Suzy Avitan, Director of Volunteer Leadership Training for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland arrived here with her two daughters who are studying at a yeshiva and midreshet banot in Jerusalem.

The purpose of her visit was to get to know the region and its people better.  Her eldest daughter, Maya had earned a scholarship in the framework of her undergraduate studies to undertake a study in Israel and last summer she chose to carry out the study in Beit Shean on the Community Builders project - a small example of the importance of the region in relation to our connection with Cleveland.

Suzy spent Shabbat at the homes of Community Builders graduates Sarah Goldschmidt, Shimon Sorek, Avner Heller and Noga Tavor in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, who served as new cultural role models for her daughters.

In addition, the Avitan family enjoyed a baking workshop at Eti Valina'amat's impressive bakery with the promise of finding a bride for their son Alon, who participated in kneading the dough in order that the promise might be fulfilled…

After three fun-filled days in our region, and the impressive She'an Nights sound and light show for dessert, five words were repeated over and over:  "Eema, we want to stay!!"