VOICES 2000, Women's Forum in P2K region Karmiel/Misgav welcomed 20 women from the Baltimore community, arriving in the region on Tuesday 23 April to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut together. In addition to participaitng in the Misgav High School Yom HaZikaron ceremony, the Baltimoreans were also represented at both Karmiel and Misgav cemetary remembrance ceremonies.

During the afternoon hours, the women met and discussed issues of diaspora/Israel relations as well as the current situation in Israel, its affect on the region and in the community abroad.

In addition, together with a local young Israeli Arab woman, the subject of co-existence was addressed. Each Baltimore woman enjoyed the home hospitality with one of the local women, going into the celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut in Karmiel and in the Misgav villages.

Yom HaAtzmaut morning,the women walked together the route of "Hilla BaGalil" 2000, stopping by at the Beduin tent which supplied snacks and drinks at the walk itself. This project continues to be a symbol of partnership between all four of our communities. Hilla 2 is scheduled for October 4, 2001. Women from Baltimore and Pittsburgh plan to attend.

And, what is the day without a picnic, so in traditional fashion the women all enjoyed a bar-b-que with their hosting families. Baltimorean, Martha Weiman described the time in the region as the "highlight of the mission". "This time allowed the first time participants to interact with their partners in a very meaninful way, while the "old timers" reinforced and strengthened their relationships with special friends".

Iyar 5761 - May 2001