“The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has always been my connection to Israel.  I believe in participating actively and monetarily with JNF,” began Len Podheiser.

Podheiser and 12 members of his family recently returned from a family mission organized by the Jewish National Fund where they had an amazing time touring northern Israel. While Podheiser and his wife Ruth Carol have visited Israel approximately 15 times, the trip was a first for their grandchildren.

“Our objective was to show our grandchildren the history of the Jewish people. The trip was well worth it.

“We took them to the Kotel (Wailing Wall) and saw birds perched on the branches of trees growing in the wall.  Our grandson said, ‘Look, even the birds are praying at the wall.’

“We also showed them our contributions to JNF at Canada Park. We looked to our family plaque as an example of what we would like them to do in the future.”

The family also visited the Hula Valley, the Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikra, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They spent a day climbing to Masada and a day swimming in the Dead Sea - two of the trip’s many highlights.

One of Len’s favourite parts of the trip was when his family visited Israel Aerospace Industries, one of the largest drone factories in the world. 

“We had a private tour of this very high security factory,” he said, thanking fellow Winnipegger Mel Lazareck for organizing the tour.

He also thanked Ze’ev Kedem (Director of Development, KKL) for coordinating a tour of a jet and helicopter air force base.

“It was no Disneyland, but it was very gratifying,” he laughed, adding that his grandchildren loved the exclusive tours they received. The trip kept the entire family engaged and in awe despite their age differences.

When asked what the best part of trip was Podheiser chose being able to share Israel with his grandchildren and see everything through their eyes.

“It is so important to show them our history.  Our grandkids were amazed – they want to go back and see the South. It is important for us to hear that they want to go back.  It is music to our ears,” he spoke on behalf of his wife and himself.

“We are very grateful to JNF for organizing the trip,” Podheiser concluded, adding that he wanted to give a special thank-you to Sharon Lehrer (Marketing Director with JNF Canada) for scheduling a mini-bus with a big sign proclaiming “Podheiser Family Mission” to drive them around on their trip complete with their own driver and guide.

In addition to organizing family missions, the JNF also organizes missions open to all Canadians eager to tour Israel – such as the upcoming “Mega Mission.”  This special mission will bring together people from all JNF countries to experience the true spirit of Israel together from May 12-May 20, 2015.  For more information, please contact the Jewish National Fund at [email protected] or 204-947-0207.