While most people cancelled their trips to Israel, we eagerly booked ours. We realized that Israel needs our help now more than ever. The 14th annual Chesed Mission took off on Tuesday night, January 19th for a non-stop chesed experience in Israel. A group of 53 students and 5 faculty members, led by Rabbi Naftali Besser and Mrs. Susan Franco, decided to spend their winter break in Israel visiting the sick, dancing with soldiers, volunteering in soup kitchens, interacting with special children, and so much more. After 10 long hours on ELAL, we were finally able to embark on our journey filled with chesed. We left the airport and decided, what better way to start off the trip then to visit the Kotel. While we prayed Arbit each and every one of us felt the presence of Hashem, while we requested His's assistance to ensure our safety. Many of us either cried, were overcome with pride, or left meaningful notes in the wall.
Shortly after, we headed to the Inbal Hotel to check in, and order in dinner. At 11pm, we packed socks gloves, and other needed clothing for the soldiers that we would be visiting throughout the Mission, which proved that its never too late to do chesed! It was a great start to a trip that I know is going to be great! I am looking forward to the many days of chesed ahead.
~Rachel Nussbaum, Class of 2016
