Mothers and daughters take five-day Israel charity trip

Fourteen children, 12 mums and a grandma enjoyed “the most amazing bonding experience” by spending half term with a British charity that supports thousands of vulnerable families in Israel.

Running for the first time since 2019, Emunah’s batmitzvah ‘Mother and Daughter Israel Trip’, began at the president’s residence where the group were given a private tour followed by an audience with First Lady Michal Herzog.

She spoke about the long connection between the Herzog family and Emunah and how the President’s grandmother, Sarah Herzog, was instrumental in the founding of the organisation.

The group visited a number of Emunah’s day centres, schools and residential homes, which support Israel’s most vulnerable at-risk children and families, including the Lady Brodie day care centre in Haifa, Sarah Herzog children’s centre in Afula, Neve Sarah Wolfson High school in Bnei Brak and Neve Landy children’s residence in Even Shmuel.

The jam-packed five-day trip also included visits to the old city of Jerusalem, Beit Guvrin caves, museums and Har Herzl – the site of Israel’s national cemetery.

Joanna Lipman, on the trip with 11-year old daughter Talya, said: “Together we saw the phenomenal projects that Emunah helps and the many disadvantaged children and families they look after and cherish. It was thought-provoking and filled with warmth, kindness and a lot of fun activities!”

Marlene Binder, who was with granddaughter Mia, added: “It was the most inspirational and fulfilling experience. We both made precious memories which we will hold in our hearts always. As part of Mia’s batmitzvah, over the coming months, she has chosen to fundraise for British Emunah to help improve the bedrooms of the girls of her age who she met in Afula.”

The group were accompanied by British Emunah director Sharon Dewinter and co-vice chair Sara Greenfield.

Dewinter said: “It was exhilarating to be able to spend quality time with such a lovely group of people, to watch the mothers and daughters bond and become even closer during this trip, to meet new people and embrace relationships. For me, the highlight was seeing the interaction between the children in our care and the girls.”

British Emunah is now planning its Mother and Daughter Israel Trip 2024. For more details, please email sharon@emunah.org.uk