By Nurit Galon
Partnership2Gether

Some years ago, Ranni Trainin, the mayor of the Municipality of Yoav, called me, very excited. Ranni had been trying for quite a while to get Yoav involved with the Partnership 2000 program (now known as Partnership2Gether), partnering a Jewish community from abroad with Jewish community here in Israel. 

At that time, only certain communities here were considered suitable—poor communities that really needed the extra financial and social assistance that wealthier Jewish communities in North America were willing and eager to provide. Yoav’s early requests for partnership were turned down on the grounds that Yoav was too wealthy. We were happy to hear the latter, but we couldn’t figure out where the wealth was being hidden! 

Then the day arrived: We were informed that a delegation of 18 men and women would be arriving in Yoav to check out the prospective bride. What a great delegation they were. And what fun we had together—walks over the beautiful hills of Yoav, parties together. But the Yoav population at that time numbered close to 8,000, while our prospective partner had over 100,000. With real regret, we said goodbye.

The next delegation from a United States commnity to visit Yoav was Barry Halper and Terry Neff from the Lehigh Valley. It was love at first sight. We toured Yoav together, visited our schools together, tried on soldiers’ hats together, went to concerts in an ancient setting, crawled through caves together. Everything just clicked. 

After Barry and Terry returned home, we waited anxiously for a letter of acceptance. It was not long in coming. Carol Halper’s gracious letter cementing our new partnership in 2003 was the beginning of many years of working together—exchanges of letters and projects, visits, the outpouring of support and sympathy for Israel’s battle with Hamas over the last year. We still have over 100 hostages in Gaza, and weekends are reserved for assemblies to support their families.

We follow closely the events and activities in Lehigh Valley and are proud of the variety of your activities, which include so much in support of those who so need your support. It is thrilling to see the interaction between the religious bodies and the understanding of the need for unity. You are indeed an example for other communities. 

Last week, someone in our area said that if her family ever leaves Israel, they will go to the Lehigh Valley. She said she trusts the leadership there.

We wish you the best in your efforts to grow your community, welcoming newcomers to the region and encouraging those already there to take a more active role alongside their peers.