On January 18th, 2009 at the peak of "Operation Cast Lead" in Gaza, Miriam Zaga, the Partnership Coordinator in Mexico, arrived in Israel for a support visit. Ravit Ochayon-Michal and Tal Klamer met Miriam at Ravit's house. The visit did not take place at the Eshkol Regional Council since it was declared "closed military zone".

During their meeting they talked about new projects for the partnership, dealt with the partnership's budget and of course heard Miriam's words of support from Mexico. Right after Miriam Zaga left Ashkelon, a barrage of Grad rockets was launched over the city - fortunately, no one got hurt.