We were very excited - and curious - to spend Pesach in Greenwich, where our son Itay Arbel is presently volunteering. We planned to stay 2 days before Pesach in NY, and were invited to the first seder at the Katz family, who are hosting Itay during his stay in Greenwich. And though we hadn't even met them, it was clear to the Katzes that we were staying in their home for the entire holiday. We were very concerned about being a burden, but were very happy for the invitation.

We met a warm and wonderful family. The parents, Susan and Stuart, made us feel immediately at home and part of the family. We found a common language, topics of common interest and a similar world view and outlook on life. We felt that Itay was in a place where he could feel free, celebrate, share, express anger and just be himself. The seder was very moving for us.

The entire family got together in the early afternoon. The evening began with a sort of "cocktail" party, where we were able to meet the rest of the family. We felt that we brought with us much more than just ourselves and physical presence: We brought "The People of Israel". We understood how meaningful and important the State of Israel is to every Jew. The grandfather led the seder beautifully, and for us reading the Haggadah in English and being so welcome was something we never experienced.

We want to thank the Katz family for their overwhelming warmth and hospitality for us and for Itay. We really feel that we have found a branch of our own extended family that we never knew! But fate had us meet, since all Israel-loving Jews are really one big family.

There is no doubt that we will stay in contact forever, because this is very meaningful for us. In hopes that the big embrace we receive from Diaspora Jewry will trickle down into all our hearts, and that we will all one day be together in the peace we so desire! Yours,Einat and Ziv Arbel, Kfar Yehezkel