By Rochelle Rubinoff
When Erin and Elliot Molk participated in a Jewish National Fund-USA mission in March, it was not the first time they had traveled to Israel, but it may have been the visit that left the most lasting impact.
Ever since October 7, the Molks had felt the need to go to Israel and help in any way possible. “We almost immediately just felt this pull to go there and to be there with the people of Israel and to support our family and friends and to support the country,” Erin said.
Elliot and Molk
In December 2023, when they heard that Jewish National Fund-USA missions were starting up again with a focus on volunteering, they signed up. They were eager for meaningful opportunities to give back during this very difficult time.
Their mission consisted of over 160 participants, equaling five buses of committed volunteers. Their days were full of hard work, from morning to night. From clearing weeds from a cauliflower field in the South to preparing 450 meals for IDF soldiers at Noor, a Druze restaurant in the North; and paying their respect and bearing witness to the atrocities that occurred at the Nova Music Festival.
“The country really needs hands-on help,” Erin said. “The farms are suffering because the workers are gone. So many businesses are suffering because all their employees were called up into the military. So that was one of the things that we really were interested in doing was to physically help.”
Upon their return to Chicago, they sent an email to their friends and family, highlighting some of their key takeaways.
Their message stressed the importance of “bearing witness to the atrocities that were perpetuated on October 7.” Additionally, they shared their first-hand experience describing that, “Israelis have great resolve, but they are hurting. Our presence was comforting and a needed reminder they are not alone.” And finally, they emphasized that, “Tourism has collapsed. We need to help stem that tide…take your holiday vacation now, in Israel.”
Like many of their fellow mission participants, the Molks were impressed to discover the breadth and scope of all that Jewish National Fund-USA does, both before and since October 7.
Not surprisingly, they both felt that there was a heaviness during the time they were there in comparison to their many previous visits. “Wonderful guides and docents at sites were just opening up about how the war is impacting them on a personal level,” Elliot said. “The lively, youthful dining scene in Tel Aviv is punctuated with hostage remembrances.”
Both Erin and Elliot urge anyone who is thinking of going on a mission to do it, “There is a strong need to do something, to feel as connected as possible to our brothers and sisters in Israel,” Elliot said. “You’ll be way better for it and you’ll move the needle in a good direction for Israelis.”
Erin agreed, “The response from Israelis was so overwhelming. They were so great, so grateful that we were there.”
