In the past, Beit Shemesh has reached out to local soldiers during Chanukah by giving them flowers and bakery goods when they visited local stores. Although this support from the community was greatly appreciated by the soldiers, many Beit Shemesh soldiers remained on their army bases throughout Chanukah and did not receive this gesture. During the recent hardships in Israel, Washington D.C. reached out to their Beit Shemesh partners and soldiers in a show of solidarity and Chanukah generosity. Based on the previous Chanukah flowers and bakery idea, fifty Washington D.C. Solidarity Mission visitors and Beit Shemesh volunteers joined forces to create deluxe gift packages that they hand-delivered to the homes of the soldiers whose families would in turn send the packages to their army bases. This ensured all Beit Shemesh soldiers felt support and solidarity during this year's difficult Chanukah.

Members of the December Washington D.C. solidarity mission were joined by residents of Beit Shemesh to put together a "Gift Package" of donated goods as well as items bought with money donated by the Washington Federation. The packages consisted of a large bath towel, a pair of socks, a brush, and candies along with bouquets of flowers and Channukah donuts for the soldiers' families. The packages were hand delivered to homes of each Beit Shemesh soldier by members of the youth group of Matnas Zinman, the Partnership 2000 inspired volunteer umbrella organization, Lamitnedev students, and Partnership 2000 Beit Shemesh leadership.

The soldiers and their families could not have been more appreciative. They expressed a feeling of care and support from the Jewish people of Washington D.C. during such a difficult time. A special thanks from the families goes out to all of the volunteers who took part in this project. These include the IDF who provided the list of Beit Shemesh soldiers and their addresses, The Washington Federation who donated 7,500 dollars towards the packages, Shoos of Iris Flowers (migdal hamaim street,02-9996661) who donated 800 bouquets worth 10 NIS each, Sachrai of the Egoz Bakery (Victory Center 02-9911398) who donated 800 doughnuts worth 3 NIS each., and the Lamitnedev Association who provided 15 volunteers in 10 cars who volunteered three days to deliver the packages.

Before the activity began, the Solidarity Mission was happily entertained by a talented group of students from Begin Elementary School. They then met the mayor of Beit Shemesh and broke up into discussion groups to explore issues relating to the current situation in Israel. After putting in a great effort in making packages for the soldiers, the mission participants enjoyed home-cooked meals with local families.

This project is a true example of coordination, cooperation and of the great impact we can affect on our communities. Washington D.C. and Beit Shemesh communities demonstrated a committed partnership and together, supported the soldiers of Israel who this year need our support more than ever!

Kislev 5761 - December 2000