We're behind the people of Israel

Words: Geoffrey Ognall, UJIA Vice-Chairman

"I have just returned from an extremely moving UJIA Solidarity Mission to Israel, a mission which I felt so passionately about I led it.

We arrive at 5am and travel south accompanied by UJIA Director for Israel, Natie Shevel who provided an up to the minute briefing as we make our way to Barzilai hospital. The corridors are empty and quiet - normal activity has halted. This has led to major disruption for a population vulnerable to rocket attack. The basement of the hospital is now a crisis area with staff on standby for major emergency events.

Stepping back on the bus we learn that the maximum time from a rocket being fired to hitting is 15 - 45 seconds! A shocking statistic.

Now we enter Sderot, a city whose population has halved since 2001, and meet with city social and youth workers -- remarkable heroes! There, and with whoever we met, there was no hatred of their neighbours in Gaza, only a heartfelt wish to live in peace and a powerful empathy towards the current suffering of the population of Gaza. Many of the progammes that are being delivered to the youth of Sderot are being financed by UJIA.

We were then taken to a lookout hilltop and shown a panoramic view of Gaza and it was frightening seeing how close Sderot is to Gaza City.

Today has been a whirlwind, what I have spoken of is only a quarter of what we packed into one day - I can't believe what we have done in just a few hours since landing!

The next morning, 5am and we are on the move again, this time up north to UJIA partnership region, the Galil -- and alarmingly the rockets followed us.

In Karmiel we participated in the formal opening at the UJIA funded Irisim school. Present was the Minister of Education Yuli Tamir, our good friend Zev Bielski, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, and Nochi Dankner, the Israeli Industrialist and as well as the Mayor and other dignitaries.

Back on the bus and to Maalot, where we visited the Kochav Centre (another UJIA project) which is a "state of the art" centre for both Jewish and Arab residents with severe learning difficulties. It is a rewarding visit, knowing we are truly making a difference.

That evening we meet with Tom Philips, UK Ambassador to Israel. Tom is a fantastic friend of UJIA and our community, and he spoke frankly and constructively about the diplomatic situation.

Throughout the trip we were warmly welcomed by all we met. I feel privileged to be involved in UJIA, and come back with energy and commitment to ensure as many people as possible in our community support what we do - it is truly making a difference."

36 hours of deep emotion and renewal
Am Israel Chai!

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The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of UJIA or its employees.