The distance between Israel and Australia is approximately 12,200 kilometers, but the distance between Keren Hayesod and the young leadership is zero to none. A fantastic delegation from the next generation covered this distance from Melbourne and Sydney, arriving for a 4-day visit to Israel.

The visit from February 6 to February 9 was busy and intensive, bringing together experiences, challenges, and the current reality in Israel. The delegation members met with representatives and guests, including Gadi Ezra, a lawyer and IDF combat intelligence officer serving as Israel’s legal explanatory ambassador, Knesset member Yoray Lahav Hertzano, Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Hayman, and more.

Besides discussions and lectures, the delegation visited various communities and conflict areas from the October 7 horrors : Kibbutz Nir Oz, the site of the Nova party, where they met Rami Davidian, who saved hundreds of participants from the party, a visit to ‘Tekuma,’ a cemetery for vehicles from the slaughter convoy.

The delegation also visited the Western Wall, the UN building, held a memorial ceremony on Mount Herzl, and a visit to Nethanel Yang’s grave, Z”L. This lone soldier fell on the Gaza border.

The young Australians also met with Sam Grundwerd, the World Chariman of Keren Hayesod, and Edna Weinstock-Gabay, the CEO of Keren Hayesod. On the last day of the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to volunteer to collect and organize items for soldiers and evacuees at the Expo Center in Tel Aviv.

This action left them with a desire to contribute more.
There is no doubt that the connection has strengthened, and we will soon see the fruits of this visit.