IT’S UP TO
US TO
UNTIL THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
OF OFAKIM AND MERCHAVIM
The Magic Flute
Papageno the bird hunter sets out in search of Princess Pamina to Sarastro’s kingdom. Along the way, he meets the Queen of the Night and her three mysterious assistants, and even finds love. Mozart’s beloved opera in a colorful and entertaining version and a special arrangement for children in Hebrew – translated by Ehud Manor.
Building Jewish life through belonging and connection to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
IT’S UP TO
US TO
The Magic Flute
Papageno the bird hunter sets out in search of Princess Pamina to Sarastro’s kingdom. Along the way, he meets the Queen of the Night and her three mysterious assistants, and even finds love. Mozart’s beloved opera in a colorful and entertaining version and a special arrangement for children in Hebrew – translated by Ehud Manor.
UNTIL THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
OF OFAKIM AND MERCHAVIM
Building Jewish life through belonging and connection to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
The Magic Flute
Papageno the bird hunter sets out in search of Princess Pamina to Sarastro’s kingdom. Along the way, he meets the Queen of the Night and her three mysterious assistants, and even finds love. Mozart’s beloved opera in a colorful and entertaining version and a special arrangement for children in Hebrew – translated by Ehud Manor.
- Sept/Oct 1995: Partnership 2000 program launches.
- Oct 1, 1995: “Opar” textile factory closes.
- Nov 1, 1995: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin assassinated.
- Nov/Dec 1995: Shimon Peres visits Ofakim.
- Dec 1995: Development push begins with key calls/visits.
- Visit to Israel and see desire for partnership.
- Creation of partnership with Ofakim and Merchavim.
- The Solidarity Event: A solidarity mission from New Jersey is in Israel, launching the Erez program partnership on the exact day of the 9/11 terrorism attack. The delegation held a memorial rally in Merchavim, offering a sense of "home" and a "hug, creating a physical and emotional safe space
- New and unusual partnership forms between GMW and Hurfeish, a Druze border village.
- Alliance strengthens over time; partnership support helps sustain life under fire along the northern border.
- Isha Center is created; supports hundreds across age groups.
- May 5, 2011: Laulicht family dedicates a center for at-risk teens & younger children (homework, counseling, hot meal).
- Nov 6, 2018: Nearly 500 GMW members gather in Israel to sing “One Day.”
- Sept 22, 2019: Cycling2Gether program brings 12 cyclists to NJ; Yigal Iluz participated.
- Jan 21, 2022: Partnership communities acknowledgement video.
- Nov 16, 2022: 25 years of partnership — programs & development in Ofakim–Merchavim.
- Solidarity and support in times of war.
- Feb 2–4, 2026: Lay leaders visiting Ofakim and Merchavim.
- 2025–2026: 30-year celebration all year!
- In the aftermath of October 7, Federation is partnering with the Ofakim municipality to build a new resilience center to meet the city’s mental health and trauma relief needs.
With heart and ruach (spirit), we build enduring relationships with partner communities in Israel and around the world. We foster personal connections – living bridges – that support diverse Jewish expression and continuity for generations to come.
Rebecca Gold
Immediate Past Chair, Global Connections
The people have been through so much not just these past two years, but their whole lives. Being far away we need to provide whatever support we can, emotionally and financially so that we as one people survive and thrive.
Michael Belfer
Living Bridges Lead, Global Connections
As we celebrate 30 years of Partnership2Gether, it’s remarkable to reflect on how far we’ve come. What began as a “big brother/sister” relationship has grown into true mishpacha—family.
Lori Klinghoffer
Board of Trustees Member, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ
I am so proud of all the Greater MetroWest has done, all that Ofakim and Merchavim have done. I couldn't be more proud of the cooperation, the successes, the challenges, the love, and the warmth that these communities all feel for each other.
Barbara Drench
Board of Trustees Member, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ
Our Federation helped facilitate Middletown Nj and Ofakim IL become sister cities. Though Middletown is not in our catchment area, we worked on this and Ofakim is our partner.
Martin Yafe
Director, Global Connections
We are involved in developing two community gardens in Ofakim: one is part of the Meshiv Haruach משיב הרוח collaboration with JDC. Strengthening individual and community resilience. The other one is in the Kibbutz Galuyot neigborhood, the most veteran one in town that is now going through an urban development process, through Jindas (Manof) emphasizing social aspects and empowerment for the residents. I think both can benefit from any amount raised.
Michal Zur
Executive Director, GMW Israel Office
Visit our main website at jfedgmw.org