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Lone Soldiers Reunite with Parents |
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May 4, 2006 / 6 Iyar 5766
130 parents from the former Soviet Union, whose children have made aliyah and are now serving in the IDF, arrived on May 2nd, the eve of Independence Day. The visit is part of the Jewish Agency's Keshet project, which reunites lone soldiers with their parents who live overseas. The inclusion of such a large group of parents in the visit was made possible by the generosity of the Philadelphia Jewish community and New Jersey philanthropist, Steven Beilowitz.
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The Jewish Agency runs a number of programs, such as Naaleh and Selah, which are directed towards youth aliyah from the former Soviet Union. Graduates of these programs often go on to serve in elite combat units of IDF. Many of these young people have no opportunity to see their parents for several years. Project Keshet enables the parents to visit their children and encourages them to follow their children's example by making aliyah. As part of their trip, the parents visit historical sites, learn about the culture of Israel, and meet with the Agency's best aliyah and absorption consultants.
This moving reunion began at Moshav Magshimim on May 2nd and the reunited families were able to celebrate Independence Day together.
Later in their visit, they will spend Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall, meet with donors who funded the trip, and meet with the President of Israel, Moshe Katsav.
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