Pasadena-based travel entrepreneur Frank Fish is set to recount his first-hand experience of the Hamas attack on Israel at a public meeting of the Rotary Club of Pasadena on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Altadena Town and Country Club.
The talk, titled “Moving Out of Harm’s Way as War Broke Out During Our Recent Group Tour to Israel,” will detail how Fish was leading a group tour in Jerusalem on Oct. 7 when the Hamas surprise offensive threw his travel plans into disarray and made the group’s safe exit difficult.
The tragic events unfolded slowly that day for Fish and his California tour group.
Hearing a siren and opening a hotel window, Fish said he realized that Jerusalem was on orange alert due to military activity. He heard booms from the Iron Dome, a missile defense system, that was actively intercepting incoming missiles to protect Jerusalem.
He recounts that one of the group members was out for her morning walk, enjoying the quiet, empty streets when a local cab driver pulled up and yelled she needed to get inside and take cover.
In his talk, Fish will detail his experience in Israel on those fateful days in early October.
Fish has had a rich and varied career in the world of event management and cultural exchange. He began his professional journey managing concerts and events at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.
Later Fish founded Travel Gallery Inc. where he currently serves as President. Travel Gallery has expanded over the past 38 years and now encompasses a family of brands, including Cruising Holiday and Tours, Great Western Tours, Panda North America, and Taking Music Everywhere. The firm has actively supported various aspects of travel, tourism, education, adventure, exchange programs, religious pilgrimages, and performance tours.
RSVP is required to attend the event on Wednesday. Non-members are welcome to join for $45.00, which includes lunch. There will be no Zoom cast available for this event.
The deadline for RSVP is Monday at 12 noon.
To RSVP, email office@pasadenarotary.com or call (626) 683-8243. Valet parking is provided courtesy of Pasadena Rotary.
