Walking the Streets of Jerusalem and Showing Support

Assemblyman Dov Hikind is visiting Israel on a solidarity trip in light of the spate of terrorist attacks in the past few weeks. Hikind said that his message in traveling to Israel is simple: “I am here to express support and give chizuk to Israelis as well as the thousands of Americans who are currently studying in Israel. It’s important to be cautious—but to not be afraid.”

On the first day of his trip, Assemblyman Hikind walked the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem in a show of support and davened at the Kotel for the peace and security of Israel. Along the way, he stopped to talk with and thank IDF soldiers who are on the front lines, protecting the city. Hikind also visited Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh, which is located right near the Western Wall Plaza in the Old City of Jerusalem, meeting with the roshei yeshiva and the American students studying there. Hikind also had the opportunity to visit the highest lookout point where soldiers are stationed to protect worshippers and visitors to the Kotel area.

Another stop on the itinerary was a tour of United Hatzolah headquarters, a non-profit group composed of volunteer first-responders. Hikind said, “I was blown away by their lifesaving work in medical emergencies and terror attacks.” Later, Hikind visited the site of the most recent attack near the Jerusalem Central Bus Terminal.

On the second day of his trip, Assemblyman Hikind plans to visit the families of victims of terror. You can follow Assemblyman Hikind on Twitter at @HikindDov to see updates from his trip.

Photo Credit: Heshy Rubinstein

Landing in Israel

Upon arriving to Israel, Assemblyman Hikind poses with American students who were traveling on the plane with him.

On the way to the Kotel, Assemblyman Hikind thanks IDF soldiers who are protecting the area and the people of Israel.

While davening at the Kotel, Assemblyman Hikind met IDF soldier Zach Heller, originally from Midwood, Brooklyn in the Assemblyman’s district.

Celebrating Bar Mitzvahs at the Kotel

Meeting IDF Soldiers Protecting Jerusalem

Overlooking the Kotel plaza with one of the soldiers who protects and safeguards the area.

Visiting Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh

Assemblyman Hikind paid a visit to Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in the Old City of Jerusalem which is literally right near the Kotel. He met Roshei Yeshiva Rav Aharon Bina and Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl (former Chief Rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem), and American students studying there.

Visiting United Hatzalah Headquarters

Assemblyman Hikind toured United Hatzalah headquarters with Dovie Maisel, Director of International Operations, to see first-hand the work they do in responding to medical emergencies and terror attacks.

00000