Why are we here and what are we fighting for? Part II

On Sunday morning, the 15 Hasbara participants regrouped in the Old City of Jerusalem after what seemed years away from each other. The morning started off with a question and answer session with David Olesker, Director of the Jerusalem Center for Communications and Advocacy Training. A legend in the field of activism training, Olesker entertained the group with his mix of facts and humor. The participants were able to ask him questions on a variety of topics. The first question of the day - the one on all of our minds for the past 13 days... what type of currency do the citizens of the Palestinian Authority use? The answer: both the Israeli Shekel, and the Jordanian Dinar.

At around noon, we headed out to board the bus that would take us to Gush Etzion. The group arrived in Kibbitz Kfar Etzion, where they enjoyed a nice packed lunch before comfortably sitting to view the infamous "light and sound show," which basically translates into a documentary film about the history of the Gush. The students then ascended to the rooftop, where they were able to look out onto the whole Gush and all of the surrounding communities.

Later, the group relocated to the Etzion Judaica Centre, where they were priveledged to meet Bob Lang, former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lang discussed the history of the Gush and the significance and future of the settler communities in Judea and Samaria. After a short bathroom break, Cheryl Mandel came to share her personal story with the students; Mandel lost her 18-year-old son, Daniel, who died during a commando operation in Nablus about five years ago. Relating her story to that of all other parents who have lost their children as a result of war in Israel, Elran and Nataly discussed the Camp Koby campaign with the group. The students were able to brainstorm together and share ideas for different ways of raising awareness and spreading the word about Camp Koby - a camp for siblings and children of terror victims who need a warm environment and professional healing to cope with their loss.

After some free time to wander throughout the Judaica Centre and purchase various items, the group hopped back on the bus to make way to their next destination - the Path of Our Forefathers walk near Alon Shvut. There, Rabbi Alan Haber led the group through the historic dirt road, filled with ancient buildings and even a mikva. Rabbi Haber explained the significance of the Gush by pointing out major historical sights that prove the ancient Jewish presence in the land of Israel, while describing the difficult battles that the Jewish residents had to fight in order to regain the land from the Arabs in 1967.

Before heading back to the Old City, the group stopped at Philly Pizza in Efrat to enjoy some hearty dinner and ice cream. The day ended rapidly, but thankfully the group enjoyed every moment, as they learned a lot about the importance of the "fist" that makes up Greater Jerusalem.

Tomorrow we spend a last day together before parting our separate ways. Goodnight, for the last time, from our Old City to yours. Lila Tov! 

A very, very Shabbat Shalom!

The week comes to a close. Friday morning started off with a mesmerizing presentation by Palestinian Media Watch Director, Itamar Marcus. Itamar enlightened the students with mind-boggling information about the education system in the Palestinian Authority, and the way that the Palestinian children are being indoctrinated and brainwashed by their leaders.

After a break with fresh fruit and vegetables, Nataly Weiss shared the second of four major campaigns that Hasbara Fellowships promotes – Teach Kids Peace, which promotes the proper education of Palestinian children. The group had a chance to share ideas for how to run the campaign on their individual campuses, allowing for them to learn from their colleagues’ ideas of what works on different campuses throughout North America.

Before heading out for their free afternoon and weekend, Rabbi Zev Rudman led an interesting session, entitled 7 Wonders of Jewish History. Rabbi Rudman explained the history of the Jewish people, while incorporating the various ways that other civilizations attempted to annihilate the Jewish people. Through everything, the Rabbi explained, the Jewish people have remained the longest-living group of people on earth who have followed the same religion and endured with the same heritage throughout all of history.

The group parted to their separate ways, going off to enjoy Shabbat with family and friends. Shabbat Shalom from us to you! 

Yisrael Neeman explaining the the group the importance of water to the Israeli-Jordanian relations.
Max and Robin sitting in a real Israeli Air Force fighter jet at the Air Force Museum in Beer Sheva.
Lawrence, Elliot Mathias, Max, and Eric - the guys wish Elliot a safe flight before his departure from Israel.

Amy posing on an IAF helicopter - if only she knew how to fly that thing like she knows how to debate Israeli history! 

