|
BOSTON ONWARD ISRAEL 2012
|
Video of Our Time in Israel |
September 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
This morning, I leafed through the Haifa information notebook we received on our first day of the program. As I was jogging my memory on the history of Haifa and filling in some blanks about the situation in Hadar, I realized how much I had learned this summer. I expected this experience to be life-changing; it was that and more.
Hadar is such an amazing and diverse neighborhood. When people at home (in Marblehead, MA) ask me: "What did you even do in Israel? Was it like Birthright or something?", I just start off by telling them about this crazy place called Hadar.
Hadar is such an amazing and diverse neighborhood. When people at home (in Marblehead, MA) ask me: "What did you even do in Israel? Was it like Birthright or something?", I just start off by telling them about this crazy place called Hadar.
|
Living in Hadar gave me a taste of Israel that I would have otherwise never tried. The rich history associated with it, the Russian immigrants, and complete immersion, gave my time in Hadar character and meaning. You may say I'm even feeling a little bit "home-sick" for Hadar right now. |
|
The individual placements also made a huge impact on me. Working with the elderly population was like discovering a new side of Hadar. These people shared such tear-jerking and unbelievable storiesof their lives with Hannah and me. Everyday, we spoke with these people and I think we actually did make a difference.
Really, I'm not big on the "White Man's Burden" idea, but I am big on the "Jewish Man's (or Woman's) Responsibility." It's not really as much an obligation as it is something I want to do for the good of the receiving end and my own personal growth. As one of my elderly friends, Ada, told me (in Russian): "Helping each other. That's what it means to be a Jew" (wrote that in my diary so it's pretty close to the exact quote).
In her context she was talking about how in Russia, the doctors refused to treat her mother's kidney disease, but in Israel they never refused and never told her her mother was too old and would die soon. She lived much longer than ever expected…
Really, I'm not big on the "White Man's Burden" idea, but I am big on the "Jewish Man's (or Woman's) Responsibility." It's not really as much an obligation as it is something I want to do for the good of the receiving end and my own personal growth. As one of my elderly friends, Ada, told me (in Russian): "Helping each other. That's what it means to be a Jew" (wrote that in my diary so it's pretty close to the exact quote).
In her context she was talking about how in Russia, the doctors refused to treat her mother's kidney disease, but in Israel they never refused and never told her her mother was too old and would die soon. She lived much longer than ever expected…
|
Overall, I came home understanding the skeleton of the issues in Israel. Except now I have a million more questions. I developed a strong connection with the State in 2009 when I went on Y2I (a birthright-esque 10 day trip) and became infatuated by it.
But now, it's safe to say that the lust has evaporated and love has taken its place. My relationship with Israel has deepened. I'm trying to figure out how to keep this experience alive and kicking for a long time and how to integrate it into my community at home and in college. |
Donna Vatnick, Brandeis '15, studying Biology and Hispanic Studies, is volunteering at an eldery care center in Haifa through Boston's Onward Israel Program.
I’m not quite sure why I thought it would be a good idea to intern at Moadon Kol M’Chol and Michol, a center for adults with mental illness who are too impaired to work. Why would I expect this population to know English; that I could slide right into a fully Israeli working environment in a field in which I had no experience?
Needless to say, the first two weeks were a rough transition; a wake-up call to my thoughtlessness. I couldn’t communicate with most of the patients because I knew little Hebrew. I mainly participated in group activities, kvoutzot, while talking to the few who wanted to practice their English.
Needless to say, the first two weeks were a rough transition; a wake-up call to my thoughtlessness. I couldn’t communicate with most of the patients because I knew little Hebrew. I mainly participated in group activities, kvoutzot, while talking to the few who wanted to practice their English.
|
Slowly, with the help of a new intern, and ulpan lessons twice a week, I formed my own kvoutzot and one-on-one activities with patients. One patient was very eager to brush up on his English skills, so we’d listen to American music, then read the lyrics, then discuss the meaning. Through this activity, I saw the effects of schizophrenia, primarily disordered thought. This was very eye-opening to me because although I’d read about schizophrenia many times in the past, I never witnessed the symptoms first-hand. |
|
A second patient I worked with was American. The staff of the Moadon were concerned about him because he was so withdrawn. I started reading articles about the US-Israeli relationship with him daily, we would then discuss and debate the issues we read about thus increasing his socialization.
|
During free time throughout the day, I’d play checkers with another patient. While it was an easy and fun activity, I learned on my last day that this man’s attendance to the Moadon improved since we started the daily games. This was significant to me because it was proof that I accomplished something, no matter how minute, during my time there. I also led an arts group and English-learning group which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. For all of my activities, I tried to structure them so it was not that I was the leader and the patients were of lower status than me; instead we did things together, working towards a goal together, and as they learned from me, I learned from them as well.
|
The Moadon was a great place for me to learn Hebrew; as I was immersed in a completely Hebrew-speaking environment. The patients always encouraged me to practice with them and providing them with the chance to teach me gave them a sense of empowerment. While I’m far from fluent, I’m proud of the strides I made.
