienced his rich traditions for a Brit melah where the ceremony parallels a Jewish wedding…heartfelt and meaningful.

 Accompanied by music, the baby was escorted in by the mother carrying him on a pillow and flanked by the maternal and paternal grandmothers. He was presented to the mother’s uncle who walked back and forth seven times.  The baby was then placed on the father’s lap on the pillow.

 With 35 years of experience, the most amazing mohel performed the circumcision in the blink of an eye with nary a peep from the baby.

 Both grandfathers delivered beautiful tributes to the baby and family. Neill and I were honored to be stand in grandparents for our diverted sister and brother.

 Since it was Purim, our nephew had arranged a chanting of the Megillah. With 13 grandchildren, parents, and grandparents, the groggers sounded loud each time Haman’s name was mentioned. Kids and some adults were in costume, many with face paint. 

 Midway through the Megillah reading we got an email from our hotel that they were closing the next day after breakfast. We would deal with that later. It was a gorgeous day, so we decided to walk the mile and a quarter back to our hotel.

Visitors to Zichron 

Our first visitor of the afternoon was a close friend we call “Mr. Israel”. During his drive to Zichron from Tel Aviv, he had to stop under an overpass as a siren sounded. He showed us a video of the Iron Dome intercepting a missile right next to where he was. Incredible! He counseled us to move to Tel Aviv, and we set a plan to help us exit the country in time for my upcoming scans and next chemo infusion.

 Our second visitor was a friend who now lives in Caesaria, 10 kilometers south of Zichron.  We had a heartfelt catch up and were all grateful for the time together. He came despite his daughter’s concern.  His Sabra wife understood.

 The next morning our beloved driver, Moti, picked us up to drive to Tel Aviv. Thankfully, it was uneventful.

Tel Aviv – a horse of a different color

Within our first five hours in Tel Aviv, we were in the shelters more times than we were in five days in Zichron.  By now, Hezbollah had entered the war. The northern Galilee towns were once again evacuated. As the Upper Galilee is the San Francisco Bay Area Federation’s sister community, we were all too familiar with what that meant. Both Neill and I served on the San Francisco Jewish Federation’s Overseas Committee (me as chair), and we have visited Israel more than 40 times.

 A member of our hotel’s security team educated us on the difference between a missile from Iran which takes 9 to 10 minutes to arrive in Israel, and a rocket from Southern Lebanon fired by Hezbollah, which arrives in 90 seconds.  While the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and other interceptor systems are amazing, they are not perfect so one MUST do exactly as prescribed to remain safe.

 Our new hotel in Tel Aviv had a mamad-like shelter on each floor.  These are inside the building; the rooms have no windows and a special door that protects from the bombs should they hit where you are. It’s what most people have in their homes. Then there is a -4 underground parking shelter, which is the safest, but takes longer to get there, and a Safe Room at -2.  We were in all of them for one siren or another. Staff was wonderful making sure everyone got into the shelter and the door was properly closed. Everyone goes into the shelter, and anyone outside who wants to come in is included. People talk to each other and exchange stories. It’s instant camaraderie. 

 Tel Aviv is a top place of interest for Iran so many missiles came our way, and we experienced many days of in and out of the shelters. On Shabbat they particularly wanted to disrupt our special day; seven times in the shelter from Shabbat dinner until 5 am the following morning. We were having Shabbat dinner with our cousin and her family when the first alarm sounded just as we were finishing our soup. Down we went to the shelter where the many children instantly started to play.

 Like 10 million Israelis, we trusted the IDF to protect us and to let us know exactly when we needed to head to a shelter. Two apps guide you.

Life goes on.

As the U.S. and Israel weakened Iran and Hezbollah, restrictions in Israel began to loosen. Our most amazing highlight was a remarkable visit to the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. We were privileged to have more than two hours with the chair of the board and CEO of NLI. We left with a deep understanding of this most remarkable institution by, for, and of the people of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. If you have not been able to visit, put it at the top of your list. If you can’t visit, sign up for free and explore their website (nli.org.il) to your heart’s content. We promise it is like no other library you will have ever visited. If you think we are exaggerating, ask my childhood friend, Art Sandler, who serves on the NLI U.S.A. board.

 We enjoyed a bonus visit with our family in Jerusalem before heading back to Tel Aviv.  The next day we had more visits with family and friends, including another childhood friend from Norfolk, Joyce Bigio, who lives in Tel Aviv.

 Tel Aviv also claims one of the most beautiful waterfront promenades, and we took advantage of getting some fresh air and watching everything from yoga to volleyball to beach paddle ball, fitness training, joggers, and dog walkers all enjoying Shabbat in their own way. 

 The two weeks passed so quickly and despite our unique circumstances of war, we chose to make lemonade out of lemons with every step. Although we were diligent, we were never afraid. Israelis are strong and brave and grasp life like no one else. We tried to follow in their footsteps. 

 Am Yisrael Chai.

A Norfolk native, Linda Snyder Brownstein and her husband, Neill, live in Deer Valley, Utah