A Journey for the Ages

Over the past year, our 5,000 volunteers who have joined Jewish National Fund-USA’s volunteer missions to Israel are not just witnessing the country’s healing—they are actively shaping it.

Phyllis Chancy Solomon, an octogenarian with a deep fervor for Israel, has been involved with Jewish National Fund-USA for many years, serving as a Central NJ Board Member and currently participating on the Rebuild the Envelope Task Force. When Phyllis planned a trip to Israel in late June, her 33-year-old granddaughter, Carly Salemme, eagerly joined her, leaving behind her husband and two young children.

Phyllis and Carly joined a Jewish National Fund-USA mission in Israel, visiting key locations including the site of the Nova festival in Reim. Together they packed care packages for soldiers and delivered them to an army base, delivered 50 sets of noise-cancelling headphones for the children of Shlomit, which borders Egypt and Gaza, and lifted the spirits of injured soldiers at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. On their own, they also visited Jewish National Fund-USA’s GrooveTech in Eshkol, and the indoor playground in Sderot, as well as a bomb shelter donated by their family.

But Phyllis and Carly believe that this is just the beginning.

“We need to gather Jews and non-Jews to share the truth. Now more than ever, our voices must be louder and carry a stronger message,” Phyllis and Carly agreed.

Phyllis and Carly’s journey, marked by a deep connection to Israel and the strengthening of familial bonds, mirrors the travel experiences of Golda and Noah Mendelsohn from Los Angeles.

Ninety-year-old Golda shares her earliest memory of connecting with Jewish National Fund-USA at around 12 years old: collecting coins in a Blue Box to help buy back land in Israel. Today, as a member of Jewish National Fund-USA Women’s Division, Golda continues to embody the same love and passion for Israel that she has held for over 78 years.

“I booked a four-day Jewish National Fund-USA volunteer mission for early June 2024 and was thrilled that my 26-year-old grandson, Noah, could take time off from his corporate finance job to join me,” said Golda. “My family was happy someone would be there to look after me, and I was looking forward to experiencing this trip with Noah, who had never been to southern Israel before.”

Their intense hands-on volunteering itinerary included painting, rebuilding, and cleaning at various locations. They packed produce at Kibbutz Ein Habesor, just four miles from Gaza, and visited a rehabilitation village for people with disabilities. According to Golda, one of the highlights of the trip was preparing food for soldiers at a home in Ofakim.

“Our message to anyone contemplating a trip to volunteer in Israel is that you must go,” said Noah. “There is no more powerful time than right now.” Golda added, “I am grateful I had the strength to make this trip. Israel is my top priority, and I urge everyone to take just four days to visit and volunteer.”

Both Phyllis and Golda imparted a living legacy to their grandchildren by showing their love and support for the people and land of Israel. Traveling together allowed Phyllis and Carly, as well as Golda and Noah, to provide mutual support and strength to each other as they reflected on one of Israel’s most painful times while looking forward with hope and determination.

Learn more about volunteering in Israel or sign up to join an upcoming mission at jnf.org/travel