By Leah Ganor, Co-Chair of the Youth Task Force

On Tuesday, July 21, we held a festive Partnership 2000 get-together at the Ganor Family home in Kiryat Motzkin.  The event was attended by the Kiryat Motzkin Steering Committee members, representatives of the Orlando Steering Committee, members of the Jewish Agency staff which included the outgoing and incoming Partnership professional teams.

This was a moving evening that included a traditional Israeli supper prepared by members of the Committee and a group dialogue that provided unmistakable proof of the vital importance of the Partnership.  The evening underscored the wonderful friendships that have formed between community members from both sides and demonstrated the ability of each side to contribute to the other.  The expression "We've truly become like family" has become the motto of the Kiryat Motzkin-Orlando partnership. 

Our friends from Orlando encountered a unified Israeli team, very proud-tireless and always ready to contribute their time for the sake of strengthening relations between the two communities.  Additionally, members of the Kiryat Motzkin Steering Committee described how the Partnership has contributed greatly to their understanding of the Diaspora and the importance of preserving the relationship via meetings, joint programs and mutual visits.

"Only when you stay in Israel in an Israeli home do you begin to understand Israeli culture and the Israeli experience.  With whatever I'd previously heard about Israel, I couldn't begin to truly understand what life here is all about.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity I've been given to come here and learn about these things in-depth," said one of the Orlando guests.

During the evening, Leah Ganor, director of the Mashmaut Center and head of the youth task force, expressed her thanks and appreciation-on behalf of the Steering Committee-to Judy Yuda, Partnership Director and to Yael Edelman, assistant to the director.  She praised them for their tremendous contribution to the building of the partnership.  "From a small partnership, we've truly become a family-thanks to the professionalism, determination, dedication, and love of Judy and Yael….well done!"

Both Michal Osteen, Chair of the Orlando Steering Committee and Eyal Oren, Chair of the Kiryat Motzkin Steering Committee delivered short speeches and presented a modest gift from the Mayor of Kiryat Motzkin, Mr. Haim Zuri.

The evening left a strong impression among all in attendance and boosted everyone's energy for continuing this worthy endeavor.