As a group of hazzanim, we felt like royalty in Israel. Normally strict security measures were changed for us. The advance notice on us, was that we were unique. On our first day in Israel we went to the largest air force base and were treated to a reception, concert, and film. The area was normally highly restricted, and being amongst the hundreds of air force young men and women was powerful after seeing the memorials to our people in Poland. A brave captain  not older than my 23 year old son, showed a film of him flying over Gaza dodging rockets and helping to secure an area for Israeli soldiers to pass through safely. This tall handsome young man represented the best of these brave pilots- whose reputation as the best in the world is well deserved. After our visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau, shared with a large group of IDF soldiers, it is even more clear that losing is never an option for Israel. It's ironic, that other countries can lose a war and still exist. We can't even imagine what the neighboring Arab countries would decide for Israel if she were to lose a war. Our only option is to win and these gorgeous brave young soldiers sacrifice their lives every single day so that we can have an Israel. We watched the film, " Rising From the Ashes" where the Israeli airforce flies a few planes over Auschwitz as a symbol of our rebirth. Watching it with the soldiers after being there was very powerful.

In Poland, I wondered about the landscape, the old buildings, the beautiful town squares, and imagined the terror of the Nazi years, the hunger and disease of the ghettos set up by Nazis, and the death camps that dotted the landscape.  In Israel, I could wonder about our history, our pioneer settlers, the bravery and the history that the landscape evokes. In Israel we could see the new national bird, " the crane" - new buildings and apts going up, high tech companies and cafes full with energy and hope.

On Mt. Scopus we were welcomed by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat who thanked us as cultural ambassadors and asked us to get the word out about visiting Jerusalem as an international destination.

Praying and singing while facing the Old City of Jerusalem was magnificent and magical. As our voices rang out with songs to Jerusalem and Hatikvah we all knew we were on a magical journey. This sacred moment was captured by the documentary crew as were other concerts and events.

The next day at Ariel- a huge " settlement" community, actually a large beautiful town with mostly middle class and immigrant families, we hosted a huge outdoor concert in their beautiful park. Several thousand people enjoyed our concert as did the Mayor of Ariel who greeted us. A highlight for me besides singing an Israeli medley with Hazzan Ilan Mamber was listening to the gorgeous Entebbe Suite composed and conducted by Charles Fox, a prominent TV and movie composer who joined us with his wife on our journey.

Imagine, Charles Fox ( Love Boat, Happy Days, 100 movies...) conducting an orchestra of mostly Russian immigrants- listening to the moving and complex theme of Entebbe which told the story of the miraculous  rescue mission through music- large Israeli flags waving in the breeze all around... it brought many of us to tears. That was surely a highlight for me.

Our week in Israel was full of choices- workshops, lectures, and tour tracks. I chose Art and Culture often having visited Israel three times before. We were busy from 8am to 11pm most days. A few moments stood out for me. Yad Vashem, always an incredible experience held new meaning after our visit to Poland. We had a beautiful memorial service, music and prayer once more for  Holocaust victims, but this time in Israel.

My last day in Israel was by far my favorite one. We visited three unique places- each one left huge impressions on me.

Yad L'kashish- Lifeline to the Elderly- If there is ever a model how to treat senior citizens it is here. The whole world could learn from Israel in this regard. Miriam Mendelov had a vision for elderly people in Israel to have purpose, hope and community. How many of us have seen elderly people sitting on park benches, wasting away in retirement homes, watching hours of tv, bored and lonely? This unique place puts seniors to use- to work and to life! Everyone is busy in different rooms creating world-class arts and crafts projects that are sold to help support the program. 25% of the budget comes from the gift shop. Volunteers are the guides; ours was from Boca Raton, FL- a lovely woman who visits every year as a guide. After visiting, I could see wanting to volunteer as well and then move there as a senior just to experience it.

Each senior had a project to work on, a lovely, clean and neat work space,  good light, good air, snacks, hot drinks, etc.. Each room had a purpose- metal work, needlework, silk painting, beading, jewelry making, wood working, every single person was helping to create something. They work and get a hot lunch, some medial benefits, daily exercise, socialization and bus fare. We met Ethiopians and Russians who greeted us with huge smiles and delight in showing us their handicraft. The environment was full of joy- what a difference from the lives many of our seniors have even here in the USA. I was again moved to tears by this organization and how lives are changed by someone's vision. My dear friend Benji Schiller has sung with Beged Kefet for years whose entire proceeds of concerts and recordings has gone to help this organization- I understand why they were so moved to help so generously all these years.

I have never seen seniors so happy, productive, respected and loved.

If this was not enough.. our next visit was to Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center, helping Ethiopian immigrants adapt to a new life receiving tools for independence. It was another amazing experience- the sensitivity shown to the Ethiopians with respect to their history and culture, adapting to a new life, but not forgetting their old ones, was heartening. We walked into a classroom of adults learning Hebrew- they have 4 hours of Hebrew instruction a day, and 2 hours of culture and history every day. The respect for this educational process was moving to see- the women who had never held a pencil were showing us their Hebrew papers, speaking in class with the teacher in a new language. We sang to them as well,, and then were treated to a room of young children, ages 3,4 and 5. These bright, smiling faces drawing with crayons in a classroom with loving teachers was another beautiful moment. We sang, Alef, Bet, Vet; David Melech Yisrael and Heivenu Shalom Aleichem with them. I am sending them a few cases of my cd, Kindersongs, a complete Jewish Family Singalong and several people offered to send CD players. The teachers were very excited about the music coming to them! I could have stayed in that classroom with the children all day.

When I return, it will be with a guitar in hand and more songs to share. I loved seeing the total delight and joy on their faces-  They had a cute song, " Chocolat" to remind them that the color of their skin is a thing of beauty and pride. There is still prejudice that needs to be addressed and this center is aware and active in helping to build self-pride.  As we walked around we saw teenagers hanging around- also adapting to a completely new life which can't be easy- I had so much respect for them and the journey they have taken. Many of them arrived after walking thousands of miles in dangerous territories to reach a place where they could be flown to Israel. Thanks to the Jewish Agency for all they do these people will feel at home in Israel. Meeting Ethiopian soldiers and security guards after our visit to the absorption center made it even more powerful.

Both these social programs were outstanding- seeing how Israel is light years ahead in the elderly population and the work Israel does in immigrant absorption was worth the entire week in Israel.

We then went to a security outpost on the edge of Jerusalem and witnessed a live security incident. Monitors are watched by young Israeli women soldiers and one of them saw two youths getting close to the Jerusalem border in a barren area without a security fence. Soldiers came within minutes and apprehended them. This happens several times a day- the motives are varied, but the fact is that there are many less terrorist incidents due to the surveilance of these security outposts. We were very impressed with the dedication of these young people who are the eyes and ears of the country's security. 

The week in Poland, the week in Israel, as musical messengers, bringing our prayers, our songs and our spirits along with faithful congregants and family members was an unforgettable experience.

I'm looking forward to the documentary on this historic mission- in the meantime I have memories that will last a lifetime. Cantor Nathan Lam of Los Angeles, had a vision of bringing the largest group of cantors as spiritual ambassadors to Poland and then to Israel. His dream was fulfilled and we are all basking in the precious moments of song, prayer and community.