Since 1978, Beit Halochem Canada has welcomed an annual Group Visit of 10 injured Israeli veterans, all Beit Halochem members, for two weeks to Toronto. Our guests are hosted in families’ homes, with the participation of co-hosts. This year, our Group Visit took place from May 19 through June 2, 2019.
A dedicated committee planned an itinerary filled with attractions and outings which included our visitors flying over Toronto and floating under Niagara Falls. The Visit also included a huge amount of hospitality as community members generously hosted BBQs, intimate dinners, a day at camp, and a foot-stompin’ hoe-down! This year’s group had the incredible fortune to walk alongside 30,000 others in “UJA Walk with Israel” (less than 24 hours after their arrival) and sharing the city’s joy of the Toronto Raptors making it to the NBA finals.
The Visit, enjoyable for everyone – from our wounded warriors to the hosting families to the hard-working committee to the communities of Hamilton, Kingston, and Toronto who welcomed them throughout their stay – is also a significant part of the ongoing rehabilitation process. It strengthens ties between the Israeli heroes and our community. It is a time to say “thank you” for what they have done – and continue to do – on our behalf. It is our opportunity to demonstrate the love, respect, and admiration we feel for them and all who have been injured while defending Israel.
Year after year, our guests arrive as strangers (even to each other; this group came from all corners of Israel), quickly become friends, and leave us as family. We thank this year’s host and co-host families for welcoming our guests into their homes and hearts, as well as the committee which worked so hard to plan this life-altering two weeks.
We wish our Montreal chapter the same outstanding experience when it hosts its own Group Visit in the fall.
Shalom chaverim!
(Click a thumbnail above to view the full image.)