IHF Delegation Shows Eretz Yisroel “Unwavering Support” On Israel Solidarity Visit

By FrumNews.com 

In a poignant display of unwavering solidarity and support, the Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF) led a distinguished delegation to Eretz Yisroel, aimed at uplifting the spirits of the families of our fallen heroes and IDF soldiers who have been courageously fighting since Simchas Torah, as well as offering courage and hope to the families of hostages taken on that fateful day, with the goal of expediting their safe return home.

Founded in 1974 by Holocaust survivors, the IHF works to strengthen Israel’s security and sovereignty, while battling bigotry and Anti-Semitism.

Led by IHF Executive Director Rabbi David Katz, Executive Vice President Dr. Joseph Frager, and Honorary Chairman Mr. Jonathan Burkan, this meaningful journey will be joined by esteemed ambassadors and delegates. However, the crowning highlight of the trip was the participation of IHF Honorary President, Mr. Jerry Wartski.

The delegation included former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Edward McMullan, Republican National Committee Chairperson Michael Whatley, Richard Porter, a political aide who led the Domestic Policy Council under the first Bush administration, Rabbi Eli Weinstock, President of the New York Board of Rabbis, and foreign policy expert and philanthropist Harley Lippman, among others.

Participants in the delegation witnessed the bullet-ridden and burned-out homes and endless amounts of destroyed vehicles (dubbed the “Car Cemetery”). They heard the stories of those who fought and were murdered on that fateful day, as well as those of survivors and families of those kidnapped.

Through this trip, the IHF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Israel in their time of need, honoring the memory of the fallen, and celebrating the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people.

A special birthday

On Shabbos, the IHF celebrated a milestone birthday—honoring Mr. Jerry Wartski’s 94th year—with a beautiful Friday night dinner and a specially prepared birthday cake, a fitting tribute to this remarkable Yid who traveled from the United States to Israel to join this meaningful endeavor.

Mr. Wartski is a resilient Holocaust survivor whose presence on this visit imbued this mission with profound significance and serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Jewish nation.

Valor and resilience

During the visit, the delegation met with courageous Israeli soldiers convalescing from war wounds.

The delegation donned hospital gowns to enter the soldiers’ rooms, offering stirring words of valor and resilience to the brave warriors and their loved ones.

The scene was particularly moving as Mr. Wartski, a survivor of the Holocaust, now over 94, clad in a hospital gown, evoked memories of the devastating losses he endured during World War II when his entire family was tragically wiped out.

The emotional toll of this experience was palpable. Overcome with emotion, Ambassador McMullen later recounted the experience at a meeting, his voice choked with tears as he described the heart-wrenching scenes he witnessed.

A festive and somber trip

Monday night, the delegation to Israel held a festive dinner to mark the end of their inspiring and somber visit to the country at the King David Hotel in Yerushalayim.

The delegation hosted MK Simcha Rothman, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch, Michael Whatley, and Ambassador Ed McMullen.

“The evening’s conversation was as effervescent as the surroundings, with discussions spanning the intricacies of Middle Eastern geopolitics to the subtleties of international diplomacy,” the organizers said.

The dinner was attended by Swiss Ambassador Mr. Ed McMullen, who delivered remarks to the group and was reported to have made a profound impact on the delegation. Nir Barkat, Israel’s Minister of Economy, also spoke at the dinner.

McMullen’s attendance followed extensive high-level discussions with former Trump National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, who was in the same hotel as part of a different delegation.

The delegation then departed from the dinner for Ben Gurion airport, making the dinner the formal end of their mission to Eretz Yisroel.