-George J. Danneman 
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Campaign Co-Chair

This week, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Campaign Co-Chair George Danneman shares about his most recent visit to Israel, arriving on the night of the Bibas funerals and witnessing the resiliency of the Jewish people.

Before I left for Israel, as a German Jew, I had to prepare myself for the complete chaos that is normal life there –the constant screaming that is just typical Israeli conversation, the endless honking of car horns, and the complete absence of lines and order. I spent a couple of weeks mentally preparing myself, but this time was different.

We arrived on the evening of the Bibas funerals. When we got off the plane, the airport was quiet. Everyone spoke in hushed tones – almost whispers. The man at passport control quietly processed us. We emerged to the welcome area to near silence. On the ride to the hotel, the cars were driving cautiously. No one was cutting each other off. There was no honking. It felt like the ground itself was mourning. Don’t worry, though - it was back to normal for the ride to the airport the following week.

Our first stop the next day was to the Nova music festival site, where our friend Ben Mittman’s cousin (from Merion Station) was taken hostage and severely injured. More than 500 days later, they believe he still has not received medical treatment. Just days earlier at home, we had attended a Yellow Piano event at the JCC in his honor. At Nova, we found his sign among the field of faces and stories and took a moment to pray for his return – along with everyone else still held hostage.

George by Alon sign

Both Ruth Hodaya Pereze and her father were murdered on Oct. 7

Lauren looking at a sea of posters at the Nova festival site.

For our next stops, pictures were limited to protect the privacy and security of individuals, so bear with me. 

We visited Adi Negev, a comprehensive campus for disabled individuals, from infants to seniors, including soldiers wounded in combat. We had heard about Adi Negev for a few years and were eager to visit because Israel is not typically known for accommodating disabled individuals. The campus truly blew us away. Every detail is designed to provide dignity and empower disabled people. Our community provides funds to Adi Negev each year. 

This swing enables individuals in wheelchairs to pull the rope to swing or be pushed if the rope is not an option.

Our visit to Adi Negev reinforced the profound impact our community's support has on creating opportunities for those who need it most. That same commitment to empowerment extends beyond disabilities to young adults striving for a brighter future.

Through the Jewish Federation, our community funds the Atidim program, which helps young adults from the periphery - either economically or socially - pursue education and training in STEM. This could mean a young woman becoming the first in her neighborhood to attend college on an engineering track. This program not only transforms individual lives but also reshapes entire communities, showing children more possibilities for their future. We had the privilege of meeting one of these young women and hearing about how much this program continues to impact her, her family, and her community. 

Just as Atidim opens doors for young adults to pursue higher education and career opportunities, our community also invests in programs that prepare aspiring leaders for service and innovation in Israel’s defense sector. 

We also met with representatives of the Air Force Academy. Similar to Atidim, our community supports initiatives to empower young adults from underserved areas, providing them with opportunities to advance in technology so they can compete for coveted Israeli Air Force roles in the IDF. One of the representatives we met is now a trained weapons systems engineer for the Air Force. JFRE (Jewish Federation Real Estate Group) sponsored a computer lab for the Air Force Academy which we toured. 

We also had a VIP tour of an active archeological dig in the City of David, which included a Mikvah (ritual bath) used by people on their way into the Temple. We also saw the road leading up from the Mikvah which everyone took after purification. It is believed that Jesus, among many other historical figures, used both the Mikvah and the road. 

Lastly, I feel obligated to share a picture of us at our favorite Schwarma place on Frishman Street in Tel Aviv. 

It was an intense trip, but it was also heart-warming to see our dollars in action – providing help to those in need and lifting up disadvantaged communities. More than anything, this visit reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between our community and Israel. Despite the pain, resilience endures. Despite the heartbreak, hope remains. And despite the challenges, we continue to stand together—one people, one future.

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