Dear Friends,

A year ago we wrote to you stressing the importance of mifgahsim…the coming together of American Jews and Israeli Jews. We were determined to devote this year to creating wonderful programs for just such encounters. Here’s why: People-to-people programs create the opportunities for lasting ties and relationships that ensure our shared Jewish future. Our programs do strengthen Jewish identity and commitment for young and old alike. You will read in this edition about many of our innovative programs.

Of course, it takes a crack team of professionals with a special flair for understanding how to create these kinds of programs. David Iluz in Israel has done a sensational job of bringing Israeli schools and Miami schools together in meaningful relationships. Bruce Yudewitz and Michael Winograd have coordinated the efforts from the American side in a most efficient and effective fashion and Rena Genn, our Miami representative in Israel has the talent, imagination and experience to make it all possible. We feel so fortunate to have a team endowed with their talents, skills and heart.

And now we offer you another opportunity to do something extraordinary! This year we will celebrate our Silver Anniversary with Or Akiva. Do we love them? As the song goes…" for 25 years we’ve worked with you" and now we offer you the opportunity to share in the most stunning success story, in all of Israel. Beginning this fall, Missions from Miami to Israel will kick off a year of celebration. Our friends in Or Akiva have already begun to plan for this joyous celebration…and they really want us to share it with them!

We know that many of you have participated in bringing winter clothing for the children as well as sending Purim costumes; you’ve worked in our unique Volunteer Center when you were in Israel, and you’ve visited with the residents of Or Akiva. Please consider joining us, on any of our Missions starting this fall, to continue your personal relationships.

This we promise: if you join us on any of our Missions, you are in for a truly memorable experience…and that’s the truth!

B’shalom,

Morris and Mikki Futernick

Chairmen, Israel Partnership