On the last day, my supervisor said it was important for me and the other intern to officially discuss with the Moadon as a whole that we were leaving and give them the opportunity to say good bye. The responses we got from them were overwhelming; everyone thanked us and wished us the best in the future; Baruch Hashem, not just the individuals we worked with, but those we chatted with in the morning, the one who yelled at me earlier that morning, the few who always seemed to be glaring at us from the corner, and those who seemed completely unaware of our presence. I don’t know if I’ve ever received so many compliments in my life as I did in those 15 minutes.
The experience overall was rewarding; I gained knowledge on schizophrenia and how organizations handle those afflicted with it.
Shoshana Oppenheim, Tufts '15, is spending her first summer in Israel in over 10 years. She is volunteering with individuals in Jerusalem with mental illness as part of Boston's Onward Israel program.
The time has come. The moment I’ve been dreading. Tomorrow night I will unwillingly board my flight back to the United States. After five irreplaceable months abroad, I simply don’t see this as an ending.
To me, this is just the beginning. The past five months are a prologue to what will be an evolving novel about my relationship with Israel.
To me, this is just the beginning. The past five months are a prologue to what will be an evolving novel about my relationship with Israel.
|
I leave you with one word that I feel accurately describes my experience: assurance. Before I embarked upon this journey, I was nervous that my previous feelings towards Israel were some type of infatuation, rather than love. I was scared that since I had spent so little time here previously, maybe I liked the idea of Israel more than the actual place. I was afraid I had fallen in love with a fantasy world of falafel and camels.
Today, I can proudly announce that this experience has enabled me to confirm that what may have been infatuation at first, is indeed, now, love. I have seen both the good, and the bad, and am able to accept, with love, the country, by acknowledging both its flaws, and recognizing its strengths. I have confirmed that my passion for Israel is real. I am positive that Israel will always be a part of me, and that I will always be a part of Israel. The last part of that statement poses the biggest challenge for me. How will I be able to remain a part of Israel while living in the diaspora? |
|
|
This will be a challenge for me, as it is for many, but it is one I am prepared to face due to how much this experience has impacted me. I am committed to finding a way for Israel to be a part of my daily life, even while outside of the country itself.
Tomorrow, as I reluctantly return to my real home, I know that Israel will also, always be a home for me. I am confident that this journey will stay with me for the rest of my life. Because Israel is now such an enormous part of me, I feel like I belong to Israel. Part of me will be left here, and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will return. |
Israel, it’s not goodbye, it’s להתראות (lehitra’ot, see you later).
Emily Cable, Elon '13, of Weston, MA, spent her Spring 2012 semester studying abroad at Haifa University. She is currently on CJP's Boston Onward Israel program volunteering in the Hadar neighborhood of Haifa.
As American Jews sojourning in Israel for only 6 weeks, we cannot fully see the multidimensional and complex dynamic that is Israel. Our vision is blurred or distorted; certain aspects of life in Israel are magnified and others diminished.
Every day here in Israel, we are presented with hundreds of lenses through which we learn and understand. It is easy to ignore some lenses, discard others, and only pay attention to the ones that best support your expectations of Israel.
Every day here in Israel, we are presented with hundreds of lenses through which we learn and understand. It is easy to ignore some lenses, discard others, and only pay attention to the ones that best support your expectations of Israel.
|
In the past 6 weeks, Israel has showered us Yahel-ers the issues concerning immigration, water-supply, policies, religion, gaps in socioeconomic situations, and international relations. Living in Hadar, a once affluent but now depressed neighborhood in Haifa, has given us a taste of some of these problems. With all these new materials and opinions being thrown our way, it became difficult to separate the dilemmas of the State from the stories and lives of the individuals who live here. |
Three weeks ago, when Hannah Benenson and I first stepped foot into Shiloh, an elderly day center in Hadar, we didn’t expect to have a hundred new lenses waiting for us to explore Israel. We quickly became part of Shiloh as the members began to tell us how they got to Israel, why the left their other homes, what their experiences were like, how they raised their children.
|
We met men and women from all over the world: Morocco, the Former Soviet Union, France, Argentina, Palestine, Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon. Each person had a different story. Some fled from the Nazis and took evacuation boats to Kazakstan from Ukraine. Others were born in Haifa and had lived through the War of Independence and all the wars after it. Other survived the ghettos in Ukraine during World War II.
