As part of our efforts to strengthen community connections and convey a personal message following the events of October 7th, Brigadier General (Res.) Ziv Avtalion and Dr. Rinat Asa Greenberg embarked on a special spokesperson mission to the Hadera-Eiron partnered communities in Fort Myers, Pinellas, and Jacksonville.
Dr. Rinat Assa-Grinberg is the CEO of C.V.S, Connecting Vision to Strategy, which focuses on real estate and high-tech projects that support peripheral settlements in Israel, rebuild southern and northern communities, and guide entrepreneurs and companies from concept to implementation.
Ziv Avtalion - Founder and CEO of A.I.M.55 Ltd., specializing in digital transformation, digital-based business development, Supply Chain 4.0, and Technology 4.0.
From Israel to Fort Myers
Our journey began in Fort Myers. We arrived late in the afternoon and were warmly welcomed at the airport by Danielle Bernstein, Special Events & Program Coordinator at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte County. Our gracious hosts, Stephanie and Greg, treated us to a delightful welcome dinner that evening. Over an excellent meal, we discussed topics ranging from the political and diplomatic landscapes in both countries to the profound impact of the "Hinneni" exhibition, which has resonated deeply across communities. We also spoke about the significance of art and the essential connections that unite our communities.
Debbie Sanford, the Executive Director at the Federation has been a driving force behind numerous meetings and projects, fostering connections with inspirational dedication. Her deep bond with community members and her unwavering commitment to increasing engagement left a lasting impression on us.
Later that evening, we attended a donors' meeting with approximately 70 participants at a festive and heartfelt dinner. Following the meal, we shared our personal stories through presentations. The audience was deeply moved and engaged, asking numerous questions, particularly about Israel’s political, military, and civilian future.
From Fort Myers to Pinellas
Leaving Fort Myers for Pinellas, we witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the recent hurricane. Roadsides were lined with piles of fallen trees and discarded furniture, stark reminders of the disaster's magnitude and its impact on the community.
Upon arriving, we were warmly embraced by Sam and Janet Hammer, who welcomed us with open arms.
After a brief tour, we prepared for a community event attended by approximately 200 people of all ages. Nothing could have prepared us for the incredible experience that awaited us. The event, managed with care and creativity by Maxine, the CEO of the Federation of Gulf Coast, was elaborate, festive, and deeply moving.
One of the most touching aspects of the evening was the genuine connection between Jewish and non-Jewish attendees. It was a powerful reminder that the bond between communities transcends differences and endures through challenges.
As part of the ceremony, Maxine moderated a panel where she asked us about our experiences on the morning of October 7th and how the ongoing war has impacted our personal and professional lives. We never anticipated how deeply our personal stories would resonate with the audience, sparking meaningful questions and reflections among so many attendees.
The next day, we had the pleasure of sharing lunch with board members, local rabbis, and community lay leaders. This gathering was filled with meaningful discussions and exciting ideas. Topics included the urgent need for young leadership in Federations, innovative projects to engage youth and community groups, the current situation in Israel, and ways the Federations can provide support.
Our journey then took us to Tampa, where we met with Rakefet Bechor, the manager of FIBA (Florida-Israel Business Accelerator). The meeting centered on fostering startup collaborations and exchanging insights about business initiatives in Israel and beyond.
From Pinellas to Jacksonville
We arrived in Jacksonville just before Shabbat, knowing it would be a special visit that included attending local synagogues and creating a direct and meaningful connection with the local community. We attended the “Temple Synagogue,” a Reform synagogue, and the “Center Synagogue,” a Conservative synagogue, and joined community Shabbat dinners, engaged in meaningful conversations with members of the community, and shared insights and impressions from Israel. We also visited the Orthodox synagogue where we also had the opportunity to share our story.
As we arrived at Jacksonville, Jill Metlin, the Israel and Overseas Coordinator at the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, warmly welcomed us and we immediately felt at home.
The warmth of the home hospitality was truly remarkable, with hosts Beth and Howie Wolfopf, and Mariam Feist, the CEO of the Federation of Northeast Florida, and her husband, Bob. Each home welcomed us with open arms, creating an atmosphere of genuine connection and heartfelt conversations.
Our meetings in Jacksonville were diverse and meaningful. From the moment we arrived, we connected with 45 members of the local community and later visited the River Garden Senior Services Nursing Home. There, we shared our story with an engaged audience who asked thoughtful questions and expressed heartfelt support for us and Israel.
It was a meaningful visit, ranging from personal reflections to broader discussions about shared challenges and hopes. We exchanged contact information, confident that these newfound connections would continue to grow and thrive beyond this memorable gathering.
Reflections
Before embarking on this journey, we could not have imagined how deeply it would impact and move us. The bond between the people in the Hadera-Eiron Partnership and the partnered communities in the SE US is profound, personal, and enduring. During this trip, we formed deep friendships that we are confident will continue to flourish long after the journey has ended.
This delegation showcased the power of partnerships: fostering meaningful human connections, sharing personal stories, and delivering a message of hope and unity. Throughout the tour, resilience and solidarity emerged as recurring themes, underscoring the vital importance of strengthening ties between the communities in Israel and those in the Federations overseas.
Friendship and connection were evident in every aspect of the journey—from the heartfelt hospitality and attentive accompaniment to the enriching encounters with people of all ages. Each conversation, whether about current challenges or future aspirations, was meaningful and impactful.
In every community we visited, we were met with warmth, love, and extraordinary hospitality. The support and praise for our work and the way we conveyed our messages were truly humbling. The audience’s appreciation for our decision to pause our routines and travel to Florida to share our personal and national stories reaffirmed the importance of our mission.
The emotional connection to Israel that emerged through the personal stories we shared was palpable. It reinforced our shared responsibility to preserve and strengthen the inter-community bonds and to maintain mutual support and solidarity in the face of ongoing challenges.
The journey concluded with our return to Israel on November 25th, marking the end of an extraordinary experience filled with meaningful encounters and important messages shared with our communities in the United States.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, hosts, and friends both here and abroad. Thank you for your trust, hospitality, and unwavering support.
We are incredibly grateful to the Partnership for selecting us to lead this important delegation.
We look forward to welcoming you to Israel soon.
Ziv & Rinat
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