News and Reflections
Arise and Walk the Land
Standing there it was obvious to us just how vital this place is strategically, biblically and historically. We learned that Hemdat was originally established as a “Nahal” military outpost by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1979.
Reflections on Passover
Passover starts long before the night of the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. As the festival of Purim ends housewives start thinking of what needs to be accomplished in the next month. “And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall...
United by Love and Devotion
March was an exceedingly busy month for us at the CFOIC Heartland Israel office for one very good reason — we were inundated with tour groups visiting with us from all over the world. I am not sure why so many people chose March for their visit but it was...
A Historic Visit in Australia
Hope Despite the Tragedy of Ofra Tuesday, March 7, 2017 I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Australia where I spent 10 days travelling and speaking in three states: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It was my seventh trip to Australia in as many...
L’Shana Tova (Happy New Year!)
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 Yesterday and the day before were Rosh HaShanah — the Jewish New Year. It is both a joyous and a serious time of year. Beginning a full month before the holiday, we spend time reflecting on our actions and omissions of the past year and...
Shabbat — the most important symbol of Jewish identity?
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 September is here and with it comes so many new beginnings. School starts on the 1st of September and children begin pre-school or school on that day. Often Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, also begins in September but this...
I Will Give this Land to Your Children
Tuesday August 2, 2016 Summer is raging in Israel. And that is a good thing. I love the summer months. I love the heat, the sun, the warm air enveloping me and reminding me how beautiful this country is. I walk out of my house in the morning and see the sun...
Changing Realities Create Unexpected Opportunities
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 I spent last week in the UK on a speaking tour. I met people and addressed audiences in England, Scotland and Wales and enjoyed every minute of it (except the cold rainy weather of course!) But arriving in Great Britain just 2 days...
The Politics of Israel – The What and The Who
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 This has been a very political few weeks in Israel and I know many of our friends outside of Israel find it difficult to keep it all straight. So I thought I would try and clarify things a bit. A year ago, there were national elections...
The Lies That Surround Us
Tuesday, May 4 ,2016 A top news story today focused on recent statements by members of the British Labor Party against Israel. One after the other, these politicians said some of the most horrible and anti-Semitic things about Israel and the Jewish people. There...









