ZOA 1957 Israel Trip
The ZOA House in Tel Aviv was sold by the ZOA in 1993
(but still called the ZOA House until today)
“ Today I went on a tour of Netanya with the ZOA group. It is an Industrial suburb of Tel Aviv.”
“ We toured the plants of Elite the chocolate company & were given free samples. We then had lunch with the mayor who told us how the city doesn't have a Socialist regime but rather is completely run on an American Capitalistic System.”
August 28, 1957
“As I told you before I met another American from the ZOA group who is staying in Israel for a little while after the regular group leaves... We are hiring a jeep here & an Israeli who works in the Heletz oil fields, but will be on vacation next week is going also.”
August 16, 1957
David's Comments
Since an early age, my father was a volunteer and later a board member of the ZOA
My father's 1957 letter sent from ZOA House, Tel Aviv
What is the ZOA ?
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is the first official Zionist organization in the United States established in 1897 and gives supporters of Israel living in the United States the opportunity to help Israel from abroad and gives supporters of Israel living in the United States the opportunity to help Israel from abroad. The ZOA taught Bob two important lessons: the necessity to fight for Israel even while living in the United States, and the importance of working with others rather than working alone. The ZOA also taught Bob the importance of working with Congress and influencing public opinion.
ZOA – 1957 Summer Trip effect on Bob
In 1957 when Bob heard that the ZOA was organizing summer trips to Israel, he decided to fly to Israel and surprise his girlfriend Elaine who was in Israel on a trip with Young Hadassah. This 1957 trip to Israel which was my father’s first trip to Israel had a profound effect on my father. He built a stronger bond with the State of Israel and a stronger bond with his girlfriend Elaine later my mom. The ZOA first trip to Israel was one of the most important things effecting my father’s life. By the 38 letters that my father wrote one could see how organized the trip was.
The ZOA House in Israel
For many years the ZOA House in Tel-Aviv served as a focal center for overseas youth groups and an activist center for Zionist youth groups in Israel. Unfortunately, it was closed in 1993 due to financial considerations.
Today things have much improved and many ZOA supporter, including my father feel now is the time to reopen a ZOA Center in Israel.
1957 vs today
In 1957, my father’s 38 letters show how organized the tour was. The Tour was very organized and lasted more than 30 days. In those days, the ZOA House in Tel-Aviv was an active center Zionist youth groups.
Today, the ZOA continues to organize tours to Israel but they are usually only 10 days which my father feels is not long enough to see the country. My dad as a board member of the ZOA is very proud to be helping to sponsor youth trips to Israel which include taking the youth to Judea, Samaria, Gaza and the e Golan Heights.
LINKS:
Mort Klein, President of ZOA interview on Bob Jacobs: https://vimeo.com/453018448
My father started to be active in ZOA in
Picture of ZOA House in Tel Aviv
Pictures on Side – Picture of Elite Chocolate Factory
ZOA selling the Tel Aviv ZOA House in 2003
Picture of Mort Klein
Picture of ZOA Logo