The last day of the Belev Echad trip began with yet another surprise—former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani was waiting to eat breakfast with us. He thanked the soldiers for their service and acknowledged that the US and Israel are fighting a common enemy: terrorism. “Thank you very, very much for what you’re doing because by defending Israel you’re also defending America,” he said. He took a photograph with the soldiers and sent it to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Afterwards we traveled to the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, in Queens. Everyone had the opportunity to pray and pour out their hearts.
Later that evening we had a goodbye party at Talia’s Steakhouse on the Upper West Side. But even though the 10-day trip came to an end, it wasn’t really goodbye. The friendships and bonds that were forged here, will continue for years to come.
