By Simon McIlwaine, Co-director of Anglican Friends of Israel
The tour focussed on the rich diversity that is Israel today, with an emphasis on the educational and cultural richness. For me, a highlight was the visit to Bar-Ilan, where both a commitment to traditional religious values and cutting edge work in the medical and life sciences are fostered to the benefit of all, regardless of race or creed.
We felt very strongly that our philanthropic impulses were reenergised in Israel, and I was particularly impressed with the Community Mental Health Clinic run at Bar Ilan which caters for those sectors of Israeli society, both Jewish and Arab, which would struggle to pay for psychiatric services. We met Tel Aviv Mayor (Ron Huldai) and had briefings by Gil Hoffman from the Jerusalem Post and with David Horowitz. We visited Mount Herzl in Jerusalem and the graves of Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin and (Belfast born) Chaim Herzog. On a visit to Bakery 29 in Tel Aviv-the profits from which help care for lone soldiers of the IDF- we met founder Netta Korin, in Jaffa met with Israeli artist Frank Meisler and had a tour and briefing at the Knesset with MK Otniel Schneller of Kadima.