This past Thursday night a few friends and I went to the Jerusalem film premier of the book-made to film- “A Case for Israel,” by Alan Dershwitz. Aside from my interest in supporting a fellow alpha gam-ish (My kid’s real mom Gloria Greenfield, produced the film) I saw this film as an opportunity to not only experience Israeli culture ( it was debuting at the famous Jerusalem cinemateque, overlooking the old city- NOT to be confused with the Jerusalem theater-which we did) but an opportunity to be presented with a very popular position in Israel as well as the global Jewish community- the right. A case for Israel interviewed a plethora of important, famous, well educated Israeli leaders, political figures, American professors, UN personnel and the like. The film presented numerous shocking, valid, strong points about Israel’s political, moral and ethical role in the world. Like any good pro-Israel film- the beginning clips explained the historical facts regarding the early years of Israel. ( Turns out when the Jews in England wanted to buy land in Israel, for the most part, they were being sold by former land lords from the Ottoman Empire- who hired the local Arabs to work the fields. ALSO, when the state was formed, Arabs were allowed to vote in the first elections.) And let me tell you, if you weren’t pro-israel before this film convinced you why you should be. Here are some of the points that stuck out to me:
- It is absolutely unbelievable that people- who claim to be human activists, feminist, pacifists, environmentalists, and the rest of that list of leftist personas- have pinned Israel to fight against and criticized for crimes against humanity. Aside from the fact that Israel happens to be extremely forward thinking, and just ( Israel’s supreme court hears cases every day of Palestinians in the territories- and often grants them what them plead for- where else does that happen?), there is a disgustingly long list of nations who murder innocent people because of their religion, their nationality, their political alignment etc- and those human rights activists are silent toward them? Most poignant to this point was one of Alan Dershowitz’s comments which to an extent were-the world pays attention when Jews kill Muslims, the world pays attention when Christians kill Muslims, but no one seems to care if Muslims kill Muslims. There is a much deeper problem underneath the hate most Arabs have for the Jews and that is the hate and disrespect that have for each other. How can peace be achieved with a people that don’t even have peace among themselves?
Throughout the film it was made very clear, the inequality with which Israel continues to fight for peace. The commander of the Israeli army was interviewed about Israel’s military operations, specifically about those most recently in Gaza. He commented on Israel’s moral dilemma in their military initiatives- the moral decision to let a kassam rocket fly into Israel and potential kill innocent children at a school or preemptively stop the kassam from taking off from where it is being launched from a school in Gaza
After the film ended those who were interviewed (at least 6 of them) came onto the stage!! Academics, UN representatives, and the famous Natan Sharansky, sat on the stage and answered questions regarding the film. Natan Sharansky most beautifully and poignantly responded to a man’s question about the outcome of the “Arab Israel conflict,” that a huge problem in Israel- is that we are fighting among each other- not united against the enemy.
The film brought up numerous questions, thoughts, dilemmas, hopes and disappointments for me. Coupled with my experience here so far, I left the film feeling extremely concerned for the welfare of the Jewish state. My understanding of the issues here is becoming clearer as I continue to become immersed in Israeli culture. It still astounds me everyday however, that I leave my dorm behind another student wearing a head covering. Often it is hard to tell who is Arab and who isn’t- its hard to know who to trust- is the glare because I am American, a women, a Jew? I have, therefore, taken on the mentality I assuming only the best- what else can there be?
I have many more thoughts on this topic, and I’m sure as time goes on that they will come to a more ripe understanding.
I would love to hear your feedback!
With love,
Sara
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
First few weeks in Eretz Yisrael
Shalom Chaverim
I arrived in Israel now about four weeks ago, and what an amazing four weeks they have been. I’ve been meaning to write a note for a while, and couldn’t decide what venue to use---but facebook seemed like the place the most amount of people would be able to see whats been going on soooo here goes!
ISRAEL is awesome. Living in Jerusalem is something i have been dreaming about for years now and it still shocks me that I am studying, living, and breathing Jerusalem for the next few months. I truly forgot the magic that glows here in Israel, the smells, the size of the produce, the crazy drivers, the beauty of the people and the land. My time here has been a whirlwind to say the least.
