Letter From Emily 6/1/24

Shalom Good Hope Family Fellowship, 

I hope and pray you are all doing well. I'm looking forward to seeing you all in person in just a couple months now!

I was privileged to have several very special experiences in the month of May, and I have been looking forward to sharing them with you as each event happened.

The first is Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). Late morning that day, the BFP staff stood outside our building facing the streets with Israeli flags in hand. Right at 10:30, a siren sounded and silence fell over the busy streets. Those that were driving stopped where they were, stepped out of their vehicles with their hand on their heart. We all stood there, alarm sounding and all thoughts on the victims of the Holocaust. As soon as the siren ended, the business continued as if it had never been paused. 

The very next week there were two days that took place one after the other, but are so drastically different. First is Yom HaZikaron—sorry Dad, you're doing great— which is Israel's Memorial Day. This is a day that is always spent mourning all those who have been lost in the many persecutions Israel has faces throughout history. As we can all imagine, there was a lot more mourning this year. So many lives lost. People of all ages. Once again, we stood outside the BFP Building with Israeli flags and banners. The siren sounded, business ceased, thoughts united and then life continued. 

The very next day, Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) begins. You see family and friends get together to barbecue, throw Frisbees and balls around and celebrate their freedom. It was fun to see them celebrating just like we would back home. 

Finally, I had the opportunity to visit the Knesset (Israel’s Parliment). It was a really neat experience getting to be there. They had a copy of their Declaration of Independence and many beautiful art pieces that we got to learn about. The best part was sitting in the very room where they discuss and vote on issues. 

All in all, I have felt so privileged to have these experiences. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I can't wait to see you all.

Blessings, 

Emily