אל על | אטמוספירה

Yoffi from Canada, and Melissa Liverson from Louisiana, illustrating the diverse backgrounds and motivations behind their decision to contribute to Israel during these challenging times. Stories of volunteers Judy Heller | 37, from New York, fire fighter and single mother to her 13-year-old son: "When it all started, I felt enormous anger. I didn't understand how such a thing could happen. I felt that I had to help to feel meaningful and lend a hand. When I saw that Taglit's volunteer program was being opened, I immediately realized that I had an opportunity to contribute. Of course, I was a little afraid; it was a war after all. But it was actually my 13-year-old son who pushed me to come here. If it was possible, he would have come with me. I left him with a friend and came." "I have friends and cousins here who are in reserve duty, and I even brought them thin raincoats from New York. I pray for their safety, but I don't worry about the country. It amazes me to see how strong Israel is, thanks to the solidarity and support that everyone has for each other. The Israeli strength is simply inspiring, and I have no doubt that Israel will win". Jared Yoffi, 30, from Canada, owner of an engineering company: "I came to get a first-hand perspective on what is happening here and to share these experiences with my friends around the world. There is antisemitism in Canada, and also a lot of disinformation. In Canada, everyone hears about the missiles that land in Gaza every day, but no one talks about the fact that missiles are also

Photos: Courtesy of Taglit organization

launched towards Tel Aviv. I sent a video from here of people in Tel Aviv running away from incoming rockets, and I got responses from people who said they didn't know this was happening. When you are looking for an apartment in Vancouver or Toronto, you check whether or not there is a sauna in the apartment. Here they check if there is a safe room or a shelter - this is crazy reality that people outside of Israel must understand". Melissa Liverson , 26 years, from Louisiana, chemical engineer and fitness trainer: "I felt that it was simply something I had to do, to give you the feeling that as Jews of the world, we are

one big family. My parents were afraid when I decided to go but are very proud and supportive of my decision. They themselves met when they volunteered here at Kibbutz Gesher – my father came from the United States and my mother from Brazil, and they experienced life on the border and terrorist attacks when they were here. I didn't tell anyone at work that I was coming here. My friends saw it in the pictures I uploaded, and they were surprised. Maybe I was afraid of their reactions. Feelings in the United States are hard; antisemitism really is everywhere. When I get back, I will share more about the reality here both with my Jewish and non-Jewish friends".

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