I am living in the dorms ( not the Student village for now- this might change though)- which could be alot worse. All of the girls on my floor are American and we are super close to campus which is nice. Of course I have met tons of people all of which i happen to have at LEAST one friend in common with, its amazing how USY comes back to haunt you ;) I have run into tons of people who i forgot were in Israel and those who I didnt expect to see- but thats Jerusalem for you! Everyone knows someone else who went to the same camp, or on the same Israel trip or to the same school. Its comforting to say the least.
As far as what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks--that is a good question- ALOT!
I have ulpan four days a week to start (though that changes next week), but thats always over by 2 in the afternoon leaving time open for traveling around Jerusalem and other places. Ive been to the kotel of course, the old city, Ben yehuda, machene yehuda a million and one times, the knesset, the israel musuem, Tel Aviv ( the beach and the Art fair specfically) and today unsuccessfully the biblical zoo. The Knesset by far has been the coolest place ive been. It was incredible to know how much had taken place in the room I was sitting in. Outside the main room, there is a HUGE Marc Shagall tapestry o the past present and future of the Jewish people. This tapestry, not only HUGE and beautiful encompasses so much of the spirit of the Jewish people that I had chills the entire time!
I’m taking the buses everywhere because they’re not only SUPER efficient at taking you anywhere you want to go, but really inexpensive. (5.90 a ride-- and today the shekl is at $1 to 4.06-- you get the picture). Food here is incredible. Everything is really fresh and availability is unreal (especially in comparison to Bloomington).
My shabbatot have been wonderful as well. The first shabbat i spent shabbas in Rechovot, a town about 20 min away from Tel Aviv with a friends staff from an Israel trip. The shul we went to was modern orthodox and almost everyone had made aliyah when they were young and are now raising their family in Rechovot. Hebr-ish was a wonderful way to spend my first Shabbat here. The following shabbatot I spent in Nachlaot- a hippie religious neighborhood in Jerusalem, at Kol Rina- a shul in a bomb shelter ( really safe huh:?!). Shabbat in Jerusalem is unlike anywhere else. Throughout the week everyone seems like they are in a rush, holding the weight of torah, the jewish people and the world on their shoulders. On Shabbat however Jerusalem is quiet (for the most part) and slow. It is in the most literal sense of its commandment in the torah- a day of rest. Safety wise—we felt nothing from what was happening in Gaza. Ive never felt unsafe ANYWHERE here, except maybe in a taxi with a crazy driver. Security is nuts everywhere- but that is the reality of the culture here.
Overall my first month ( ish) in Israel has been wonderful. I am continually discovering new things, meeting new people, experiencing different things and learning so much about myself and my people. This place makes me proud of my history and unbelievable hopeful for the future.
Please forgive me as my internet situation is still being worked out, so my availability is semi limited—but im working on it!
I hope you all are doing wonderfully wherever you are and I cant wait to hear from all of you!!!
B’Shalom,
Sara
I arrived in Israel now about four weeks ago, and what an amazing four weeks they have been. I’ve been meaning to write a note for a while, and couldn’t decide what venue to use---but facebook seemed like the place the most amount of people would be able to see whats been going on soooo here goes!
ISRAEL is awesome. Living in Jerusalem is something i have been dreaming about for years now and it still shocks me that I am studying, living, and breathing Jerusalem for the next few months. I truly forgot the magic that glows here in Israel, the smells, the size of the produce, the crazy drivers, the beauty of the people and the land. My time here has been a whirlwind to say the least.
I am living in the dorms ( not the Student village for now- this might change though)- which could be alot worse. All of the girls on my floor are American and we are super close to campus which is nice. Of course I have met tons of people all of which i happen to have at LEAST one friend in common with, its amazing how USY comes back to haunt you ;) I have run into tons of people who i forgot were in Israel and those who I didnt expect to see- but thats Jerusalem for you! Everyone knows someone else who went to the same camp, or on the same Israel trip or to the same school. Its comforting to say the least.
As far as what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks--that is a good question- ALOT!
I have ulpan four days a week to start (though that changes next week), but thats always over by 2 in the afternoon leaving time open for traveling around Jerusalem and other places. Ive been to the kotel of course, the old city, Ben yehuda, machene yehuda a million and one times, the knesset, the israel musuem, Tel Aviv ( the beach and the Art fair specfically) and today unsuccessfully the biblical zoo. The Knesset by far has been the coolest place ive been. It was incredible to know how much had taken place in the room I was sitting in. Outside the main room, there is a HUGE Marc Shagall tapestry o the past present and future of the Jewish people. This tapestry, not only HUGE and beautiful encompasses so much of the spirit of the Jewish people that I had chills the entire time!
