A week in Israel gave a group of St. Louis Jewish leaders a firsthand look at resilience, grief and the deep connections that sustain communities in crisis.
Members of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Israel & Overseas Committee recently returned from a mission to Israel, where they met with survivors, saw how Federation-funded programs are making an impact and stood in solidarity with those still reeling from the devastating Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
“It was an emotionally charged and exhilarating time to be in Israel, especially after the release of several hostages,” said committee member Kenny Salky. “Everyone in the nation was glued to their phones, TVs and radios, eagerly awaiting updates. Each time a hostage was released, the entire country breathed a collective sigh of relief.”
Standing with Nahal Oz
Nowhere was the devastation clearer than in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where 15 people were killed and seven taken hostage—two of whom are still in Gaza. Delegation members saw the physical and emotional toll the attack left behind. Through Communities2Gether, a Jewish Agency initiative, St. Louis became the first North American community to provide direct support to Nahal Oz.
Federation funding also helped send 23 teens from Nahal Oz to Greece for a healing retreat. Organizers say the experience helped them reconnect and begin to process their trauma.
Partnerships built on decades of commitment
For more than 30 years, the Federation has maintained a partnership with the Israeli regions of Yokneam and Megiddo through the Jewish Agency’s Partnership2Gether initiative. On this trip, the delegation saw how sustained investment in youth programs, immigrant support and trauma-informed care is making a difference.
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came at a newly renovated soccer field in Yokneam, dedicated to Daniel Zagaya (z’’l), an Ethiopian reservist killed in battle. The previous year, committee members visited his family during shiva and learned about his love for soccer. Federation funding helped restore the field in his honor. One year later, standing at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the delegation watched as Daniel’s young children played on the field that now carries his legacy.
Economic recovery and the road ahead
The trip wasn’t just about reflection—it was also about action. The delegation met with representatives from the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to discuss economic recovery efforts. Among the programs they learned about:
- Tevet Economic Recovery: Helping reservists transition back into the workforce after months of deployment in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
- SparkIL: Providing interest-free loans to small businesses hit hard by the war’s economic toll.
“Our partnership is truly making a difference, and it’s heartening to see how our funding and efforts are contributing to the well-being of those in need,” Salky said. “But there’s still so much work to be done.”
More than just financial support
If there’s one thing the delegation took away from this trip, it’s that showing up matters.
Community members in Israel spoke about how much it meant to have American Jewish leaders standing beside them, listening to their stories and sharing in both their grief and hope. Financial aid is critical, but solidarity—simply being there—matters just as much.
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