- By Dr Monalisa Ferrari
- REFLECTIONS AND EMOTIONS
- On July 8, 2018 I took part in the most historical and memorable heritage trip to the Holy land. This multicultural mission gathered people of different faiths. During our ten-day visit, we visited several holy sites in Israel including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem and Husan, a Palestinian village of 70000 inhabitants which have been living peacefully with their neighboring Israeli communities for many years without any walls or barriers. Rabbi Bob Kaplan, a leader of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, joined our group in Israel “Journeying in Israel with this group of leaders representing Brooklyn’s present and future and seeing it through their eyes was a powerful and dynamic experience. The work of The Bridge and its founder Mark Meyer Appel is a true gift to all who live in New York’s diverse communities” said Rabbi Kaplan
IN DISCUSSION WITH RABBI BOB KAPLAN (JCRC) 
SABBATH PRAYER SERVICE
Since its inception in 2012, The Bridge has been instrumental in uniting and energizing people of all backgrounds to face societal issues and advocate for change as a united community. Mark’s vision as a founder has broken many of the barriers that have prevented us from growing as a cohesive community. His philosophy as a leader is to promote unity and justice for all. A major part of the advocacy work entails providing support in a variety of ways to the members of the Bridge and their homeland such as Haiti, Israel, Puerto Rico and Yemen. Unity through diversity is key in the process of everyone coming together as one people.
Appel is also the co-founder of Community Health and Protective Services (CHAPS), a primary care diagnostic and treatment center for children with special needs and their families, and the CHAPS Early Intervention Center, which provides services to children under age 3 who have special needs. In addition, he has served on the board of New York City Health and Hospital Corporation (NYCHHC) and the New York City’s Mayoral Mental Health Advisory Board. As a trustee of the American Jewish Congress he attracts many of his fellow members to join in the fight for equality amongst communities and the different ethnic groups that make New York City a true melting pot.
Our trip began with prayers at the three holiest sites in Jerusalem which is comprised of today’s three major religions Christians, Jewish and Muslims. Our visit at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem which is a major pilgrimage center for Christians all around the world brought chills to members of our delegation as they kneeled at the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus to pray. As we navigated the Wailing Wall on the western side of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, we were all amazed by the amount of tourist from around the world who gathered to bring their written prayer request. Nearby the Muslims simultaneously congregated at the mosque across the Dome of the Rock an Islamic shrine.
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| MEETING YONI PERES AT THE PERES PEACE CENTER |
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| MARK MEYER APPEL,.MAYOR NIR BARKAT AND DEPUTY MAYOR YITCHOK PINDRUS OF JERUSALEM |
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| MEETING THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL DAVID FRIEDMAN |
As a member of the New York Haitian Leadership Fellowship now known as the Haitian Leadership Coalition which is a project of CAUSE-NY, the intergroup relations department of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) I was overjoyed to experience the clinical and practical aspect of the teaching of Rabbi Kaplan. A session with Hagai allowed me the opportunity to acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding on how to rebuild communities that are prone to being resistant to change yet they are able to coexist today in spite of their religious beliefs or myths projected by the media. This experience has stimulated ongoing interactions with all community leaders who have tirelessly worked towards the rebuilding of Haiti. As a member of the Unity in Action Team we look forward to building sustainable relationships across the Diaspora whereby model communities can be replicated successfully. My multiple visit to the holy city did not prevent me from experiencing the same level of excitement and inspiration as my colleagues. This was the first time that I witness a diversified and interracial group of individuals bonding without fear or reservation. Thus, leaving me with the hope and certainty that the ultimate goal of the mission to unite all of us as children of one God will be met.
The delegation comprised of Mark Meyer Appel of The Bridge Multicultural Center, Rabbi Bob Kaplan of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), Rabbi Mendy Mirocznick Executive Vice President of Rabbinical Alliance of America, Ms. Farah Louis, Deputy Chief of Staff NYC City Council, Margarette and Mellissa Tropnas, Carol and Victoria Elias, Pastor Nerlyne Desrameaux, Edwidge Michel, Katherine and Anisa Khatan, Mireille Leroy Jacob Kornbluh, Political Reporter for Jewish Insider and Dr. Monalisa Ferrari President of the Society for Haitian Research-Perspectives Haitians
As a Jew who travels frequently to Israel, this trip will remain a lifetime memory filled with joy and love. To experience Israel with my fellow New Yorkers of all religions brought me to a new and renewed conviction that only together we can achieve peace and prosperity together. Visiting with the Peres family at the Peres Center n Tel Aviv as well as meeting with the different government officials including Mayor Nir Barkat and Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Yitchok Pindrus an important part of our mission proclaimed THR BRIDGE founder Mark Meyer Appel
IN THE MEDIA
Ihttps://www.liherald.com/eastrockaway/stories/building-bridges-across-borders,105775
http://liherald.com/fivetowns/stories/building-bridges-across-borders,105775
mark meyer appel
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