I’m taking the buses everywhere because they’re not only SUPER efficient at taking you anywhere you want to go, but really inexpensive. (5.90 a ride-- and today the shekl is at $1 to 4.06-- you get the picture). Food here is incredible. Everything is really fresh and availability is unreal (especially in comparison to Bloomington).
My shabbatot have been wonderful as well. The first shabbat i spent shabbas in Rechovot, a town about 20 min away from Tel Aviv with a friends staff from an Israel trip. The shul we went to was modern orthodox and almost everyone had made aliyah when they were young and are now raising their family in Rechovot. Hebr-ish was a wonderful way to spend my first Shabbat here. The following shabbatot I spent in Nachlaot- a hippie religious neighborhood in Jerusalem, at Kol Rina- a shul in a bomb shelter ( really safe huh:?!). Shabbat in Jerusalem is unlike anywhere else. Throughout the week everyone seems like they are in a rush, holding the weight of torah, the jewish people and the world on their shoulders. On Shabbat however Jerusalem is quiet (for the most part) and slow. It is in the most literal sense of its commandment in the torah- a day of rest. Safety wise—we felt nothing from what was happening in Gaza. Ive never felt unsafe ANYWHERE here, except maybe in a taxi with a crazy driver. Security is nuts everywhere- but that is the reality of the culture here.
Overall my first month ( ish) in Israel has been wonderful. I am continually discovering new things, meeting new people, experiencing different things and learning so much about myself and my people. This place makes me proud of my history and unbelievable hopeful for the future.
Please forgive me as my internet situation is still being worked out, so my availability is semi limited—but im working on it!
I hope you all are doing wonderfully wherever you are and I cant wait to hear from all of you!!!
B’Shalom,
Sara
The Day We skipped Ulpan for TuBeshvat
I have conformed. I’ve decided to join the ranks and begin a blog. This will most defiantly be beneficial to not only all of you lucky readers but myself as well.
For those of you who don’t know, I am spending the semester abroad in Jerusalem, Israel. I have been here for about a month, give or take, and it has already been unbelievable. I will post what I wrote to some family and friends the other week-
The name of my blog- Ein Li Eretz Acheret- means “I have no other country.” It is a famous and beautiful song here that I feel describes the connection I feel when I’m here.
Last Thursday I went to Tel Aviv for the night- its super easy to jump on a bus for about 19 shek- to see a Bob Marley tribute concert. Talk about an experience. The concert was a mix of different Israeli artist singing Rastafarian-Jewish music. I was surrounded the entire night by Rasta-Israelis with dreads, reeking of smoke and that- haven’t showered in a few days- smell. Covering the walls were banners showing “Rasta” pride- specifically a Rasta Lion banner in the front donning the Rastafarian flag with a Jewish star and a lion in the middle. This was unlike anything I have ever experienced Israelis performing English songs—most of whom were Ethiopian or other immigrants to Israel. It was incredible heat the messages of Bob Marley and Rasta connected to Judaism and in Israel of all places. The message was very much of love and peace and happiness for all of Gods people- a message that today is especially meaningful.
The concert was a great transition into my Shabbat. I spent the Shabbat at the Conservative Yeshiva (the other side of Beit Nativ and Fuchsberg for those USYers out there). It happened to be the beginning of the annual Rabbinical Assembly where I saw some familiar faces – including one of my staff members from Wheels ( JESSIE!). Most importantly from this past Shabbat, I was reminded where I come from as well as where I know I can and want to be Jewishly. The people I spent Shabbat with were as well educated, observant and loving of Judaism as the Chasids running around this city- something that is easy to forget here.
Following Shabbat I went to a yeshiva/yoga place/community center in Nachlaot (hippie-religious neighborhood right by the shuk) to see a concert of one of the local Rabbis. This concert topped my top ten list of most spiritual events in my life. Every song performed by this rabbi (there was a cello, piano and sax) moved through me like I have never experienced- fluidly and with ease. I had never been so impacted by music like this before- in the way it soothed and lifted me. It was incredible.
