WEST HARTFORD —The 40 men who arrived in Israel in January as part of the Men’s Mission organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford were indeed a diverse group – some were visiting Israel for the first time, others had been to the Jewish state several times before, still others were joined on the trip by their fathers or their sons. All 40 had this in common: they were being given a unique opportunity to experience the Jewish state from an insider’s vantage point — and, at the same time, to connect with one another and strengthen their commitment to Jewish communities at home and around the world. Trip highlights included: An interview with Israel’s former president and prime minister Shimon Peres, conducted by Federation Board Chair Eric Zachs at the Peres Center for Peace; a visit to Hartford’s sister city Afula, where the group toured Beit Uri, a comprehensive residential, vocational and treatment center for individuals with developmental disabilities; as well as meetings and discussions with experts on a variety of topics that ranged from safety and security issues to the complexity of the Arab-Israel relationship.

Eric Zachs interviews former Israeli president Shimon Peres.

“This mission exemplified what is special about the Federation,” said Howard Sovronsky, the Federation’s president and CEO. “Who else could provide such a unique opportunity for men of all ages, first timers and seasoned visitors, fathers and sons, to experience the beauty, wonder and magic of Israel? We had access to people and places that typical tourists yearn for. We saw first hand how the funds we raise here in the states impact our fellow Jews in Israel. The complex political, economic and social issues facing Israel were presented to us by key national thought leaders. Most of all, we had a great time. Can’t wait for next year’s Mission.”

Jay Gershman of West Hartford who was his on first Federation mission and hopes to chair the 2017 mission, was moved by some of the personal stories he heard, and reflected what it says about Federation’s work around the globe.

“I listened to two young Jewish women describe their lives in France and the Ukraine, and how they had so little hope until they moved to Israel and now their future was bright and full of possibilities,” he said. “ As they described how important the agency was that helped them learn Hebrew and assimilate into Israeli life, I found myself beginning to well up. Here were two young women, my daughter’s age, who would suffer if it weren’t for Israel and the help of this agency that Federation contributions had funded. It was that moment that I realized that no matter where there is a Jew in need, all Jews must help and it was the Federation’s funding that made that help possible. I also realized how wrong I had been for not realizing that there are needs beyond our Greater Hartford community, and that Jews everywhere are like links in a chain. When one link is weakened, the entire chain is affected.”

CAP: The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Men’s Mission at the Kotel in Jerusalem.