The partnership had the honor of hosting the new chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky on his first tour of programs in the Israel Department. During his visit he learned about the Central Area Consortium and Western Galilee Partnership and Youth Futures.

Raya Strauss hosted the lunch and Dalia Fayerman, Efrat Sberro and Aya Kipershlak had the opportunity to talk about Education and Medical Partnership programs. Raya emphasized the importance of the Partnership and the impact it also has on the Israelis. She expressed the excitement she always feels when she participates in the summary sessions of Israeli delegations and hears the Israelis say "I went to the US as an Israeli, (there I met the warm, caring and vibrant Jewish community) and I came back as a Jew." 

Sharansky visited "Youth Futures" and "Hafouch al Hafouch" where he met with representatives of Garin Ometz and other Young communities from cities in the Galilee who described their important work in their local communities.

Sharansky summarized his visit and remarked "I have found in  the Israel Department activities  “the heart” of the mission of JAFI"