Dear readers,
Our names are Sam and Allie and we are Roshei Gefen. We are really excited to tell you about this past week’s Shabbat guest, Danny Danon. Danon was previously Israel’s Deputy Minister of Defense and is currently Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Every week our Shabbat guest speaks to staff during a Friday night oneg and we were both honored to attend. Danon began his speech by explaining Israel’s relationship with the surrounding nations. He then moved onto discuss the logistical considerations that Israel must make when it comes to international relations. He then discussed domestic affairs in Israel and emphasized the significance of the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem. He ended the speech by talking specifically about his role in the UN and his close relationship with the American delegation. He acknowledged that many people around the world are concerned for the future of world politics but assured the large audience that came to listen to have hope. According to Danon, we should be hopeful about what is to come for Israel both domestically and in regards to the the country’s international standing.
After Danon’s informative speech he made sure there was lots of time for questions. The audience inquired about a whole range of topics from the implications of the embassy move to the future of the American-Israeli relationship. Danon praised the discourse in the room and encouraged all of us to start such complex conversations in our lives beyond camp. The whole audience left the room with lots of food for thought and conversations about Israel and Danon continued until curfew.
We are very thankful for Danon’s visit and look forward to seeing him again next year.
B’ahava and Shabbat Shalom,
Sam Sheldon and Allie Abels
