In August 2024, my wife, Adi, our two boys, Lavie, eight, and Eitam, five, and I embarked on a year-long emissary mission called Bedein – Agents of Hope, based on our commitment to ecological resilience and societal healing. This journey started in Alaskaa state known for its untamed beauty and vast wilderness.
During our travels we sought to explore not only the majestic landscapes, but also models of resilience that could inspire change in Israel, where the scars of war deepen daily. The places we visited offered more than just environmental lessons; they offered insights into how nature can serve as a powerful tool for healing communities affected by trauma.
The Jewish Community in Anchorage and Palmer: Spiritual Anchor
One of the most uplifting moments during our time in Alaska was spending our first Shabbat at the Chabad Jewish Center in Anchorage. This center, one of the last places on earth where Shabbat took place, provided a unique opportunity to connect with the local Jewish community and Jewish visitors from around the world.
The Shabbat lunch brought together more than 60 guests, where Adi and I shared our personal and professional journeys. Adi spoke about the power of love and altruism, drawing on the Holocaust to demonstrate how these values shape our understanding of humanity. I in turn shared my experiences as a war photographer in Sderot and an environmental activist, discussing the urgent need for resilience in both nature and society.
Together we emphasized the power of positivity and resilience in overcoming personal and collective struggles.
CONSERVING Ice Age Species: Observing conservation efforts for musk oxen at Palmer’s Musk Ox Farm, a reminder of nature’s resilience. (credit: thanks to Noam Bedein)
Mission of resilience and recovery
Our time in Alaska was focused on learning how conservation efforts can promote both environmental and societal resilience, providing us with valuable lessons that we can bring back to Israel.
At the Alaska SeaLife Center, we witnessed the recovery of marine life, experiencing the emotional release of two seal pups as they were released back into the wild – a profound moment that underscored the healing power of nature. At Palmer’s Musk Ox Farm, the conservation of Ice Age species such as the musk ox illustrated the importance of protecting ancient ecosystems and the interconnectedness of nature and community.
Our trip also led us to Elisheva Garvey, owner of the Lighthouse Resort in Homer, whose deep connection to Israel and passion for environmental healing stood out. Her research into the therapeutic power of nature aligns with our own mission to develop spaces for healing for people affected by trauma.
Finally, our visit to the Stewart Family Resort in Glacier View was the highlight of our trip. It was there, surrounded by the majestic Alaskan wilderness, that we began envisioning a partnership to create a therapeutic sanctuary for Israeli veterans and trauma victims – using nature as a foundation for recovery and resilience.
Alaska’s social landscape: Conservative stronghold with a unique indigenous story
Politically, Alaska is conservative: in recent elections, about 60% of the population voted Republican. It was the last state to enter the Union, along with Hawaii in 1959. Before its purchase by the United States in 1867, Alaska was part of Russia; but long before that it was home to various indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
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Underlying this political landscape lies a complex social fabric, especially in relation to indigenous communities. During our trip we met many Alaskans who had married into native families, reflecting a rare story of successful integration.
One of our hosts, a fisherman from the Aleutian Islands, embodied this blend of native tradition and modern American life. He was an accomplished fisherman and country music artist in Alaska and Florida. His story surprised me, as Alaska is one of the few American states where indigenous people are largely integrated into society.
However, not all Alaska Native communities share this success story. Sarah Stewart, our host at Glacier View, shared a much grimmer reality. She grew up among Alaska Native communities and lived with them for almost thirty years. When I asked if she kept in touch with friends from the native reserves, her response was chilling: “No, none of them are alive. They have all committed suicide over the years.”
This grim reality reflects the larger statistics: suicide rates among Alaskans are 40% higher than the national average. The isolation, poverty and substance abuse that many Indigenous communities suffer leave deep scars.
This conversation resonated deeply with us because it paralleled the mental health crisis in Israel. Alaska Native communities and war-affected Israeli populations may differ in specifics, but both are in dire need of healing. Nature, with its ability to stimulate recovery, is a common thread we hope to explore further as we develop therapeutic programs for Israel’s spiritually wounded – a growing community as the conflict continues.
The real Alaska: self-sufficiency and rugged individualism
Alaska’s identity is shaped not only by politics, but also by a deep sense of self-reliance.
A true Alaskan is someone who always has moose or bear meat in his cooler. Hunting isn’t just a tradition, it’s a necessity.
Unlike industrialized hunting, Alaska practices are sustainable and regulated to ensure that hunting remains a personal and not commercial endeavor. This approach to self-sufficiency is a model of respect for the environment that could serve as an example for the modern world.
However, not all of our experiences were serene. On our first day in Palmer we came across hate graffiti that read “FREE PALESTINE” scrawled on a small pedestrian bridge. The shock was immediate. After 32 hours of travel, the echoes of the conflict we hoped to temporarily escape had followed us even to this remote corner of Alaska. It was a stark reminder that Israel’s struggle has global resonance.
October 7 brought another painful memory when Christian pastors in Anchorage and Homer, proudly displaying Israeli flags, were met with gunfire and forced to take down the flags. While these incidents are isolated, they underscore the deep political tensions that can surface in even the most remote places.
Veterans, Israel, and deep respect for the military
Alaska has a deep respect for military veterans that is deeply woven into its culture. This respect goes beyond standard priority boarding on flights, which is common in the US; here, veterans are honored with special discounts at attractions, including national parks and state fairs. This visible appreciation reflects Alaska’s commitment to meaningfully recognize and support its veterans and underscores the deep-seated honor for those who served.
During the State Fair, it was truly moving to witness the respect shown for the national anthem and prayers for missing American soldiers. The heartfelt participation of Alaskans created a deep sense of solidarity, reminiscent of the Israeli soldiers still on the front lines, as well as the hostages suffering in Gaza. As I stood together in these moments, I felt a deep connection between our struggles and shared resilience.
The Alaskan Christian community, with more than 40,000 members in Christians United for Israel (CUFI), offers steadfast support to Israel – a bond that transcends politics and geography, built on shared values and an enduring commitment to mutual solidarity.
Lessons for Israel: Nature as a Healing Instrument
Our trip through Alaska was more than just an exploration of conservation; it was a discovery of how nature can serve as a platform for healing and resilience.
Alaska’s vast, untamed landscapes showed us the power of nature to restore both the environment and the human spirit. As we continue our journeys through Canada and British Columbia, we carry with us the knowledge that these wild, remote places have the potential to serve as a refuge for Israel’s spiritually wounded – those suffering from the ongoing war.
In Israel, nature could play a similar role. The Dead Sea revival projectthat I led for seven years shows how Israel’s own natural wonders, like the Dead Sea, can become platforms for healing.
Just as Alaska’s wilderness offers hope, Israel’s landscapes – from the Dead Sea to its water springs – can inspire resilience and recovery in a country that desperately needs it. ■
The writer is the founder and director of the Dead Sea Revival Project and has been leading efforts to promote ecotourism, MENA water diplomacy, and innovative conservation methods through sustainable travel around the world for seven years.
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