I feel blessed and extremely fortunate to have gone through the experience of a lifetime traveling in Central Africa with Jewish World Watch. My eyes have been opened and my mind illuminated by the views and lifestyles of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This journey has broadened my perception of the world and sharpened my process of critical thinking. Traveling from city to city in Congo and Rwanda, catching a speed boat from the city of Bukavu in South Kivu to the city of Goma in North Kivu—these are memories I will carry with me. Within ten short but fulfilling days, not only did I live out my dream of walking on African soil, but the five other travelers became my family. I want to recognize the individuals who embarked on this voyage through two of the most precarious countries in Africa with me: Ben Breslauer, Terri Smooke, Naama Haviv, Janice Kamenir-Reznik and Ada Horwich.
When I first arrived in Kigali, I embraced Rwanda’s warm humid air. We were picked up from the airport and escorted to the infamous Hotel des Milles Collines, better known as “Hotel Rwanda.”
We spent one day in Kigali, then started our journey to Congo, flying from Kigali airport to Kamembe for the border crossing into Bukavu. We were greeted by Amani Matabaro, who was a true professional and by far the best travel-facilitator and translator that I have ever met. He made every situation so simple and translated every dialogue so well that I felt as if I was having an unmediated conversation with each Congolese person with whom we spoke.
One of the first places that we visited was the Chambucha Rape and Crisis Center. JWW’s impact was palpable. The environment was so productive and peaceful. We saw the signs of relief and joy on the faces of mothers with their babies, evidence of the careful medical attention they received. The medical staff showed so much care and compassion for their patients. After going on a tour and meeting the key medical and program staff and a few beneficiaries of the program, I began to get emotional and was moved to tears. Then, I took the initiative of giving a speech in honor and remembrance of Dillon Henry, who would have undoubtedly been present to share the moment with us and would have been proud to see the progress that has manifested, thus far.
We also visited the great Dr. Denis Mukwege at Panzi Hospital. Despite a recent loss in his family, he managed to muster up enough energy for us to speak with him and offer our condolences. The bravery and courage that he displayed in front of us was touching and hit home for me. We could see the pain in his eyes when he spoke of the violence experienced by the women and children that he treats, showing how deeply he cares about his people and the work he does. Yet, the smile on his face to see us all and have JWW’s support for his program and efforts to heal Congo was a beautiful sight, and I couldn’t have been happier to have been a part of that moment. Through people like Dr. Mukwege, Jewish World Watch helps restore the hope of a better day for Congo.
When I returned from Africa back to the US, I noticed myself living with a completely different perspective on life. I no longer have the same worries or concerns that I had before because the challenges I saw in Rwanda and Congo have made them less relevant. Now I am taking more responsibility for my actions and others’ as well, and also holding myself accountable for more things.
I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to visit my home country, Congo, with the best group of travelers that I could have asked for. Jewish World Watch has showed me what it really means to create peace amongst humanity, exemplifying true fellowship and humanitarianism. With the partnership and aid of JWW, the future of Congo is brighter.