One of my first memorable Federation experiences was when I went on a young adult mission to Israel 11 years ago. I’d never been to Israel. I was hesitant to leave my children but something in me said “just go, it will be worth it.” And, it was! Israel was simply beautiful. It moved me.

Here in Jerusalem, the conditions are all too familiar with people expressing gratitude for my coming despite the current situation. I have been here many times during terrorist attacks. This time, however, feels a bit different because the terror is coming from seemingly random attackers, unorganized, but deadly just the same. People continue to go about their business but look around more carefully as they walk on the street, changing familiar routes.

Brancha, an Ethiopian-Israeli girl, was in ninth grade when her mother died. She was suddenly alone, and her grades plummeted. She was placed in a low-performing vocational high school where she did not belong.

Show your support for Israel. Click on the images below to print your own "Cleveland Loves Israel" and "We Stand with Israel" signs. We stand with Israel.

It’s a collection of instruments that has an inspiring connection to history and to the people who played them. And for the next few months they are here is Cleveland. Dawn Kendrick has the story behind the Violins of Hope.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is honored to be a partner in the Violins of Hope program, one of our most meaningful collaborations to date. Visit violinsofhopecle.org to see all events open to the public.