An Expedition of a Lifetime!  

Members from the Sephardic Community of Brooklyn Journey to Israel Under the Banner of Mikdash Eliyahu Synagogue

By:  Rhonda Azar Dweck

“What are you guys doing here?” was the immediate reaction from dozens of grieving and despondent Israelis when they encountered a group of 20 members from the Syrian community of Brooklyn, who bravely journeyed together to Israel; a country in the midst of war.

“Our answer to them was simple; to be with you,” said Morris Catton, group organizer. Catton, along with Joseph Levy, and under the esteemed leadership of Rabbi Avi Harari with Mikdash Eliyahu Synagogue, cobbled up a spirited group who wanted to be in direct communication with their Israeli brothers and sisters, helping them out in any way they could.

Exactly 28 days after one of the most vicious attacks on Israel’s people in history, this courageous crew geared up, with collected donations in their pockets, tactical gear and supplies in their bags, and in their hearts, the utter desperation to help. They followed in the footsteps of other community organization trips like Barkai Yeshiva’s, which was heard to have been emotionally stirring and action packed. The bar was set high, yet they didn’t know what to expect, as they boarded an El Al flight on Saturday night, November 4th, commencing this 5 day journey of solidarity.

There was not a minute to waste. Straight from Ben Gurion airport, the group began their Sunday in Jerusalem, where they hosted a carnival for dozens of displaced families from various areas near the border, who were currently living in hotels throughout Jerusalem. From bouncy houses, art stations, and even a live concert, this day had one simple purpose; to distract these families and bring them joy. Members of the group handed out food cards, courtesy of the Sephardic Food Fund, that could be used at grocery stores in the area.

Later that evening, they paid a visit to the Bakhan army base, where they joined dozens of soldiers, some who were just then returning from a mission. The group came bearing gifts, providing gloves, hats, and outerwear which was greatly appreciated. What the soldiers valued most, and what the group was soon going to discover was a recurrent theme, was the significance of the compiled letters written by members of the community addressed to the IDF. Hundreds of children from various Brooklyn yeshivas, and a large number of adults as well, expressed their gratitude and love for the soldiers in handwritten cards. “You could give the soldiers anything, bulletproof vests, goggles, gear, but the one thing that really mattered to them,” explained group member Henry Barnathan, “was the letters.”

Renowned music artist, Yaakov Shwecky, arrived at the base and in a matter of minutes, his strong and powerful voice brought light to the post, and hand in hand with the soldiers, the group sang and danced in unity. After an emotional and lengthy first day, they checked into the David Citadel Hotel.

Day 2 began with Netz Hahama, an early sunrise prayer service, in one of the main synagogues in the Har Gilo neighborhood. Then it was straight to Kever Rachel, one of Judaism’s most monumental gravesites. They made their way to the town of Ashdod, where they were introduced to charity organization “Carmei Ha’ir” under the supervision of Rabbi Yehuda Azrad, where they packed around 550 meals for those in need.

They took these sealed hot meals to the nearby town of Ashkelon, where they distributed them to those who have no choice but to spend their days inside bomb shelters and bunkers, some with 7 to 8 family members crammed into the smallest of spaces. Generously donated iPads were given out to many of the confined children as well. “Holding an iPad behind my back, I asked a young girl who also had a sibling currently being held hostage, ‘what’s a gift you want most in this world?,” said Catton, “And she responded ‘for my brother to come home’”

A hummer transport army base was the next stop, where they bonded and conversed with this brave group of soldiers, whose job it is to go into Gaza at night and refuel the troops who are stationed there. After having a lively barbeque and donating watches and other gear, the mood quickly changed, as they arrived at the infamous town of Sderot, where at least 45 innocent civilians were brutally murdered on October 7th. On that tragic day, the Sderot police station was hijacked by a group of Hamas terrorists, whom from the inside, battled with the IDF for almost two days, before the Israelis made the extremely tough decision to detonate the building. They heard about this town’s bloodshed from the chief of police, who went on to give the group a tour of their new police headquarters, with a beautiful shul located inside. The group spoke with residents of the town who have not been able to evacuate because they have no place to go.

That night they stopped by the naval base, Shayetet 13, at the Ashdod naval port, and shared a meal with around 200 navy special forces. They arrived in Israel thinking they were going to have to build up the soldiers, and they left each base with the soldiers strengthening them. All the soldiers they encountered had an unbelievably optimistic perspective on the situation, focused on their missions, pouring all their energy into winning this war against Hamas. They ended the night off paying a visit to the home of singer Omer Adam, where they learned about his meal donation service and donated to the cause.