R&R at the Dead Sea

Before the hike at Ein Bokek - everybody ready to go with hats and water (and the banner).
Eric and Lawrence on their balcony at the Massada Youth Hostel, overlooking the Dead Sea.
David Steinberg and Max pretending to enjoy the heat at the Dead Sea.... yeah right!
Max, Lawrence, and Robin at the waterfall in Ein Bokek. A pre-sea water fight.


On Wednesday morning, the group set out on their second tiyul (trip) to the south. On the way to the Dead Sea, we stopped at Ein Bokek, a beautiful nature hike up the mountains to a semi-natural spring. The group had a chance to splash around and let loose – quite a change from the mostly serious spirit of the program. After a short swim and float in the Dead Sea, the group enjoyed a nutritious lunch and headed over to our next destination – the Massada Youth Hostel. More like a resort hotel, the accommodations were more than expected… not to mention being able to relax under the historic Massada mountains, where King Harrod built his palace and used it as a last-resort against battling the Romans in the first century BCE.

At the Massada Youth Hostel, the group enjoyed a relaxing swim and tan by the pool before heading over to shower, and some more sessions by their fabulous Campus Coordinators. Elran Tsabag led the first session, number three on the list of the Everyday Activism sessions. Hasbara Fellows learned how to effectively table for the Israel groups on campus, while attaining the necessary skills for making a presence in their individual schools. Later, Nataly Weiss led the fourth in the series of Everyday Activism sessions – Coalitions and Student Government – in which she taught the group valuable information on how to build coalitions with other organizations on their campuses and working with the student government on a wide scale.

After a delectable dinner of roasted potatoes, special salads, and grilled chicken, Elran and Nataly role-played different scenarios with the participants. To give the group an idea of how to successfully debate the opposition on campus, Elran and Nataly demonstrated the proper methods of debate, while the students got a chance to critique and learn from their leaders. Then, the students were paired up and given different scenarios, of which they had to either defend or condemn the Israeli side.

The night ended with a cozy Kumzitz (bonfire – without the actual fire), led by Akiva Weiss, the honorary staff member and Nataly’s husband. The group sang and told comforting stories, while also sharing their feelings about whatever they had in mind. With snacks to keep our mouths busy, the night ended of quietly and comforting.

The next morning, the group woke up to a Continental breakfast at the youth hostel, after which Elran led another session, this time about the current and hottest political issues on campuses today. The participants were given the latest data about the Hizbullah War, and got a chance to ask questions and figure out what messages to relay on their campuses. The most popular message of the morning was Israel’s right to defend her citizens from terrorist attacks, and that Israel was fighting a defensive war of which Hizbullah attacked for no real purpose.

After that, Nataly led the fifth Everyday Activism sessions, this time about engaging the unengaged students on college campuses. The group discusses effective ways to recruit members to their Israel groups and promoting their group’s presence on campus.

At around noon, tour educator Yisrael Neeman arrived, and before leading the group out on their way to the Negev Desert, he explained the current political situation with Lebanon, Hizbullah, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, after which he answered the multitude of questions from our thirsty students.

After another delicious lunch prepared by the hostel, the group gathered their overnight bags and cameras and headed out to the Negev, while stopping at a major Dead Sea overlook at which Yisrael discussed the significance of the water supply between Israel and Jordan. The students had a chance to nap for a while on the lengthy bus ride before stopping at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Beer Sheva. Yisrael explained the importance of the IAF, and led the students through the museum, which boasts the various planes and helicopters used in the IAF since the establishment of the State of Israel.

Once we returned to the holy city – Jerusalem – the students were given the night off and the staff was given some more work to do… ironic. We say goodnight to Israel – we make sure she will be here tomorrow! 

Robin, Eric, and Lauren W. walking down a newly excavated portion of Cheskiyahu's Tunnels.
After a long walk through the tunnels, several group members took in the sight of sunset on the ancient city of David, and what is currently known as East Jerusalem.
Yana, Lauren S., Max, and Lawrence pose for a quick picture before heading back up to the Old City.

JPost correspondent Khaled Abu Toameh discussing the current Palestinian issue with the Hasbara group. 

Why are we here and what are we fighting for?

