Respite and Presence Travel Diary – USA August-September 2025

This journey was born out of a double need: on the one handrespite– A brief breather from the constant activity in the country, a time to be together as a family, to observe from the sidelines, to recharge with new energy. On the other handPresence– To continue to give Shay a presence overseas, to tell about him and the values with which he illuminated his path, and to bring his light to various communities in the United States.

The journey was initiated by a combination of internal initiative and support from host families, friends, and travel partners. Long months of thought and planning were expressed in precise preparations: travel arrangements, route selection, meetings with local communities, along with consideration of symbolic gifts and surprises that bear Shay’s name and legacy.

And so we set off. After landing in New York, we continued north, on a route that passed through green landscapes and small stops until we reached our first destination, Lake George in upstate New York. At each stop, we combine personal time as a family with moments of connection with others. Boating on Lake George, nature walks, exciting encounters with Jewish communities and new friends, all of these became an integral part of the journey.

The post was written by Yoram Michaeli, father of the late Sergeant Shay Michaeli.