It was a bittersweet experience for a United Jewish Federation delegation which traveled recently to the Partnership 2000 communities of Karmiel and Misgav. As the visitors reviewed the past year's programming achievements, their satisfaction was tempered by concerns for the security of Israel and the well-being of their Israeli friends.

The delegation, led by Essie and Harold Garfinkel, Partnership 2000 co-chairs, met with their Israeli counterparts to focus on issues regarding the ways in which the current political situation is affecting the Karmiel and Misgav communities, set directions for the future and approve a budget for the coming year's programs.

Partnership 2000 establishes connections between Diaspora and Israeli Jewish communities through initiatives encompassing economic development, education, social services and people-to-people programming.

"Our friends in Karmiel and Misgav are still in a state of shock over the recent turn of events with their Arab neighbors," said Essie Garfinkel. Noting that the region has been renowned for its success in furthering peaceful co-existence between Arabs and Jews, she added, "We think it is going to take quite a while until they can move past it. The hurt runs very deep with some; others are beginning to accept the realities."

Equally important to the business at hand, stressed Harold Garfinkel, was the visit itself. "Our hosts were delighted to have visitors from America. The Israelis are feeling very isolated, and they need us to visit and show our solidarity.

"We can assure you that Israel, our homeland, is very safe," he asserted. "We never gave our safety a thought the whole time we were there."

Karmiel and the Misgav region are on the itinerary for a national Solidarity Mission to Israel which will include a delegation from the United Jewish Federation. Set for January 21-26, the Mission will feature briefings by top Israeli leaders, escorted VIP tours and gatherings with Israeli families. The cost of $905 per person includes round trip air fare from New York, five-star accommodations, all touring costs and most meals.

The circumstances in Israel, Essie indicated, have impacted Partnership 2000's efforts in Karmiel and Misgav. "While some programs that have suffered setbacks, there are others that are moving full steam ahead and are quite inspiring."

In the past year, Partnership 2000 has sponsored a wide range of programs. New initiatives have included Hilla Bagalil: Walking Together for Women's Health in the Galilee; a fellowship exchange program enabling students from Carnegie Mellon University to work, study and do research in Karmiel/Misgav; and an opportunity for young leaders from Israel to join representatives from the UJF Young Adult Division at the Young Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.

Ongoing efforts have included visits by local teens to their peers in Karmiel and Misgav; the Kefiada project, which enables Pittsburghers to work in an English language day camp in Karmiel; and visits among the U.S. and Israeli partners to share expertise in areas ranging from economic development to Jewish education.

New efforts designated for the future include a marketing campaign to encourage individuals and businesses to relocate to the region. Also discussed was a lobbying initiative to demonstrate the strategic importance of the area and urge the Israeli government to offer incentives to those who wish to make their homes in Karmiel and Misgav.

For information about Partnership 2000 volunteer opportunities, please contact Rebecca Reiser, 681-8000, ext. 254, or e-mail rreiser@ujf.net . For information about the Solidarity Mission to Israel, call Zur Goldblum, ext. 251, or e-mail zgoldblum@ujf.net .

Kislev 5761 - December 2000