Gedolei Eretz Yisroel have been preparing to embark on a fundraising mission to the United States following Shavuos on behalf of Keren Olam Hatorah, and are now set to arrive on Sunday, June 15. The trip comes amid drastic reductions in Israeli government financial aid for yeshivos and kollelim, a move that has left countless institutions scrambling to cover basic operational costs. The first stop on this year’s mission will be in Los Angeles — notably making this the first time the city is included in the tour, which last year began in New York and New Jersey. From Los Angeles, the delegation will travel to Lakewood, with their arrival slated for Tuesday, June 17. The full list of gedolim who will be participating has not yet been finalized, but Harav Dov Landau shlit”a has expressed a strong desire to be part of the journey and has asked the public to daven for his strength and health to allow him to join. Last year’s historic maamad in Lakewood, held in the massive Clifton Avenue parking lots near BMG’s Bais Aharon campus, drew tens of thousands who came to witness the kavod haTorah and hear divrei chizuk from the gedolim. It is not yet known whether a similar gathering will take place this year, though discussions are reportedly underway. Further details about the trip, including the finalized itinerary and which gedolim will be participating, are expected to be released in the coming days. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)