Ontario welcomes Israeli general to North Central Ohio (VIDEO)

ONTARIO — Recently retired Major General and former Knesset Member Eyal Ben-Reuven received applause and a warm reception from North Central Ohio. Last week Sar Shalom Center hosted the highly-decorated officer of the Israeli Defense Forces with open arms for a “Stand for Israel” event.

“I am deeply humbled to stand here today,” the Major General said. “If one would imagine where an Israeli would feel welcomed, protected and loved, it is in Mansfield. You are making a strong statement in Israel.”

The Major General shared about his unforgettable night in the midst of the 1973 Yom Kippor War when his platoon sustained heavy losses and Mr. Ben-Reuven was alone and surrounded. After somehow eluding the Egyptian commandos, he was able to rescue one of his injured soldiers and escape. Later in the war Mr. Ben Reuven discovered his tank would fight alongside his father’s tank on the northern front in the Golan Heights.

Before introducing the war hero, one of the event organizers, Benjamin Mutti, made several comments about the tight relationship between Israel and Ohio. He also read a formal correspondence.

Mr. Mutti mentioned the uncanny parallels between Israel and Ohio. “Since Ohio became the largest investor of Israeli bonds in the world for a government entity, Ohio has seen a dramatic increase in business startups, following in the footsteps of Israel which is known as “The startup nation. While I am not here tonight to talk about investing in Israeli bonds, I am here tonight to talk about investing in Israeli lives.”

Mr. Mutti went on to talk about the Israeli Leadership Institute and read a formal welcome letter from Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson who was out of town the night of the event.

In his letter to the Major General, the Mayor noted that in 2016, the 200^th Red Horse Squadron of the Mansfield National Guard served as the project lead for the construction of four multi-purpose buildings in Israel providing permanent operational exercise space for U.S. and Israeli military forces participating in joint military exercises. 

Mayor Hutchinson went on to say that the bond between the two freedom-loving nations is inseparable. He said, “While I am not able to meet you in person, I want to take time to express my warm greetings to you.  On behalf of the City of Ontario, I thank you for your visit and want to let you know that you and your family are always welcome in Ontario.”

In his closing remarks, General Ben-Reuven added “As a resolution is presented to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and undivided capital by Ohio, I salute Ohio for your support to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital and for standing strong with us.”

General Ben-Reuven now serves on staff with the Israeli Leadership Institute (ILI).

Eeki Elner, Director and Founder of the ILI recalls “I had seen the General before on TV and was waiting for him to retire so we could ask him to join our leadership team, and he did without hesitation.”

Based in Sderot, Israel, the ILI has a unique method of training leaders and will begin giving leadership seminars and workshops to corporations, law enforcement and possibly even the FBI regarding cyber warfare and homeland security.

“We all have a privilege tonight to bless Israel,” said Mr. Elner. “Genesis 12:3 says ‘I will bless those who will bless Israel.’ Your partnership with Israeli Leadership Institute means a lot to us as we develop tomorrow’s leaders in the Holy Land.”

View the video below to the “Stand for Israel” event in its entirety.

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