What Does It Mean To Be Am Yisrael

      We are Jewish. What does that mean? Does it mean that we are good people? That we follow Jewish law, keep kosher, or shabbat? Does it mean that we have Jewish mothers? Or know Jewish history? One of the many beauties of Judaism is that there is no real definition. We adhere to it in whatever way we feel that the religion and culture will positively impact our lives the most. Being a part of Am Yisrael means that we can connect the Jewish people from all around the world in the same way simply because we are Jewish.  Our unfortunate past is what unites us together today. We feel the need to unite together to fight against future threats. Being a part of Am Yisrael means that we are connected to the international jewish community, and therefore must do our part for both Israel as well as for improving our Jewish community in America. We must be proud and embrace both our culture and people with open arms and unite in order to protect both our 

An experience to Remember

     With the end of EIE approaching, I have started to look back on my time in Israel. Although it is sad that I have to leave not only this amazing place, but also the friends I have made here, I am glad and thankful that I was able to go on this amazing experience. Not only have learned about Israel in the classroom, but I have learned why Israel is so special just from experience. This is a place for the jews, by the jews, and there is no other place like it. Not only that, but it is a safe haven for jews around the world, and will stand up to protect the rights of these jews. I sincerley hope that when, not if, I come back here, I will understand and be absorbed into the fast paced culture even more.
     When I went out with my family this past weekend, we went to the shook. But it was more than just the main street that EIE allows us on, it was the small channels which hold the hidden gems of the shook, and is why it is so popular. This really introduced me to the fact that even after 4 months here, there is still so much that I have not been able to do, even in such a small country. We were exposed to the "tourist Israel". I understand why we only did certain things, many for safety reasons, but I hope that later in my life I will come back and go to Bethlehem, see the ports of Ashdod, visit a Drews village, and go read a book in a Tel Aviv coffee shop after spending the day at the beach. Israel still has so much left to offer, and I can't wait to come back.

The Ethiopians and Their Place in Society

     I recently read an article which summarized the discrimination against Ethiopian jews in Israel, and how the government is attempting to fix the problem. The fact that there is discrimination in a place such as Israel astounds me. In a way, discrimination and reaction to change is natural. However, the fact that such an extreme version of this terrible social policy can occur in a state which was founded in order to escape discrimination astounds me. How can jews discriminate a race when they should know first hand what the other side feels like? Also, in the Tanakh, it repeatedly states that you should be welcoming to strangers, so why is Israel reacting to these Ethiopians? They already have lost their language and culture by moving to a foreign country, so they should not have to lose potential friends as well. These people made Aliyah to Israel for a reason, and Israelis are the people who are ruining their experience.

You can read the article at : http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-at-opening-Knesset-session-More-needs-to-be-done-to-fight-racism-in-Israel-402041

Israel > USA

     With AP Tests and finals coming up, I’ve realized how much time this trip has taken away from potential study time. I have been raised believing that the score you get reflects how much effort that has been put in. So, if you try your hardest every time, then most likely you will get a good grade. Now, even when I’m trying my hardest, I fear that my grade on AP Tests will be lower than average simply because of the lack of time on EIE. However, I must also take into account that this trip is an experience unlike anything else. I get to experience Judaism in the land created for Jews, which is something that many american Jews will never live through. Although there is less free time, wherever we go there is more history to be learned. Every step we take in Jerusalem could be when King David, Joshua, or Solomon once stood.

     This experience has made me realize that although school is important, it is not as important as America makes it seem. The focus in schools is constantly on tests and grades, and which student has the does the most extracurriculars. Everyone in your high school is a competitor, and you all compete for the Ivy Leagues or some other well known college. America has made education a monopoly: those students who want to go to college pay thousands of dollars for private tutors and SAT prep courses. This 4 month program has introduced me to the idea that there are more options than college after High School. It has also enhanced the idea that school should be about learning, not about the grade that comes from it. Israelis know this, and that probably contributes to their generally “non-caring” attitudes towards what other people, including teachers and professors, think.  Now that it is May, I’m glad that I’ve realized that school is important, but not as important as maturing and discovering who you are. 

BDS in Northern California

     UC Davis is located approximately one hour from my home. Recently, UC Davis, as well as the majority of California universities, have participated in BDS movements. UC Davis recently passed a BDS measure which demanded that the university divest it’s holdings from companies that “contribute to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands.”  After, students crowded in the front law waving “Free Palestine” flags, ecstatic over the recent decision. Unfortunately, these college students do not know the whole story, and I feel like that should be the first step when picking sides. Israel has become a safe-haven of sorts for jews internationally for those who are discriminated against in society. Without a state for the Jews, another Holocaust, or worse, could occur. Anti semitism is again rising in Europe, and violent actions have already taken place against the jews. All we can do is educate those who do not understand the importance of Israel, and what could happen if it disappeared. 

You can read about it here: http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/74495/lessons-learned-fighting-bds-at-uc-davis/

Terrorism or Heroism?

     Today in class it was discussed whether the jews involved in Etzel and Lehi should be considered terrorists. Although they did commit acts of terror, many suppose that the fact that these groups fought for the creation of a Jewish State made their form of terror defendable. However, even those who believe this have to acknowledge that these organization killed innocent people. By definition, the fact that they committed acts of terror makes them terrorists. But, without them, perhaps there would be no Israel today.  

     However, some may also argue, just as Isis and Hezbollah murder people in order to prove a point, Etzel and Lehi did as well. If Etzel and Lehi are similar to terrorist groups today, then Arabs at the time of Israel’s founding must have thought that Jews were our of their minds, fighting for an inconceivable cause that only harms people. Terrible events such as the King David Hotel bombing and the massacre in Deir Yassin are examples of how such an optimistic goal can become strikingly negative once people unnecessarily are put at risk or die. I acknowledge that without these organizations, perhaps Israel would not be as it is today, or perhaps would not have even existed. However, that does help buffer the fact that this country was created from death. 

"Todd"- The Story Within a Story

     Recently, I read a short story called "Todd" written by Etgar Keret. I was pleasantly surprised by its lack of strange circumstances, which usually comprise a short story by this author. The story describes a conversation between Keret and his single friend Todd, who wants Keret to write a story that will make women want to sleep with him. The majority of the plot characterizes how Keret tries many times, but fails to create such a story. However, a strange yet pleasant twist occurs at the end when the reader realizes that the story "Todd" the story that Keret's character tried to write.
     This short story gave me an insight to Israeli humor. Although it is subtle, a little goes a long way. The use of clever word tricks and dark ironic statements brings to life the Israeli humor. Honestly, I was surprised that the story did not contain more dark humor, which is evident in many of Keret's stories. "Todd" did however take place in Israel, which was a nice touch to a cute story.