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Last week, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) led a group of Canadian Jewish lay leaders, including members of FSWC’s Board of Directors and Ambassador Circle, on its first-ever solidarity mission to Israel. Participants went on an intensive five-day journey through Israel to show their support for the Jewish state at such a difficult time while learning firsthand what Israelis have been living through since October 7.

From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and areas near the Gaza border ravaged by Hamas terrorists during their invasion of southern Israel, participants gained insight into the horrific events of October 7 and the adversity Israelis have been enduring since then.

Among the powerful moments, they visited Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the most devastated border communities on October 7, and the memorial site dedicated to the hundreds of people slaughtered at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im. At the site, the group recited Kaddish for the 364 partygoers who were brutally tortured, raped, mutilated and murdered. In Jerusalem, they met with a survivor named Michal who was shot by Hamas terrorists and hid under a tank for seven hours until she was rescued by the IDF.

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Participants also visited the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, commonly known as Ichilov Hospital, where they met with an IDF soldier seriously wounded during fighting in Gaza as well as a survivor of the Hamas massacre. This was followed by a stop in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where they met with Sharon Kalderon from Kibbutz Sufa, sister-in-law of hostage Ofer Kalderon and the aunt of former hostages Sahar and Erez, who were released from captivity in late November. They explored the art initiatives calling for the return of hostages and supporting those evacuated from their homes on October 7.

In Jerusalem, the group volunteered, with residents from the north displaced from their homes due to Hezbollah rocket fire, in a project packaging dry goods for underprivileged Israelis.

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Throughout the trip, participants met with an array of engaging experts in various fields, including Israel’s envoy to combat antisemitism Michal Cotler-Wunsh, UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer, Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

On multiple occasions, Israelis expressed their appreciation for the participants' support, especially at a time when the country is faced with immense hostility and feeling a strong sense of abandonment, both in the region and globally. The solidarity mission concluded on Friday, with everyone returning home deeply moved by the stories and wealth of knowledge shared with them.

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Participants shared reflections on the impact of the solidarity mission.

"While I have been to Israel many times and participated in a number of solidarity missions, I have never experienced Israel like this. While the pain and trauma caused by the Oct. 7 attacks linger and profoundly impact Israelis, there is a deep sense of resilience and community, and an understanding that they need the Diaspora as much as the Diaspora needs Israel. My commitment to and support for Israel are steadfast, and I urge everyone to travel to Israel now to show their support, as it gives Israelis strength and hope at a time when they need it most."

- Fred Waks, FSWC Board Chair

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"'Thank you for coming.' Four simple words that we heard from every person we met. From survivors of the Nova music festival massacre and attack on Kibbutz Be’eri. From diplomats to politicians to soldiers. From a hostage family desperately waiting for the return of their brother and father. From everyday Israelis. The words of an uncharacteristically fragile nation in need of our support now more than ever. This was unexpected and made an indelible mark on all of us. It's now our responsibility to tell their story so that it's never forgotten or overtaken by a narrative of false equivalency amid the rising tide of antisemitism."

- Kevin Talbot

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"The FSWC solidarity mission to Israel had a profound impact on me. It deepened my level of empathy and compassion for the people of Israel, but also re-affirmed to me how strong, resilient, and courageous they are. I had the opportunity to meet with survivors and families affected by the tragic events of 10/7 and saw firsthand the aftermath, including the loss of life and destruction. Witnessing the resilience of affected communities and their efforts to rebuild and move forward was extremely inspiring, provided me with hope, and was a reminder of human strength and perseverance. Gaining firsthand knowledge of the impact of 10/7 also deepened my understanding of the region's political and social dynamics. But most importantly, the trip provided me with a sense of purpose and action. It strengthened my commitment to FSWC’s mission, and I came home feeling even more proud to volunteer for such a wonderful and important organization."

- Ashley Steinhauer Otto, Spirit of Hope 2024 Co-Chair

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