10/19/2023 11:11:24 PM
Normally, these columns are mostly spent promoting Brotherhood and its upcoming events. I’m going to mention them, but I’m going to spend most of this column talking about my recent trip to Israel. For those who don’t know, I flew to Israel on Wednesday, October 4 and stayed for a week.
This was my third trip to Israel. I went for the first time in 1994 with my mom, sister, and late grandfather, and in 2013 for my honeymoon. This trip, I went with two dear friends from Kol Ami. We met up with a tour guide they have used previously.
On Saturday morning, I went to services at an Orthodox Italian synagogue. I’ve never heard sirens interrupt a service before while someone was reading Torah. It happened two or three times, and people went to another room for 1-2 minutes. Certainly, a unique experience.
Without minimizing the evil atrocities perpetuated by Hamas, I can truthfully say that I never felt in danger. The mood and tone of the trip were different, and there were businesses that closed down due to war breaking out. But the overwhelming majority of terrorism emanated from Gaza, far away enough where the rockets and bombs were not in striking distance. We spent our time in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and further north in Lower Galilee, Tiberius, and Safed (my favorite area of the trip).
To those skeptical about visiting Israel, I implore you to visit (after all this chaos dies down). As strange as this might sound, Israel is a safe country. I walked around Tel Aviv, a large metropolitan city, late at night, and did not once feel nervous or in any peril. I don’t know when it will be, but I will return to Israel. No matter your political leaning or whether you like or dislike their current government, Israel is battling a monstrous evil in Hamas. Israel needs our support, as even here in America, there are rallies attended by vicious antisemites supporting Hamas.
Brotherhood recently had its award-winning Firearm Safety Day at Shooting Sports, attended by 25 people, including women and young adults. We enjoyed time at the range, and three people used a firearm for the very first time under the careful watch of the instructors. I’m proud of starting this event and watching it evolve.
On Saturday, October 28th, we will be having a free event at Kol Ami, Jewish Horror Movie Night, a screening of the movie called “The Offering.” Open to all! We’ll also have a Havdalah service prior to the movie around 7:45 PM. On Thursday, November 9th, Brotherhood will hold a Hangout Night at Tampa Tap Room at 8 PM. Open to all adult men and women for a night of schmoozing and fun!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Yours in Brotherhood,
Jon Zimmer
