{"id":7326,"date":"2025-06-03T08:43:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=7326"},"modified":"2025-06-05T14:03:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T18:03:01","slug":"reflections-from-israel-a-union-journey-of-solidarity-struggle-and-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-43-no-5\/reflections-from-israel-a-union-journey-of-solidarity-struggle-and-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflections from Israel: A Union Journey of Solidarity, Struggle, and Hope\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_7329\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7329\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7329 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Header.jpg\" alt=\"Reflections from Israel: A Union Journey of Solidarity, Struggle, and Hope\u00a0\" width=\"1200\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Header.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Header-300x96.jpg 300w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Header-1024x329.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Header-768x246.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7329\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">PEF Vice President Darlene Williams and Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O&#8217;Connor were part of a delegation that traveled to the Middle East in May as part of a cultural exchange rooted in the labor movement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><em>June 5, 2025 &#8212;<\/em> In early May, Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O\u2019Connor and I had the honor of traveling to Israel and Jerusalem to engage in a powerful exchange on union leadership. Our goal was to deepen our understanding of what it means to be a union member in this part of the world\u2014through learning, cultural exploration, and honest dialogue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">From the moment we landed to our departure, our schedule was packed with opportunities to learn about the labor movement in Israel, the cultural and political context, and what union leadership looks like across borders. It was a full itinerary dedicated to growth, connection, and reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As someone who isn\u2019t Jewish and whose relationship with religion sometimes wavers, I came into this experience with an open mind and a strong heart\u2014grounded in my unwavering commitment to unionism. This was not a vacation. It wasn\u2019t a \u201cunion junket.\u201d It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow as a leader and bring back new perspectives that will inform and strengthen our work at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A heartfelt thank you to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ujafedny.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">UJA Federation New York<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jcrcny.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for recognizing our union and the vital role labor plays in shaping the social and economic fabric of New York State. Their support and partnership made this journey possible\u2014and meaningful. Thank you also to the universe and to PEF President Wayne Spence for making space for two strong African-American women and union leaders to take part in this extraordinary experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 2: Leadership in Crisis, Strength in Unity<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our day in Jerusalem began with an intense discussion led by Mr. Nadav Hodorov, a prominent Israeli economic journalist. His serious tone reflected the urgency of his message: Israel\u2019s economy is buckling under the weight of war. Inflation is rising, community trust is eroding, and public sector workers\u2014nurses, teachers, civil servants\u2014are being denied wage increases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We then visited the Knesset, Israel\u2019s legislative body, where we met Dr. Mansour Abbas, head of the United Arab List (Ra\u2019am). A trained dentist turned political bridge-builder, Dr. Abbas shared his concerns about the war\u2019s impact on working people, particularly tradesmen and laborers. The unions here are under immense pressure to protect jobs amid halted infrastructure and stalled contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Later, we visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Standing in that sacred space, I realized Jesus wasn\u2019t just a spiritual figure\u2014he was an organizer. He gathered the poor, spoke truth to power, and led a justice-rooted movement. Like a union leader, his work was grounded in service, solidarity, and sacrifice. As we walked the Via Dolorosa, we were reminded that leadership in hard times demands empathy, conviction, and a willingness to walk through suffering with others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That night, we shared stories about labor in Israel and looked ahead to more conversations with union leaders like Peter Lerner, Director General of the International Relations Division at the Histadrut.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tel Aviv and Southern Israel: Grief and Resilience<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We traveled to Kibbutz Be\u2019eri, where homes once full of life were reduced to ash by a terrorist attack. A survivor walked us through the wreckage. He spoke of losing his aunt\u2014a moment that struck me deeply. I know what it is to lose someone close. Grief lingers. It breathes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">From there, we visited the site of the Nova Music Festival\u2014once a place of celebration, now a site of tragedy following the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Yet amidst horror, we heard of humanity: an Arab man saved Jewish youth, risking his own life. A reminder that even when the world divides us, love and courage still connect us.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Later, the sound of bombs overwhelmed me. I stepped away, only to later connect with a fellow traveler over my own grief\u2014the loss of my son, Nicky. When I said his name, she burst into tears. She knew him. She loved him. We were bonded by grief and memory, collapsing the space between us.