A Deep Responsibility | Solidarity Trip 2025 Testimony
Suzy Gold writes that our Solidarity Delegation to Israel was not just about seeing Israel for ourselves; it was about connecting with it, supporting it, and becoming ambassadors for truth and unity on returning home.
On Wednesday June 4th, at 7pm, Suzy and others who attended the solidarity trip will be sharing photos and reports of their experiences in Israel at an event in London and online. The event is free to join. You can book tickets for the live stream here:
If you would like to attend the London event in person, please contact us directly for details.
In late April 2025, I had the profound privilege of joining Our Fight, a UK-based delegation of Jews and non-Jews, including several committed Zionists, on a nine-day trip to Israel. The primary purpose of the trip was to demonstrate support for the people of Israel, to deepen our understanding of Zionism and Israeli history, and to witness firsthand the realities faced by the nation in the wake of the October 7th massacre.
Based in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we engaged in a wide range of activities and meetings designed to provide insight, context, and connection. The delegation was made up of individuals shocked and appalled by the recent wave of anti-Semitism sweeping through the UK and around the world. We traveled not only to show solidarity but to actively stand against hatred and misinformation, and to return home with stories that demand to be told.
Yad Vashem
A deeply moving visit to Yad Vashem–Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum–was one of the first major experiences of our trip. There, we attended a Yom HaShoah memorial ceremony, standing in silence with Israelis as we remembered those who perished in the Holocaust. As we stood and contemplated, we met a dedicated volunteer, who generously spent time with us after his shift, offering a personal reflection on resilience and remembrance that left a lasting impression.
Jerusalem
In Jerusalem’s Old City we toured significant sites including the Kotel (Western Wall), connecting spiritually and historically to the heart of the Jewish people.
At the inaugural Jewish News Syndicate Conference, we heard from a range of prominent figures–including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Colonel Richard Kemp and Natasha Hausdorff–who provided a rich, multidimensional view of Israeli politics, security, and society. These conversations brought history to life in ways no book or lecture ever could.
A Little Bit of Heaven
We visited Kibbutz Nirim–deserted, because its community is still relocated to relative safety–where I struggled to reconcile the images from that terrible day with those presented before us; Israeli determination and resilience has been channelled into rebuilding what the Kibbutzniks refer to as their 'little bit of heaven'. Standing on the Gaza border, we physically felt the thuds of nearby explosions—a visceral reminder of the threat Israelis live with daily.
Nova and Yom HaZikaron
At the Nova Festival site and the 'Car Graveyard', we bore witness to the human cost of terrorism, before concluding that day with a Yom HaZikaron ceremony, at which families of fallen soldiers shared their stories alongside members of the Lone Soldier organisation. It was an evening of mourning, but also of national pride and community resilience.
Hostage Square
Once in Tel Aviv, we spent time in Hostage Square, engaging with volunteers, ordinary citizens, and family members of hostages. Their strength, their pain, and their gratitude were palpable. Again and again we told people about Our Fight—our mission, our solidarity, and our shared belief in Zionism and justice. Each time, we were met with open arms, emotional appreciation, and disbelief that such vocal support was coming not only from Jews in the UK, but from non-Jewish allies as well.
Shuva Junction
We also made a brief visit to Shuva Junction, a now semi-permanent aid point for IDF soldiers entering and returning from Gaza. The generosity and community spirit at this location stood as a testament to the nation’s unity in the face of adversity.
Ambassadors for Truth and Unity
Throughout the journey, we met remarkable individuals—guides, soldiers, activists, bereaved families, and ordinary citizens—whose stories and spirit inspired us all. This trip wasn’t just about witnessing Israeli reality; it was about connecting with it, supporting it, and becoming ambassadors for truth and unity upon returning home.
As we flew back to the UK (leaving our hearts in Israel), we carried more than just photos and memories—we carried responsibility. The responsibility to speak up, to share what we saw, and to continue 'our fight' against anti-Semitism and for the right of the Jewish people to live freely and securely in their homeland.
