Generations: Quotes

When I was 11 years old I took part in a "Jewish Day" ceremony at the Chicago World's Fair. We had wands with the American flag on one end and the [Israeli] flag on the other. It was 65 years ago and I still remember the thrill.
Geraldine Spivak, Thousand Oaks, CA

I consider Israel and Aliyah to be my constant love and hope, and look forward to my... return!
Sara Shapiro-Plevan, New York, NY

I have been a member of Hadassah since the age of 16.
Miriam Landres, Beverly Hills, CA

I taught English in Safed, Kiryat Shmonah and Kibbutz Daphna.
Jeff Kondritzer, Wheeling, IL

Grandmother introduced me to the JNF box which I use to this day.
Jeannette Ruderman, Hollywood, FL

My husband... and I worked underground prior to 1948 raising money and supplies for Irgun.
Frances Littman, Hallandale, FL

We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and $2,000 in gifts went for JNF
Mrs. Samuel Zeliger, South Fallsburg, NY

As a child, I went out with "the blue box" soliciting for Keren Kayemeth.
Dan Shapiro, Brooklyn, NY

Each and every trip to Israel is reliving the miracle.... Our collective accomplishments give rise to unparalleled pride. Playing even a small part in this endeavor is the greatest satisfaction which I have in my life.
Ivan Michael Schaeffer, Kensington, MD

Volunteered... to teach English in Beit Shemesh with Yad B'Yad program.
Bobbie Schaffer, Des Plaines, IL

Wherever I live... Israel will always be my home.
Samantha Lazarus, Chicago, IL

Was the mazkira of Habonim Dror North America for two years (1996-1998).
Esther Lederman, New York, NY

Following my first visit to Israel in 1971, I became a devoted Zionist. From that time on, Israel and working for its support have been essential parts of my life. I love Israel!
Jack A. Serber, Bethesda, MD

I was named for my grandfather, Charles Wainman. He was an ardent Zionist.... I now work for the Atlanta Jewish Federation.
Debi Shendelman, Dunwoody, GA

My interest [in] Israel goes back to the age of 6 in Poland... our hopes and prayers were to have our own state. I still remember my Keren Kayemeth pushke.
Goldie Spector, Bronx, NY

I conducted a Seder in an army base, Golani, in 1974.
J. Mitchell Orlian, Brooklyn, NY

Volunteering on Kibbutz Barkai was one of the most rewarding and outstanding memories of my life. I loved the work, the way of life and the environment.
Lois Linker, Cherry Hill, NJ

As an MSW, I volunteered at a residential treatment center for retarded children in Acco, Israel during the Gulf War 1991.
Elaine Marks, Greenwich, CT

My grandfather Joseph Herzl, born in Hungary, was a cousin of Theodor Herzl.
Norma Wilbur, Boynton Beach, FL

My parents met in a Zionist movement (Habonim-Dror).... Their memories of camp and community are cherished and still talked about frequently. They instilled in me the same values they learned and also sent me to a Zionist camp (Tel Yehudah). It was the best! It inspired a lifelong love of Israel and Jewishness.
Joelle Sophia Schneider, New York, NY

I volunteered in Safed as a teacher of English to children injured in the Ma'alot terrorist attack.
Geraldine Schneeberg, Elkins Park, PA

I was active in Junior Hadassah and attended its convention in Washington, DC when the Partition Plan was approved on November 29, 1949. I remember the dancing and singing -- the night of exhilaration and joy.
Shirley Lyon Zionts, Pittsburgh, PA

My parents were ardent Zionists and were friends of Golda Meir. My mother co-founded Jewish National Fund and Pioneer Women (now Na'amat) in St. Paul.
Leah Fenick, St. Paul, MN

I created the first professional organization for Jewish nurses in the U.S. in order to establish a partnership with the Hadassah Jerusalem nurses and work together to enhance the nursing profession in Israel.
Nancy Falchuk, Newton, MA

In 1947, I was recruited by [the] Haganah to serve on the illegal ships that ran the British blockade between Italy and Palestine.... Our first time out, we were captured by the British and interned in Cypress.
Paul Kaye, Valley Stream, NY

Organized 2,500 people from my community to travel to Washington, DC to rally on behalf of the release of Soviet Jews.
Faith Weinstein, Pittsburgh, PA