The history of each individual clutched our hearts as we eased deeper into the perspectives of the Shiloh members. At length, they told us about the hardships of immigrants. Learning a new language, finding a job, starting life from scratch. The rose-tinted lenses we had been wearing since our first trip to Israel quickly dissolved into a new species of lens: reality. The struggles of Israelis of all religions and nationalities have been brought to light. Despite their adversity, the unsung heroes of Shiloh still wear smiles on their faces. |
|
Though Hannah and I were supposed to be the ones helping them, they were the ones who have guided us. We have thousands of glasses in our back pockets, and an infinite supply of hope and support for Israel and its people. This experience was truly unforgettable and life-changing.
Now as the 6 weeks wrap up, we put on a brand new pair of lenses: envisioning the future.
Now as the 6 weeks wrap up, we put on a brand new pair of lenses: envisioning the future.
Donna Vatnick, Brandeis '15, studying Biology and Hispanic Studies, is volunteering at an eldery care center in Haifa through Boston's Onward Israel Program.
|
As my time in Jerusalem begins to wind down, I have begun to reflect on what I have learned and accomplished over the past several weeks. One of my major goals while in Israel was to truly experience what Shabbat was like in Jerusalem. During my first Shabbat, I prayed at the Kotel and was hosted by an Orthodox family for dinner in the Old City. This family hosts over 25 individuals (predominantly visitors in their 20s) every Shabbat.
Looking around the table there were individuals from all walks of life: seminary girls, yeshiva students, American tourists, reform Jews, Israeli soldiers, and more. During that moment, the uniqueness and specialness of Israel really hit me. I realized how incredible it is that so many different individuals travel all the way to Israel to experience this tiny country. Though we had never met before, we were all united under one roof to celebrate Shabbat and all of Israel’s accomplishment. Since my first Shabbat, I have attended a wide range of synagogues throughout Jerusalem and been hosted by different families coming from different backgrounds. |
|
|
A second goal of mine was to better understand the role Israel plays in the global community. Last Thursday, our group had a trip to Tel Aviv where the theme for the day was Hi-Tech. Our first stop was at Better Place, a global provider of electric cars. We were able to test drive these remarkable silent vehicles and watched a movie about the entire history and process of Better Place and why electric cars are both practical and appealing. Next we went to Microsoft’s research and development (R&D) center, where we toured the facilities and were briefed on the Israel’s economic situation and the role that this country has played in creating some of Microsoft’s most important products.
Throughout the day I was constantly amazed and inspired by the success stories that have come out of Israel. For such a small country, surrounded by an array of threats and limited natural resources, Israel has been able to thrive in making a difference not only domestically but globally as well. Whether it be developing the original cell phone technology or announcing a remarkable medical breakthrough, Israel continues to shape and touch the lives of so many individuals in the global community on a daily basis. |
|
Finally, my third goal was to have an impact in the workplace. I feel that these past weeks with AnyClip were well spent. Interning in Israel has been much different than the stereotypical internship stories you hear about in the United States. Back at home, there is this image of a lowly intern who specializes in getting coffee, making copies, and sending emails. Because Israel does not really have an internship culture, interns are treated like every other employee.
I was assigned important tasks and held crucial responsibilities that maximized efficiency and productiveness for AnyClip. Additionally, working for a startup is unique because everyone’s voice matters and benefits the company. Therefore, there were numerous times throughout the summer where I contributed ideas or recommendations to the CFO and VPs of AnyClip. |
|
Matt Haimowitz, Tufts '14, is studying International Relations, Economics, and Middle Eastern Studies. He is currently interning in Jerusalem with AnyClip, a site similar to YouTube but specifically for movie clips, through Boston's Onward Israel Program.
|
Having been involved this past year with the Tufts student organization Friends of Israel, despite having essentially no Israel experience save for a family vacation 10 years ago for a couple of weeks, I knew it couldn’t hurt to actually know what I’m talking about when I engage in dialogue on campus. I needed the first-hand experience of: living in the land of milk, honey, and falafel, to help people - myself included - understand what’s so awesome about Israel. So when the Tufts Birthright / Israel Programming Coordinator on campus told me about Onward Israel, the opportunity fell right into my lap. Before starting my internship, I did Birthright and then traveled with friends for a week.
