TEL AVIV, August 23 (Itar-Tass) — A group of children from Krymsk and nearby villages hit by devastating floods in July this year has arrived in Israel for recreation and rehabilitation. A source at the Russian Jewish Congress told Itar-Tass that the young Russians would stay in Israel until September 5.
The charitable action was organized by the Russian Jewish Congress jointly with the Kuban Tourist firm that paid for the air tickets. Forty-six children aged 10-14 from the Krymsk Orthodox Sunday school arrived in the Holy Land. They are accompanied by several adults, Benni Briskin, the executive director of the Russian Jewish Congress, said.
The children will have a busy sightseeing program that includes visits to holy places. They will be received at the Russian spiritual mission in Jerusalem.
“We want to give these children the sea, the Sun and joy in order to distract them from a shock which they have experienced. Besides, their trip to the Holy Land, the center of three religions, will be of great spiritual value for them. It’s also important for us that this project will become another step to strengthening ties between the peoples of Russia and Israel. These ties should strengthen not only at the level of governments but also among humans from a very young age,” Briskin went on to say.
“We want the children to have a good rest and get acquainted with the country and its people. We want them to see their friendliness and hospitality. We hope they will have a good memory of Israel, Jerusalem, the Jewish people and their religion,” Briskin said.