We’ve all had dreams and hopes throughout our lives. For example, “I hope Mommy and Daddy gets me that toy.” “I hope I pass the test.” “My dream is to go to __?__University.” “I’ve been dreaming of traveling to __.”

My personal dream started at my 75th birthday and it was to take my entire family to Israel to celebrate my 80th birthday. Even though the plan was set, dates were cleared, reservations made with the tour company and airplane tickets purchased COVID crushed that dream. However I still had the hope that maybe “next year in Jerusalem”.

It didn’t happen in 2021 but I’m here sitting by the pool of the King David Citadel Hotel writing my June blog on our last day.

My head is filled with unforgettable memories. My phone is filled with hundreds of photos and videos. My heart is filled with love, joy and gratitude.

Love for my family. Joy for all our experiences. Gratitude for my health and a fulfilled dream.

The modern state of Israel came to fruition in 1948 based on the dreams and hopes of Jewish people who were scattered all over the Diaspora for thousands of years. The Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah” means the hope.

My hope is for you too to fulfill a personal dream.

-Harriet