As more time has gone by since our Desert Queen expedition and I have had more time to reflect, recognizing that the impact instead of weakening has definitely strengthened.

I keep telling everyone who wants to listen the funny, moving and challenging stories of our adventure. What was most amazing about this experience is that it not only was this the perfect partnership between the UJA federation Partnership 2000 and Malcat Hamidbar, but that it reflected exactly what I believe the Partnership 2000 project stands for.

At least I know that the Rodeph Sholom partnership with Kehilat Kol Haneshama has the same impact, the building of  true and meaningful relationships between its participants.

Just as the women of Malcat Hamidbat 60:60, through an amazing shared experience developed lifelong friendships and connections, so did the teens and families of Rodeph Sholom and Kol Haneshama. These connection will survive the test of time, just as they did in our partnership with Kol Haneshama. Our families and teens stay in touch and visit each other when visiting Israel and  the US.

I don’t know of any program that has more impact and creates more cooperation and understanding between the people of Israel and the Diaspora than the Partnership 2000 project.

As we are aiming to expand our partnership from the teens to young professionals, my vision is the see these young people from both countries grow into leadership positions and contribute to the connection, understanding, cooperation and friendship of the Jewish people all over this world.

Tirza