January 25, 2007 / 6 Shevat 5767

The UJC-National Women's Philanthropy Mission visited the Tzahal 9 Absorption Center in Safed on Jan. 24, 2007. The women's mission met in the bomb shelter and were addressed by Jonathan Freedman, director of the absorption center. They had the opportunity to hear first hand reports from several new immigrants. One Ethiopian immigrant recounted his harrowing experience of finding himself under fire shortly after coming to Israel. The group learned of the heroic acts of the absorption center staff who undertook the care of new immigrants around the clock throughout the thirty four days of war.  They also heard from a parent who thanked them on behalf of the IEC efforts for taking his children to safe summer camps in the center of the country.

A special treat was in store for the mission at the end of their visit. As a gesture of traditional home hospitality and welcome for the guests, a new immigrant prepared coffee and served special Ethiopian holiday bread, known as "Buna" and "Dabu".