Netz kicked off the third day of the trip, this time at the Kotel. Breakfast was followed by motivational words of wisdom from Rabbi Shimon Alouf; words they surely needed to take on the day to come, which started with a visit to the notorious destruction of Kibbutz Be’eri. Once home to 1,400 people, this tight knit town was now vacant of its residents. “There was a smell of death in the air,” Catton stated, as they walked painfully through the desolation. They toured the on site printing press, Beiri Print, one of the country’s most popular printing houses, that sources most of the kibbutz’s income. The printing press had just reopened their doors to resume daily work, and the group generously sponsored lunch and a concert to boost their spirits.

Finally, they were up close, viewing the unimaginable demolition of the homes, which was undoubtedly the defining moment of the whole trip.  Pairs of shoes, carry-on suitcases, dolls and toys were just some examples of items that were found scattered amongst the piles of rubble.

They heard from Resident Ohr Yelin, who guided the group around, and from volunteers of Zaka, a search and rescue organization, who are amongst the few people allowed on the premises. They explained to the group what they have been doing at Beiri, picking up and identifying remains and body parts of the dead.

Amazingly, not one bullet had hit the synagogue in the kibbutz, and the group was fortunate enough to pray and sing Hatkiva, Israel’s national anthem.

“I’ll never forget that very moment for the rest of my life,” stated Catton, “something changed in me while we were embraced and singing  Ahenu together.”

The second half of the day was spent at the Dead Sea Hotel, which was currently housing over 1,000 displaced members of Kibbutz Beeri. Each person had a different story; children who had suddenly become orphans, wives separated from their husbands, and families torn apart. They sponsored dinner for the members and did their best to console them as they listened to them express their deepest hopes and fears. They took part in a Arayat Sheloshim, a 30 day mourning ceremony, in memory of the 86 members of the kibbutz who were murdered, and in honor of the 30 plus members being held in captivity.

The night was spent with two families who have children currently being held in captivity. Emotions were high, as they heard these intimate stories and shared tears in sympathy with the family members. Yaakov Shwekey joined the night and did his thing, bringing the smallest drop of light to these families in their darkest days. They concluded the event with a challah bake, where the mothers of the two hostages did the mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah in honor of their children and in hopes of their speedy return.

The last day of the trip was here, and the group was ultimately prepared to carry out this action packed final day. After morning prayers, they stopped at Har Hertzel, the prominent gravesite for every fallen soldier of the lDF. They attended the 30 day mourning ceremony of tons of soldiers, one being Ouri Shani AH, beloved son of Rabbi Shani of Moreshet Yerushalayim, a post high school yeshiva that is tied closely to our community. “There were rows and rows of freshly dug graves,” said Henry Barnathan, “and under each name read 19-20 years old”.

They visited the quarters of  Ahim Laneshek, which translates to Brothers in Arms. This organization has been running a tremendous operation since the start of the war, donating gear, distributing supplies, handling housing for displaced families, and much more. They heard from their organization leads, as well as from General Israel Itz, one of the country’s great retired generals who explained the concept of war in great depth, wanting everyone to understand the full extent of the situation.

The square in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, has become a common ground for hostage families. It also became an area where artists and volunteers have been putting together powerful eye opening displays to symbolize the  missing hostages. The group scattered around the area and met with the families who were persistent on the notion of spreading the word, to keep posting flyers and keep talking about these innocent souls, and don’t stop until they each come home.

They went on to meet with more displaced families, this time from the North, who were being graciously hosted by the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel, in Ramat Gan. The hotel is a massive complex that hosts the Jewish Olympics each year, who opened their doors to over 800 civilians.

The final stop was Tel Hashomer Medical Center, which was a whirlwind of emotions, visiting wounded civilians and soldiers. Led by Rabbi Grossman, they went from room to room, singing and giving the injured blessings and well wishes.

They heard the story of first responder, now amputee, Nir Oz, that was utterly moving: Oz, off duty that Saturday morning, rushed to the scene encountering hundreds of Hamas terrorists, and after being shot twice in the leg, crawled to safety where he played dead for hours until being rescued. The group was in complete awe, as Oz explained his thankfulness for this happening to him here, “because the prosthetics in Israel are the best in the world.”

Distinguished Hebrew singer Ishay Ribo gave a concert in the courtyard of the rehabilitation center and the group sang along while feeling a gamut of emotions, reflecting on this 5 day voyage. Feeling happy that their presence and gestures made even the smallest impact, yet heartbroken for the families and the soldiers who have a long road ahead of them. Most of all, they felt thankful. Thankful for the unwavering support of their community that helped make this trip happen, and ever so grateful for this new bond they created with each other, and this new everlasting tie to the state of Israel and its people.