Shalom (Hello). My name is Kobi Dostakam, and I am proud to be a Colonel in the IDF and head of the 2015 IDF delegation to Cleveland. I am married to Marina, have four children and have been serving in the IDF for 26 years. Tonight, we mark Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel.

Israeli singer-songwriter and musician Idan Raichel recalls having a warm feeling when his band, the Idan Raichel Project, made its Cleveland debut in February 2013 at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Ever since the Israelis left, we’ve been counting down the days until we see them again. Reuniting with our Israelis is one of the many reasons we’re anxious for our 10-day mission.

As a member of icnext, I was given an opportunity to view Israel as an insider and abandon my tourist outlook on the country. I accomplished this goal of connecting and engaging with Israel by living with the Dalal family in Beit She'an.

Throughout our Israel trip, each one of us has seen so many unique people and places. There is no way to recreate once-in-a-lifetime experiences

No words can adequately describe the suffering of those who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. And, no words can adequately describe the heartache felt by the hundreds of Cleveland community members who join together each year to listen to survivors tell their stories at Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah, on Holocaust Remembrance Day. We created this video in partnership with Kol Israel Foundation to share the importance of Holocaust education. Today, children survivors are nearing the end of their lives and we won’t be able to hear their stories firsthand forever. Please watch and share as we say “Never Again.”

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland continued 90+ year tradition by recognizing the recipient of the distinguished Charles Eisenman Award for exceptional civic contributions: Harley I. Gross. The Federation honored Harley at the 111th Annual Meeting on April 14 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation.

700+ filled the room and tuned in via Live Stream to celebrate the strength of our community at our 111th Annual Meeting!

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland continued 90+ year tradition by recognizing the recipient of the distinguished Charles Eisenman Award for exceptional civic contributions: Harley I. Gross. The Federation honored Harley at the 111th Annual Meeting on April 14 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation.