Hillel of Rockland travels to Israel

Hillel of Rockland sent 40 students and alumni to volunteer in Israel for 10 days in January; it was the second such trip Rabbi Dov Oliver led since October 7, 2023.

Volunteers undertook many tasks, including agricultural work, sprucing up gardens at a psychiatric facility, packing food at Leket Yisrael, entertaining patients at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, tying tzitzit onto army garments, visiting Hostage Square and the Nova Festival site, and hearing testimony from Sderot residents.

Gila Goldman, third from left, gives toiletry items to female soldiers at an army base, an initiative she organized in Rockland County before joining the trip.

The trip provided a meaningful experience and a sense of belonging, with a focus on unity and support for Israel.

For information about Hillel of Rockland’s next volunteer mission to Israel, call Rabbi Oliver at (845) 659-2388 or email dovoliver@gmail.com.