Hasbara Fellows descending a steep stairway in Cheskiyahu’s Tunnels in Ir David (City of David).Hasbara Fellow, Yana Sonts, relaxing after an hour-long walk through the tunnels.
Lauren S. and Eric blinded by the flash of the camera after an hour in the tunnels' darkness.
The group emerging from the tunnels, ready to get back for a hot dinner... notice Amy's expression (the girl in the white shirt with her hand on her forehead).



Thursday, August 17, 2006

Tuesday morning started out on an educational tone. With years of experience working with the media on campus, Elran Tsabag (the West Coast Campus Coordinator) led an Everyday Activism session about media on campus. The Hasbara Fellows learned how to effectively use different media outlets on (and off) campus to their advantage. Elran spoke about his past experience writing a column in the university newspaper, and taught the group ways of properly advocating for Israel through the media.

After a break for juicy watermelon and fresh vegetables, Elliot Mathias gave a presentation entitled “Why the Jews,” speaking about the unique aspects of anti-Semitism throughout history. Pointing out various events and periods of time in history, Elliot explained how anti-Semitism has persisted for centuries, while tying in the importance and need for a Jewish homeland and the need to do away with the various threats that the Jewish people deal with today. Later, the group enjoyed a well-cooked, scrumptious afternoon lunch in the FCO.

In the afternoon, Jerusalem Post correspondent Gil Hoffman came to speak about the current political situation in Israel, the coalition government members, relating the current administrative government to the Middle East conflict. With ten press conferences under his belt in the previous 24 hours, Gil had a last question and answer session with the Hasbara group. Gil answered questions about the management of today’s conflict with the Palestinian Authority and the Lebanese government.

In the evening, the group was given a guided tour of Cheskiyahu’s Tunnels in Ir David (City of David). Revital, the tour guide, led us through the First Temple-period water irrigation system, and explained to the group the significance of the location of Ir David and its historical and geographical importance for the Jewish people.

They returned to a piping-hot pizza dinner, after which they enjoyed an interesting question and answer session with Jerusalem Post correspondent to Palestinian affairs, Khaled Abu Toameh. A once in a lifetime opportunity, the group was given a chance to speak first-hand with a former Palestinian Authority official who once work with Yasser Arafat.

Today was a good day to ask (and answer) "Why are we here and what are we fighting for?" 

Of Martial Arts and Human Rights

Participants Robin and Lauren S. learning how to preform Krav Maga moves from Moshe Katz.
Eric, Molly, Yana, and Sara L. discussing their ideas for combatting anti-Israel propaganda on campus.


After a restful Shabbat in the Old City, the Hasbara participants started of the new week on Sunday with a history of Israel, one of the most popular sessions offered by Hasbara, and taught by reknowned Rabbi Ken Spiro. From Zionism to independence and peace, Rabbi Spiro explained the history of the State of Israel from creation to the current peace process.

While savoring some sweet Israeli watermelon, the group listened to Hasbara Fellowships Director Elliot Mathias' session, "Answering the Most Difficult Questions." The participants had a chance to learn how anti-Israel messages are controlled, while at the same time gaining the necessary tools for responding with positive, pro-Israel points.

After a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Herschel, Touro College Dean, Professor Luchins, spoke to the group about the importance of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Coming from a career full of first-hand experience (Professor Luchins was the late Senator Moyneham's chief advisor), he spoke of the great need to widen the amount of Israeli support in Congress in U.S. foreign policy with Israel, while also containing the terrorist threat being rivaled by Sunni and Shiite terrorist organizations.

To relax their minds and their bodies, the group participated in a Krav Maga (Israeli martial arts) class by Moshe Katz. There, they learned the basic self-defense skills - should an assailant ever try to physically combat their pro-Israel opinions. As a kind gesture in gratitude for their amazing morale, the group was given the rest of the afternoon off, of which they used the time to bond together over coffee, dinner, and shopping!

On Monday morning, the participants regrouped at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center Museum in Jerusalem. There, they were escorted through the life, deeds, and legacy of the late Israeli Prime Minister, in his own voice and through his writings. On the tour, the group learned about the political life of one of the greatest and most captivating leaders of the modern state of Israel, listening to his speeches in Knesset and on the campaign, while taking a look at his accomplishments throughout his tenure in office, such as that of his peace treaty with Egypt in 1979.