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We visited the ruins of a police station connected to the Swords of Iron War, where public servants\u2014police officers, paramedics\u2014fought and died defending their communities. These weren\u2019t just uniforms; they were neighbors who died protecting their homes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This day taught us that in devastation, the best of humanity still rises. From strangers saving lives to shared stories of loss, we were reminded that even in brokenness, we are never alone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dinner with Histadrut Leaders: Shared Purpose Across Borders<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That evening, I had the privilege of dining with Gil Bar-Tal and Peter Lerner of the Histadrut, alongside international union leaders. It was a night of insight, unity, and reflection on the future of public sector unions. Sitting next to Gil, I felt like I\u2019d found a kindred spirit. We share a deep commitment to labor rights and a belief in the power of collective voice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A Day at Histadrut: Unity Under One Roof<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We began at the Histadrut headquarters, Israel\u2019s powerful labor federation. Peter Lerner walked us through the halls, sharing how the building was evolving while remaining rooted in solidarity. The vision? All unions\u2014under one roof. Imagine AFL-CIO, AFT, NYSCOPBA, CSEA, PEF, State Troopers\u2014working as one. That kind of unity would shake any government.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We met Chairman Arnon Bar-David. His presence was commanding, his words unforgettable: \u201cI used to turn tables. Now, I make sure I sit at them.\u201d Leadership means forcing your way into the room and becoming the change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Later, we toured a public water treatment plant run solely by unionized workers. No privatization. In a country where water is survival, public service is essential.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We heard stories of teachers striking not for raises\u2014but because they\u2019re losing more by working. Signed contracts are being ignored. War shifts everything. But still, the fight continues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our conversations with Israeli and Arab workers revealed a common desire: a fair wage, job security, and the dignity of a union that fights for them. Across borders and beliefs, the needs are the same.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Syria: A Journey of Faith and Understanding<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On our final day, we journeyed to the Sea of Galilee, following the path of Jesus to the Mount of Beatitudes, where he gave the Sermon on the Mount. We visited Capernaum, Jesus\u2019s hometown, and the Synagogue of St. Peter. The spiritual energy of this place moved me deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We then traveled north to the Golan Heights along the Syrian border and visited Buq\u2019Ata. There, we met courageous Druze women who welcomed us with warmth and stories during lunch. Their resilience in the face of conflict was inspiring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Finally, we visited a soccer field where a Hezbollah rocket had killed 12 children and injured 42. A place once filled with laughter now echoes with memory and loss.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Conclusion: Not About Sides, But Solidarity<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This journey was not about choosing sides. It was about understanding the complex human, social, and political intersections between the labor movements of Israel and the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We came not to judge, but to learn.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">And what I learned is this: War has no winners.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">But unions\u2014unions remind us that even in darkness, there is light. That when we stand together, across borders, cultures, and faiths, we are stronger. That solidarity isn\u2019t just a word\u2014it\u2019s a way forward.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Because in the end, this wasn\u2019t just a trip.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It was a mission.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">And we will carry it home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7331\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Footer.jpg\" alt=\"Reflections from Israel: A Union Journey of Solidarity, Struggle, and Hope\u00a0\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Footer.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Footer-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Footer-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Darlene-Footer-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse;background-color: #dcddde\" cellpadding=\"25\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 80%\">\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #333333\"><strong><span data-teams=\"true\"><span class=\"secondary-btn-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pef.org\/app\/\">Download the new PEF App<\/a><\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #333333\"><strong><span data-teams=\"true\">for the l<\/span><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\"><strong><span data-teams=\"true\">atest union news and resources on the go!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7234\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/PEF-App-Icon-150x150.png\" alt=\"PEF App Icon\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/PEF-App-Icon-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/PEF-App-Icon-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/PEF-App-Icon.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>June 5, 2025 &#8212; In early May, Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O\u2019Connor and I had the honor of traveling to Israel and Jerusalem to engage in a powerful exchange on&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"division":[],"allowed_regions":[],"allowed_divisions":[],"class_list":["post-7326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","issue-volume-43-no-5"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - 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