From Israel: a brief update as the work continues
A short dispatch from Cheryl in Israel — a PTSD therapy farm in Efrat, a children's home in Kiryat Gat, a Foreign Ministry briefing, and a Christmas-day BBQ for lone soldiers.
In this issue: A short dispatch from Cheryl in Israel — a PTSD therapy farm in Efrat, a children's home in Kiryat Gat, a Foreign Ministry briefing, and a Christmas-day BBQ for lone soldiers.
Shalom. This will be a shorter update than I would normally send, not for lack of things to share, but because the days here are full, the work is moving fast, and we are spending our time where it matters most: on the ground.
I wanted to bring you along, even briefly, and show you how your support is already being put to work. This is a quick update because the needs are immediate; once we return we will have much more to share, in detail and with reflection. Thank you for standing with us. You are here with us, in purpose and in responsibility.
— Cheryl Dorchinsky, Executive Director
On the ground this week
Getting here. Getting here wasn't simple. We were delayed more than five hours when a plane door wouldn't safely close, which forced an immediate reshuffling of our schedule. One large bag of donated supplies was temporarily lost in transit; it was recovered and delivered yesterday morning, intact. We took it as an early reminder that persistence is part of this mission. Once we settled in there was no downtime. Sunday night went to sorting and organizing donations so we could move efficiently in the days ahead, and even a short walk through the Old City ended with a delay as a bomb squad responded to a suspicious package — an unremarkable but telling snapshot of daily life here.
Monday: support, healing, and learning. Monday began early with a drive to an industrial area outside Tel Aviv to drop off sweatshirts to be printed with IDF unit insignia for paratroopers serving in the Golan, where winter conditions are already harsh. From there we traveled south to Efrat to visit a PTSD therapy farm, where we learned how agriculture, routine, and caring for animals help people processing trauma regain balance. We helped tend the animals and planted an olive tree, an act rooted in continuity and hope.
Later that day we met a Haredi rabbi who describes himself as a healthy Jew. We spoke about the connection to the land of Israel, went on a foraging walk together, and discussed the draft issue; he has recently enlisted in the IDF himself. It was an honest, grounded conversation about responsibility and belonging. That evening we returned to Jerusalem for the Day of Hope reception and concert supporting the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. We went to support their work and to build relationships, and we left with real connections and real opportunities to bring extraordinary voices and programs to Atlanta.
Tuesday: children, community, and dignity. On Tuesday we traveled to Kiryat Gat. We toured the area, learned about the CMCC, and visited an exceptional children's home. Alongside caring for the children, the home runs a bakery as part of its educational program, giving kids responsibility, skills, and pride. We delivered donated toys and supplies, and then did what felt right: we bought generously from the bakery. More carbohydrates than strictly necessary. A mitzvah, or at least that's what we told ourselves.
Wednesday: media, diplomacy, and listening. Wednesday began with a meeting with the Executive Director of HonestReporting, followed by a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We met with Ambassador Dor Shapira, who heads the North America bureau, and Noam Vatarescu, to explore collaboration and engagement. Later that day we crossed the Green Line into Judea and Samaria to meet a Palestinian family in their home. The meeting was facilitated by an Israeli NGO working carefully and within the law. We cannot share photos or video; doing so would put them in mortal danger. What we can share is this: listening directly, without slogans or intermediaries, matters. We look forward to sharing thoughtful educational content that comes out of that conversation.
Today: Christmas, and showing up for lone soldiers. Today is Christmas, and we wish a meaningful and peaceful holiday to everyone in our community who celebrates. Today is also a workday. We are hosting and working a BBQ for lone soldiers at the Michael Levin base in Jerusalem. Lone soldiers are IDF service members without immediate family in Israel; many are immigrants, and all are serving without the support system most soldiers rely on. This meal is not catered. We are buying the food, cooking it, serving it, and bringing the specific supplies that were requested, all made possible by your support. We will do another BBQ at a different base in the coming days, and we are also using funds to purchase additional needed supplies for families in need and for reputable people and organizations supporting IDF units.
I want to be very clear about this: the Atlanta Israel Coalition is entirely volunteer-run. None of us are paid, and we are covering our own costs to be here. Every dollar you give goes directly to supporting Israel: food, supplies, care, and presence for those in need. None of it goes to us. If you are able, we would be grateful if you would open your wallet to help support today's lone-soldier BBQ, the next one, and the ongoing work here.
MITZVAHS THAT FLOAT
A duck discovered mid-flight to Israel
A young traveler found a kosher duck mid-flight to Israel — a small surprise at 30,000 feet. From airplanes to city parks, the ducks keep floating, one duck at a time.