How and why did you become involved with The Associated’s Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership? Why is it important for The Associated to have this partnership?

Gail: Because of BAP, I have made lifelong friends in Ashkelon. Through those connections I am better able to understand the feelings of Israelis toward whatever is happening on the ground there — in war or peacetime. On a broader scope, the partnership strengthens the larger Baltimore Jewish community’s ties to Israel by enhancing personal relationships. There is no better way to know and understand Israel than by getting to know its people.

Yossi: My involvement with BAP has allowed me to work and become friends with lay leaders and professionals in both communities who uplift us with their presence. They give selflessly of their time with endless energy and our friends in Ashkelon graciously open their homes to allow us to be part of their families.

Why was it important to you to travel to Israel?

Gail: When the war began, the Baltimore Jewish community jumped into action in so many ways, both financially and personally to help support Israel and Ashkelon specifically. For myself, I knew that I wanted to go to Israel as soon as possible to be able to hug Mayrav and Sigal and so many others. Yes, it is so important for the Diaspora Jews to bear witness, which I did — but the ability to personally let our “family” know how much we cared and supported them was paramount to my wanting to go. Everywhere we went we were thanked for coming to Israel.

Yossi: How we care for Israel is reflected in how we care for ourselves as a community. I’ve been fortunate to be involved with Ashkelon for the past 15 years — it has been life-changing, our interactions are transformative, and our friendships are everlasting.

Describe what you witnessed: the mood of the people, and the state of the municipality (infrastructure, businesses in operation, schools, activities, etc.).

Gail: What everyone seemed to agree on was the fact that after October 7, the sense of security they had come to believe in was shattered. They felt alone and abandoned by those they had counted on to be there for them.

In their opinion, the complete strategic failure left them with feelings of uncertainty, humiliation, and insecurity. However, despite these feelings, the resiliency of the Israeli people was evident everywhere. From the ground up, not from the top down, the people were pivoting and moving forward in what some I spoke to referred to as Israel 2.0.

Yossi: This Ashkelon trip was about defining what “resilience” is. Businesspeople, vendors, and tour guides were grateful for the financial support, physical presence, and spiritual solidarity. Social workers were fighting, not just for emotional survival, but striving to thrive, for belonging and re-writing a narrative of bravery. We spoke for many hours. We cried, hugged, and smiled, hoping for a better tomorrow.

What do you want people back home in Baltimore to know about Ashkelon? And what can the Baltimore Jewish community do to help from home?

Gail: If you feel you can, visit. It helps so much with overall morale. The visibility of Baltimoreans in Ashkelon says clearly “we are here for you.”  Write and send messages — do not underestimate what a personal message means to people. Stay updated through the Baltimore-Ashkelon Facebook page and send messages of support!  Contact Aviva Schwartz, Manager of Israel and Global Initiatives for more information on how to get involved.

I have made lifelong friends here and in Israel. What I did not realize was how many people in Ashkelon have connected thanks to the Partnership! They get together all the time. It’s amazing.

Yossi: The Associated took us to innovative programs and volunteering. Some go on vacation; we go to the land of Israel to invest our time, talent, and treasure. As part of the Baltimore Ashkelon committee, we have the privilege and audacious responsibility of determining where our investment dollars go — the funding is Momon Hekdesh or Holy Funds. I implore you to consider investing your time. You’ll be transformed for the mitzvah — happier, wealthier, and wiser — guaranteed!