Back in the Old City, the group took a look into the media bias throughout the world, with a presentation by Honest Reporting's Simon Plosker. Simon taught the group many useful tools, such as how to recognize media bias in various outlets, how to repond to it, and how to affect change in the media toward a better Israeli opinion. Ater lunch, Jessica Montel, of the Israeli human rights watchdog B'tzelem, came to speak to the group about her work in pressuring the Israeli government to reform its policies which infringe on the lives of Palestinian civilians.

Before dinner (the chef's special spaghetti), the Hasbara staff led the group in a discussion about "Defeating Anti-Israel Propaganda." There, participants had the chance to voice their opinions and concerns about individual campuses, while sharing ideas of how to combat anti-Israel activities in the campus arena.

To wrap up the evening, a private screening of the award-winning documentary "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" was shown, after which the group had a chance to voice their opinions and concerns, while also sharing ideas for how to pro-actively affect change back on college campuses.

Off to rest up for another exciting day of lectures and water tunnel tours - its nice to get out of the classroom every once in a while! ; ) 

A Meaningful Shabbat in the Old City

Havdallah singing and dancing in the German Hospice overlooking the Kotel (Western Wall).
Havdallah group bonding, with a nice Jewish song.
Amy, Lian, and Dorit excitingly welcoming in the new week. Shavua Tov!


On Friday morning, the Hasbara group was captivated by the first Everyday Activism session, led by Jonathan "JC" Cohen, our Midwest and New England Campus Coordinator. JC explained the importance of knowing how to organize your Israel group on campus and the efficacy of building future leadership within the group. Broken up into discussion groups, Hasbara Fellowships participants discussed their individual campuses and ideas they had for kicking off the year right back home on campus.

After a break for Bamba and Bisli, the group headed over to the Discovery Room, where they passionately engaged in a private discussion with Jerusalem Post war correspondent, Yaakov Katz. Yaakov explained the details of the war in the North, and the significance of certain events since the 30 days of battle in Lebanon. Eagerly fighting over who would ask the next question, the participants got a chance to hear a first-hand account of what the Israeli government is doing, and howthe Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are actually engaged in Lebanon.

Then, the group was given a free afternoon to get rested and made up for Shabbat in the Old City. The ladies moved into the Armenian Hostel, and the gentelmen into the Aish Sephardic Center. To welcome in the Shabbat, the group met in the courtyard of the Sephardic Center to listen to a concert by Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, who led the audience in song and dance to Jewish melodies and old favorites like Bob Marley's "One Love."

As the men headed over for Maariv and Kabalat Shabbat at the Kotel, the women lit Shabbat candles and ascended to the balcony overlooking all of the Old City, as well as the moving sight of Shabbat prayer at the Kotel. Then, they joined the Kabalat Shabbat prayer at the Kotel, before heading back up to the German Hospice for an outdoor Kiddush and a delicious Shabbat dinner under the stars.

While the Hasbara staff cleaned up and prepared for the post-dinner Oneg (Tisch), small numbers of participants slowly headed back to their beds for the night - a disappointing point in the evening, but beautly sleep is much needed around here.

On Saturday, the group was split up and assigned different families who they joined for lunch at their individual homes. Steve Bressler, the Brager's, and the Mathias's welcomed the participants into their homes, and hosted them to a proper Shabbat lunch, with all the trimmings - no pun intended!

After a long Shabbat nap, the group reconvened in the Fellowships for a Shmooze (dicussion) led by Hasbara Fellowships Director, Elliot Mathias, followed by yet another - and last - Shabbat meal for the day. As the sun set on our "Jerusalem of Gold," the group joined others for an outdoor Havdallah, with singing and dancing to help carry out the Shabbat and welcome in the new week.

We speak for all when we say that this Shabbat was particularly special and significant for the 15 Hasbara participants. With the war in the North and fighting in the Gaza Strip - the Jewish peoples' existence being challenged - the whole group felt a special bond to Israel and the meaning of Shabbat. Being in Israel at this time, physically being here to show support, and mentally preparing ourselved for the upcoming challenge on campuses, we all feel a strong bond to the land, the people, and the heritage.

Tomorrow is the start of another exciting and passionate week of activities. Good night from the Old City. Shavua Tov! 

