"I felt that going on this mission would be a great experience ", says Rebecca Scharfstien, aged 24 of Canada, "Meeting people from Jewish communities all over the world, finding out what they are doing for Israel and what more I could do is a part of why I came".

Communities of all sizes were represented. Large ones, such as Australia, Canada and France, as well as smaller ones from countries like Luxembourg, Portugal and Greece.

Seeing them all together, one truly understands that all these separate communities are parts of one collective. Izi Parente, aged 28, of Greece says that "being here together we are building a chain". "For people here, coming from different places, Israel is a gesher (bridge in Hebrew) and we are all on it together".

 The four day program was varied and most attractive.

Among other things, the participants got the chance to visit KH's projects in Beer-Sheva, and witnessed first hand the amazing work being done in the city's absorption centers. While still in the south, the mission received a warm welcome from the soldiers of the Shivta army base near Sde Boker, then experienced the real Zionism in the Negev, during the visit to Ayalim student village, supported by Keren Hayesod, in Ashalim. The long and amazing day was concluded in a David Broza concert in the desert.

 On the third day, together with the Keren Hayesod 2008 International World Conference, there was a joint reception with President Shimon Peres at the President's Residence, in honor of the recipient of the KH's Goldstein Prize, Mr. Harvey Wolfe. 

At the most emotional event, the mission participants met with Staff Sergeant Dimitry (Dima) Kamshilin and Roey Granitza. During the Second Lebanon War, when and Israeli tank was hit by a missile, Dima did not hesitate to dive into the tank to rescue Roey, a soldier trapped inside, who was thought to be dead. For his act of heroism, Dima was awarded The Chief of Staff Citation. The participants were very moved to see a movie, telling the story, and to meet the two of them in person. Hearing their personal story, that was followed by the speech and appeal by Director General Greg Masel. 

This moving event was followed by the screening of the Oscar nominee Israeli movie "Beaufort" and the meeting with the real commander, on whom the movie was based, Rotem Yair.    

The last day included an emotional visit to Yad Vashem, "It was truly moving. People had tears in their eyes" testifies Steve Eichler of Canada, who, while admittedly is slightly cynical at times, says that his experiences on this mission "melted away cynicism".

 This rare event, during which KH Young Leadership from all over the globe come together in one place, served as an ideal opportunity to award, with three special honors, YL Sydney, Australia, Amsterdam Holland and San Paolo, Brazil, for their dedication and outstanding efforts on behalf of the KH-UIA and for the State of Israel.

While originating from so many different countries, speaking a variety of languages and coming from diverse backgrounds, the members of the Yachdav mission all have in common a wish to further deepen their connection with Israel and enhance their relationship with their heritage, their people and the State of Israel, through involvement with Keren Hayesod-UIA activities.