Moshe and I spent some time last month in Fort Worth, Texas helping to plan for next year’s Partnership2Gether programs. What an amazing trip! For those who may not know, Partnership (P2G) is a platform of the Jewish Agency that connects the people of Israel to Jewish communities throughout the world. For nearly twenty years, our Federation has been part of a consortium of Federations that have partnered with the Western Galilee region of northern Israel. This includes the ancient city of Akko, and the kibbutzim, moshavim, and small communities around it up to the Lebanese border. During this time, our P2G consortium has grown to 18 US communities and includes Budapest, Hungary.
This was our first in person gathering since Covid began. It was great to reconnect with friends from our sister communities here and abroad. For me personally, P2G has helped to create a personal connection to Israel through the friendships I’ve made over the years. Many of us have traveled to Jerusalem, Masada, Tel Aviv, and other cities over the years. The places are amazing and full of our people’s spirit and history, but P2G is about People-to-People connections. For me, this is what makes Israel real.
Just as in the past, the activities that are coming our way in the next year will make an impact in our community as well. The keystone of the coming year is the Israel at 75 and P2G at 25 trip coming up in November 2023. There are two ways to experience it, a short trip just for the P2G Celebration, or a longer experience that includes some travel to the amazing sites and experiences the North has to offer.
Besides the work of strategic planning, we also took the time to experience the fun that Fort Worth has to offer. Our evenings out helped to cement the lasting relationships that make our Partnership so great.
Since Debby Barton Grant invited me to my first event in Toledo 17 years ago, Partnership has been a big part of my life and my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community again in this important endeavor. If you’d like to get involved, please contact the Federation, myself, or my co-chair Cristyne Porile for more information.
Dave Ravitch
Community Contributor