|
|
Traveling independent of any structured program helped me ease into Israeli culture which differs starkly from what I’ve grown up with on the East Coast. One situation in particular embodied the major aspects of the Israeli character. My friends and I were trying to meet other friends in Haifa and we had no clue where we need to get off of the bus. A man heard us sounding out the name of the stop and interjected himself into the conversation - explaining that after he got off, we needed to wait 2 more stops to leave. We thanked him profusely, but once he left we got confused again. The bus came to a stop a few minutes later and we debated whether it was the right place.
|
|
A woman sitting behind us, who had apparently been listening quietly the whole time, told us it was our stop. Unfortunately she told us too late and the bus closed its doors and started moving again. This spurred on half of the bus to yell at the driver to stop and let us off. The driver relented and we practically ran off, unsure as to whether we were more embarrassed or grateful. Within 5 minutes, I witnessed many aspects of Israeli culture I would come to encounter repeatedly at my internship and within Jerusalem in general. I saw the culture of being one’s brother’s keeper, or the sense of family each person in this country has for one another. We’re all looking out for each other, but we’re too proud to admit it until it’s nearly too late. I saw the chutzpah that characterizes so many Israelis, the assertiveness that enables them to get what they want and need; in this case: yelling at the bus driver to let us off.
|
Armed with this basic awareness of the Israeli character, I came to Jerusalem ready to start my internship. I did not know where I would be working until a week before the program started; as a typical time-conscious, plan-oriented American, this did not make me happy. I wanted to have every detail ironed out before my summer vacation started. Little did I know at the time that this was just another aspect of Israeli culture. Even though we’re living in the midst of this crazy cultural and political conflict that affects every citizen’s life, people move and communicate in a very relaxed manner.
|
There’s this perception that things will magically work out, that there are bigger things to worry about than what day and time you're going to meet your future employer, so why bother sweating the small stuff...like where I’ll be working for the whole summer? It’s weird though, things actually do work themselves out. Opportunities and adventures just present themselves, like being at Independence Park when Balkan Beat Box happens to be performing, or grabbing a sherut down the block to go chill at the beach in Tel Aviv for the day, or stumbling upon the Old City Light Show at night. In Jerusalem, I feel like I’m always in the right place at the right time.
Shoshana Oppenheim, Tufts '15, is spending her first summer in Israel in over 10 years. She is volunteering with individuals in Jerusalem with mental illness as part of Boston's Onward Israel program.
Week four was a bit different than the previous three weeks but it was a nice change. I spent four days volunteering at my individual placement (a day camp) and then we went to the desert for the weekend.
|
After the first four days of individual volunteer placements, our group was more than ready to kick off the weekend. We did this in the form of a fourth of July celebration on the beach. Our entire group mobilized by contributing some type of food. We spent hours on the beach cooking, eating, and relaxing. It was special to be able to celebrate our holiday in Israel as well as unwind from what was an overwhelming change of pace for most of us. |
|
We spent the weekend in the desert learning about different organizations and families who have dedicated themselves to developing the Negev. It is interesting to compare and contrast their outlook on their commitments to Israel versus those here in Hadar.
|
We also toured the Ben-Gurion Institute and visited Ben-Gurion’s home at Sde Boker, as well as his tomb. It was inspiring to be in such a symbolical place for the state of Israel. The weekend was very relaxing and a nice contrast from life in Haifa. It helped put things in perspective in terms of what I really like about Hadar, and what is appealing about the desert. We went on a night hike on Thursday night which was easily one of my favorite things we’ve done all summer. We spent time in silence for awhile just reflecting. It was an extremely special experience and came at just the right time. |
As my time in Israel is rapidly coming to a close, I often find myself reflecting on the past five months. It is impossible to draw some sort of conclusion as to what I’ve learned, what I’ll bring home, or how to describe what I’ve been through. This moment of silence while in the middle of nowhere was a helpful opportunity to form more thoughts on my experiences abroad.
Emily Cable, Elon '13, of Weston, MA, spent her Spring 2012 semester studying abroad at Haifa University. She is currently on CJP's Boston Onward Israel program volunteering in the Hadar neighborhood of Haifa.
Our first week was extremely busy, consisting of numerous silly icebreaker activities, learning about the Hadar community, and meeting several representatives of the projects we will be working with throughout the summer. We learned about the needs of the community and what we can do to make positive contributions which will have lasting effects.
|
We also had one day of a seminar run by the Jewish Agency for Israel. Throughout the summer we will have several days dedicated to these seminars. Last week’s seminar addressed the topic of our connection to the land of Israel. We discussed what makes us feel connected to Israel, as well as what disconnects us. It was interesting to have this dialogue because I am often asked why I feel so at home in Israel despite the little amount of time I have spent here and despite how far away from my actual home it is.
