Ben Kogut at the President of Israel’s residence. Courtesy: Ben Kogut

What was your mission trip?

“This mission trip included about 100 people from all across North America. Our goal was to see the different organizations that JFNA supports in Israel and we were able to visit 10 different organizations on the trip. I was so impressed with the diver­sity of the organizations we saw, their struc­ture, and their efficiency, both monetarily and otherwise. I was particularly impressed with the ability of the Jewish Agency to mobilize a call center in a matter of hours, and to get resources to Moldova, Poland, and other countries adjacent to Ukraine to provide aide. It was so meaningful to know that our local Shalom Austin Annual Campaign donations helped make that happen.

What was your most meaningful experience on this trip?

“There were so many meaningful experi­ences! Being in Jerusalem is always very special to me and this time was no different. We also got to visit the ORT school where underprivileged students have access to high-level STEAM education. Addition­ally, we were able to see how Israel takes in refugees from Ukraine and other places, including spending time at an Ethiopian absorption center for people coming to Israel who need resources to learn Hebrew, get housing, find job opportunities, and more. Finally, we got to spend about an hour with the Israeli President. Getting access to people of that status highlights just how prestigious Cabinet is.”

Where else have you traveled with Cabinet?

“I went to Mexico City and was able to visit the JCC there, where they have a three-prong entrepreneurial program for members of the community looking to start a business, grow a business or sell a business. I would love to see that happen in Austin.