Bonding with History: A 70th Anniversary Narrative

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Ken Goldberg I Was Proud to be Representing Israel Bonds


 
Thirty years ago, I joined with 50 Israel Bond leaders on a solidarity delegation to Israel during the height of the Gulf War. Upon landing, we received gas masks, syringes and the antidote for poison gas. During the week-long delegation, we traveled throughout the country, met with Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, future prime ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Ariel Sharon and Benjamin Netanyahu, and Tel Aviv and Jerusalem mayors Shlomo Lahat and Teddy Kollek. We also received firsthand accounts from Israelis sharing the trauma of what they were enduring. They were grateful that Israel Bonds had come to offer solidarity and support. We saw Scud missile destruction to schools and apartment buildings, and survived a Scud attack just after Shabbat. It was the most meaningful trip to Israel in my lifetime, and I was proud to be representing Israel Bonds. Thirty years ago, my eyes were opened to the vital work and significance of this wonderful organization.