In my opinion, no combination of words can justify my connection. It is simply not something I can put into words because of its depth. It’s the feelings I have when I’m here. The feelings associated with home: comfort, love, happiness, etc. Although I still feel I cannot properly articulate my connection to Israel, the six hours we spent discussing related topics may have helped me to better grasp an explanation. |
|
|
We also painted a bomb shelter which has been turned into a place for teens living in Hadar to go two nights a week. This provides an opportunity for teens that may get themselves into trouble on the street, to have a conversation with adults, and spend time with their peers in a healthy, safe environment. We helped by cleaning up the shelter and painting the walls. One of the directors told us that on a typical night, they could have anywhere from five to fifteen children there, but they also actively reach out to teens who may be at risk. I was glad we could contribute to cleaning and painting for such a vital project in the community.
|
Additionally, we learned more about the Boston-Haifa connection and the work they do with Ethiopian communities in Haifa. We got to spend time playing with the children as well as listen to the stories of some of the community members who made Aliyah from Ethiopia. Although I have learned about Ethiopian Jews in Israel before, I have not interacted with them directly. It was really special to hear firsthand, the stories of individuals.
Emily Cable, Elon '13, of Weston, MA, spent her Spring 2012 semester studying abroad at Haifa University. She is currently on CJP's Boston Onward Israel program volunteering in the Hadar neighborhood of Haifa.
|
When I arrived in Israel over two weeks ago, I truly did not know what to expect. I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Israel five different times throughout my life through a variety of family vacations, bar mitzvahs, youth movement programs, and educational tours. On these trips I had climbed Masada, floated in the Dead Sea, and of course eaten falafel and shawarma one too many times. Though I had spent many weeks in the past touring this magnificent country from the north to the south (and back up again), I was never presented with the opportunity to live on my own and fully immerse myself in Israeli society.
|
|
Thankfully, Boston Onward Israel has allowed me to work amongst Israelis at an exciting start-up company in Jerusalem, live in the center of town close to an array of shops and cafes, and travel around the country to places that I have not experienced before.
|
Five days a week I am working at AnyClip, a seed company of Jerusalem Venture Partners. Ultimately, AnyClip is similar to YouTube but is specifically for movie clips. AnyClip makes it possible to search for any moment in any film by implementing its unique metadata tagging technology. One can search for traditional aspects of a film (actors, quotes, directors) or more detailed components including objects, locations, and subjects with ease.
|
I have the pleasure of working side by side with the CFO of the company, where I am responsible for AnyClip’s daily financial reporting, quarterly and monthly distributor royalty reports, and online advertising research with a focus on business development. I have learned a great deal in regards to finance, startups, venture capital, advertising, and much more. Anyclip is an exciting place to work, where I am surrounded by co-workers from both Israel and around the world.
|
After work and on Shabbat I have the opportunity to explore and experience Jerusalem. On Friday, I visited the Jerusalem shuk (an outdoor market), a great place to people watch and purchase inexpensive groceries. The shuk is packed with people buying food for Shabbat as well as their weekly groceries. I’ve had the pleasure of eating at a range of kosher restaurants and cafes (something that I certainly miss out on by living in the U.S) where I’ve tried both Israeli and international dishes. A few nights a week I play pick-up basketball in a local park with Israelis, where I get to practice my Hebrew as well as show the locals how Americans really play basketball.
|
|
Matt Haimowitz, Tufts '14, is studying International Relations, Economics, and Middle Eastern Studies. He is currently interning in Jerusalem with AnyClip, a site similar to YouTube but specifically for movie clips, through Boston's Onward Israel Program.
|
After spending four unforgettable months at the University of Haifa, I have embarked upon my next big adventure: 6 weeks of service learning in Hadar, a neighborhood in Haifa, facing various challenges within the community. I feel this opportunity could not have come at a more perfect time. What better way to conclude my study abroad experience in Haifa than by giving back to one of its communities in need?
The program I am a part of is powered by various organizations, including CJP and Onward Israel, and is called Yahel Israel Serive Learning. What makes Yahel special is their emphasis on integrating program participants into Israeli culture. This is seen in all aspects of our program-living, learning, and volunteering. We are living in the heart of Hadar, among Israeli peers, while contributing to projects that already exist in order to meet the needs of the community. This is truly an original experience that will not only accomplish helping the community, but will enable me to connect with the community members on a very personal level. |
|
Emily Cable, Elon '13, of Weston, MA, spent her Spring 2012 semester studying abroad at Haifa University. She is currently on CJP's Boston Onward Israel program volunteering in the Hadar neighborhood of Haifa.