Since my first visit to Israel in 1979, I had always meant to return to visit my wonderful extended family. However, Israel is far, the trip can be costly, and a significant allocation of time is required. The best of intentions to return remained on the back-burner of my mind for twenty-two years.

In early 2001, Libby  Ein-Shai, Granddaughter of my Grandfather's sister Ruchel, announced her engagement to marry her Fiancé Xxxxx in September of the same year. This event provided the extra incentive required to turn tentative intentions into concrete plans. 

The initial intent was four four of us to attend. I hoped go to the wedding along with my Brother Hal and our cousins Rani and Blair. In the end, a number of circumstances foiled this plan. Not the least these obstacles was our parents' (and Grandparents') concern for our safety in what was (even prior to September 11) a very unstable Israeli political climate.

Rani, Blair and Hal have all been to Israel (Hal more than once) more recently than I had. Perhaps they also have a higher priority for their personal safety than do I. In the end, I was the only representative of the Canadian Kuper family to attend.

Of course the wedding, held at nightfall by the beach in Tel Aviv on September 4th, 2001, was a truly special event. The venue was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the gathering of so many of my cousins at one time was truly overwhelming.

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