The Path to Freedom & Building a Jewish Future, the Vision of Avital & Natan Sharansky in Tblisi and Saint Petersburg
It's a sunny day in Saint Petersburg, the weather is mild. I even took off my coat, something rare I am being told for early April. On the banks of the Neva river blocks of ice are lingering and barely melting. We get off the bus to enter the world famous l' Hermitage, I am next to Avital and Natan Sharansky. Today, we have the privilege to visit the museum an hour before it officially opens. But I feel that the real privilege is for our group to accompany two Jewish heroes who changed the course of Jewish history. Group picture at l' Hermitage Natan likes to joke that he spent 9 years in the Gulag , 9 years in Israeli politics and 9 years at the head of the Jewish Agency. With all his travels, Natan never had the time to really enjoy a majestic city like Saint Petersburg. He is now 71, retired but can't help taking leadership roles and inspire others. His last one? Agreeing to join JFNA's National Young Leadership Cabinet study mission in Saint Petersbu...