Traveling the world is something many people dream of: Seeing the Eiffel Tower light up in Paris, posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, walking the Great Wall of China – there are so many choices of places to go, things to see, and people to meet.

As a member of the Federation's Overseas Connections Committee (OCC), and former Roslyn Z. Wolf JDC International Fellows stationed in St. Petersburg, Russia back in 2006-2007, my husband Matt and I have seen firsthand the life-changing work that the Cleveland Jewish community conducts through its partnership overseas in Russia. However, we recently had a chance to see first-hand the work that our community does to support our other sister city in Beit Shean, Israel.

“The train arriving in a place like this is a game changer.”

An evening of togetherness, laughter…and food!

Visiting Israeli cook Bat Zion Yona picked up a piece of Josie Peric's savory, Croatian-style strudel and gave it a taste.

Etty Valinaamat usually opens her home to cook for others. In addition to being a high school baking teacher, she runs a bakery in her hometown of Beit Shean, Israel, where guests are invited to “eat and pray.”

Hi, my name is Sammie Jacobs. I was born and raised in Beachwood, and will be a Senior at Case Western Reserve University this fall. I participated on Onward Israel this past summer, and was one of 42 Clevelanders who went on Onward this year.

Channel your time, energy, and talents! IMPACT! is offering a hands-on volunteer mission for Jewish Clevelanders age 50+. Join us! Immerse yourself in Israeli life while volunteering in Beit Shean/Valley of Springs, Cleveland’s sister city in Israel.

Hi, my name is Sammie Jacobs. I was born and raised in Beachwood, and will be a Senior at Case Western Reserve University this fall. I participated on Onward Israel this past summer, and was one of 42 Clevelanders who went on Onward this year.