Steering Committees were formed both in Rochester and in Modi'in. Several members of the Rochester Committee, including then Co-Chairs Don Onimus and Lorraine Wolch, traveled to Modi'in during a visit to Israel for the 2003 General Assembly, held in Jerusalem, in November.

Mission participants were warmly welcomed by Modi'in's eminent Partnership steering committee, headed at the time by General Amos Malka, who retired from the Israel Defense Forces in 2002 after a long, distinguished career. General Malka last served as Head of IDF Ground Forces and as Director of Defense Intelligence. Avi Golan, past Jerusalem Post Board Vice Chair and Executive Director, is another distinguished member of the committee, which includes professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators.

While in Modi'in, the Partnership steering committee met with their Israeli counterpart committee and developed a plan for a variety of projects and programs to bring our communities closer together. Others on the mission got the flavor of life in Modi'in, visiting schools, the community center, and the YOZMA reform synagogue and kindergarten.

The two groups came together mid-afternoon for a moving tree planting ceremony, creating a new grove overlooking the center of town; this future forest symbolizes the beginning and growth of our new long term relationship. A festive dinner with Modi'in residents at a wonderful local restaurant capped off the day.