By Alicia Zahn
Special to Hakol

Do you have Israel on your mind? Are you loving Israel, supporting Israel, thinking about Israel, but can’t actually travel there anytime soon? Then Israel can come to you! 

Each summer, I host Israelis from Yoav in my home through the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether program. Most of the time, it’s been for just two weeks (although it can be longer or shorter), and every time, I have made a personal connection with Israel.

I wish everyone could experience this connection. It’s been a different experience each summer. In the beginning, when I had small children at home, the Israelis returned from their day at Camp JCC and played games with my children, cooked a meal with them, and taught them funny Hebrew words. As my children grew into teenagers, the Israelis we hosted became their friends, and when my children went to Israel, they all got together, often staying in Yoav for Shabbat. Still later, when we were empty-nesters, the young adults infused evenings of life and laughter into our quiet home.

The connections we have made are forever. I visit the Yoav area whenever I go to Israel and have met some of the families of teens we hosted. The young adults update me on their many adventures. Some of them have been called to military reserve duty now and shared how the war has upended their lives. Some of them visited us years ago and now have children of their own. It’s amazing that this connection could be so strong after only two weeks in my home!

You may have questions like I first did, so ask and explore the possibility of hosting. The Israeli shlichim (emissaries) work full days at the JCC during the week. Those coming this summer are post-military age. Their English is terrific and, judging from my past experiences, they will be polite and appreciative. The Partnership2Gether team is there to help work out whatever kinks might arise, so you’re not alone. Whatever stage of life you’re in, you can host and you’ll be glad you did.

Over the years, we have hosted almost 25 teens and young adults from the Yoav area. Each time was a different experience and each time I was so glad that we said yes! While the Israelis got a house to call home for a couple of weeks, I got the opportunity to make very personal and deep connections to Israel that forever changed my life. 

For more information about our Partnership2Gether with Yoav and about hosting shlichim in your home, contact Connor Hayes at connor@jflv.org.