The celebration of TuBeshvat in Jerusalem can only be described by pure happiness. Erev TuBeshvat I went to a sedar at the Conservative Yeshiva and the next day decided to skip ulpan (the one and only)- as I was told there was a festival on Ben Yehuda. We got to Ben Yehuda by about 11 to find that the street was being set up for what seemed like a Disney event. About an hour later, people dressed as trees, flowers, mother nature, butterflies and the like were performing in the streets along with different bands, performers and dancers. It was INCREDIBLE. Celebrating the earth and the environment in Israel is especially beautiful given the nature of the water crisis and it’s seemingly lack of impact on the luscious agriculture produced here. Following the festival I went with a few friends to that same hippie religious- community center/yeshiva/yoga center where we planted trees and did other environmental activities with about 30 hippie-religious- Bal Tshuvot families. There must have been about 40 kids under the age of 4 running around covered in dirt and food under the watchful eye of all of the parents- a true kehillah. I tried Ethiopian food for the first time that night and spent the rest of it drinking wine with some close friends.
Overall, the past few days have been truly wonderful.
I am really going to try to keep up with this blog- so keep checking!
I think of all of you often and wish you could all be here to share this amazing experience with me--- COME VISIT!!
Until next time,
Sara
For those of you who don’t know, I am spending the semester abroad in Jerusalem, Israel. I have been here for about a month, give or take, and it has already been unbelievable. I will post what I wrote to some family and friends the other week-
The name of my blog- Ein Li Eretz Acheret- means “I have no other country.” It is a famous and beautiful song here that I feel describes the connection I feel when I’m here.
Last Thursday I went to Tel Aviv for the night- its super easy to jump on a bus for about 19 shek- to see a Bob Marley tribute concert. Talk about an experience. The concert was a mix of different Israeli artist singing Rastafarian-Jewish music. I was surrounded the entire night by Rasta-Israelis with dreads, reeking of smoke and that- haven’t showered in a few days- smell. Covering the walls were banners showing “Rasta” pride- specifically a Rasta Lion banner in the front donning the Rastafarian flag with a Jewish star and a lion in the middle. This was unlike anything I have ever experienced Israelis performing English songs—most of whom were Ethiopian or other immigrants to Israel. It was incredible heat the messages of Bob Marley and Rasta connected to Judaism and in Israel of all places. The message was very much of love and peace and happiness for all of Gods people- a message that today is especially meaningful.
The concert was a great transition into my Shabbat. I spent the Shabbat at the Conservative Yeshiva (the other side of Beit Nativ and Fuchsberg for those USYers out there). It happened to be the beginning of the annual Rabbinical Assembly where I saw some familiar faces – including one of my staff members from Wheels ( JESSIE!). Most importantly from this past Shabbat, I was reminded where I come from as well as where I know I can and want to be Jewishly. The people I spent Shabbat with were as well educated, observant and loving of Judaism as the Chasids running around this city- something that is easy to forget here.
Following Shabbat I went to a yeshiva/yoga place/community center in Nachlaot (hippie-religious neighborhood right by the shuk) to see a concert of one of the local Rabbis. This concert topped my top ten list of most spiritual events in my life. Every song performed by this rabbi (there was a cello, piano and sax) moved through me like I have never experienced- fluidly and with ease. I had never been so impacted by music like this before- in the way it soothed and lifted me. It was incredible.
The celebration of TuBeshvat in Jerusalem can only be described by pure happiness. Erev TuBeshvat I went to a sedar at the Conservative Yeshiva and the next day decided to skip ulpan (the one and only)- as I was told there was a festival on Ben Yehuda. We got to Ben Yehuda by about 11 to find that the street was being set up for what seemed like a Disney event. About an hour later, people dressed as trees, flowers, mother nature, butterflies and the like were performing in the streets along with different bands, performers and dancers. It was INCREDIBLE. Celebrating the earth and the environment in Israel is especially beautiful given the nature of the water crisis and it’s seemingly lack of impact on the luscious agriculture produced here. Following the festival I went with a few friends to that same hippie religious- community center/yeshiva/yoga center where we planted trees and did other environmental activities with about 30 hippie-religious- Bal Tshuvot families. There must have been about 40 kids under the age of 4 running around covered in dirt and food under the watchful eye of all of the parents- a true kehillah. I tried Ethiopian food for the first time that night and spent the rest of it drinking wine with some close friends.
Overall, the past few days have been truly wonderful.
I am really going to try to keep up with this blog- so keep checking!
I think of all of you often and wish you could all be here to share this amazing experience with me--- COME VISIT!!
Until next time,
Sara
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