From history to current politics - An exciting day in the Tel Aviv area

The group with Barry Gilbert, who was present at the April 30, 2003 suicide bombing at Mike's Place in Tel Aviv.
A visit to the "Save a Child's Heart" home in Azur.
Hasbara Participants playing with Zanzibari and Ethiopian heart patients staying at the "Save a Child's Heart" house.

The group at the InterDisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, listening to a policy briefing by Professor Isaac Kfir of the Institute for Counter-Terrorism. 

Lydia Aisenberg from Givat Haviva
 

Tour educator Yisrael Neeman explaining the 1948 seige of the Castel, the road from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Eric Lander, Max Kuperman, and Campus Coordinator Nataly Weiss.
Robin Lazarus, Molly Brock, and Sara Levitas. 

Welcome Hasbara Fellowships - August 2006!





We are so pumped that you are here!!

It is with great pleasure that I am writing this blog to you all. During a very difficult time for Israel and her citizens, fifteen passionate college students arrived in Israel from the United States and Canada for two weeks of amazing Israel Activism on Hasbara Fellowships.

Arriving late Monday evening, we made our way from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem. The women checked into the luxurious Jerusalem Gold hotel, adjacent to the Central Bus Station. The men made their way to the historic Old City and checked into the Sephardi Center. Despite the late arrival and rapid onset of jetlag, our Fellows were extremely excited to be in the Holy Land. We shut our eyes for some well needed rest, eagerly anticipating our first full day on Hasbara Fellowships.

On Tuesday August 8th, 2006 Hasbara kicked into full gear!! We began the morning with some welcoming remarks and orientation from Elliot Mathias, Director of Hasbara Fellowships. Elliot with his signature inspirational tone laid out the vision of Hasbara Fellowships. Following Elliot, Natalie Menaged, Managing Director of Hasbara Fellowships, eloquently led our bread and butter session Communicating for Israel. Natalie's session gave a tight and complete framework to advocating for Israel on our college campuses.

Following Communicating for Israel, we made our way through the Old City to Jerusalem's City Hall. We were greeted by Elad Halevy, spokesperson for City Hall. We began our tour with a magnificent 180 degree view of Jerusalem. The view gave a surreal understanding of the intertwining historic and expanding modern Jerusalem. During the next part of our tour, we heard from Jerusalem Councilwoman, Mina Fenton. Mina, a member of the Mafdal party, discussed the great importance and responsibility that our students have in defending Israel and the Jewish people on campus. It never ceases to amaze me the passion that lives in the hearts of all Israelis! Wrapping up our tour, Eldad showed and explained the miniature model of Jerusalem created and maintained in City Hall. The exquisite, hand-crafted model showed the incredible dedication to preserving the unique character of Jerusalem. Our fellows made their way back to the Old City to hear Rabbi Ken Spiro's lecture on the History of the Land of Israel. Using his usual charm and deep one liners, Rabbi Spiro led our students through a whirlwind tour of Jewish History.

After Rabbi Spiro, Hasbara had the pleasure of being joined by Member of Knesset Alex Miller from Yisreal Beiteinu. MK Miller, the youngest member of the Israeli Knesset, shared with us the vision and platform of his political party. It is always an inspiring experience to hear from people like MK Miller and Councilwoman Fenton who have dedicated their lives to the State of Israel.

After and intense and informative day, our fellows winded down to a BBQ dinner in the German Hospice. Those chicken wings. O WOW!!! After dinner, we all came together to discuss our campuses and goals for the program.

As the sun set, Hasbara Fellows went off to their lodgings pondering their first day and excited for the days to follow.

Good Night to all from the Old City, Jerusalem.

Welcome Hasbara Fellows

It is with great pleasure that we welcome all the participants of the program to Israel. After a long flight everyone was very happy to check into their new homes for the next two weeks.

Throughout the trip, we will be bringing you updates on every facet of the program. We will be updating you on all of the trips, classes, Everyday Activism Sessions, even on the food. We will also be taking priceless pictures everystep of the way.

We hope that by reading this blog, you will be able to walk in the shoes of the participants, and feel as close to the program as possible.

Feel free to post comments, we will respond in a timely manner. PLEASE post your comments actually, the blog will feel incomplete with them.