Shalom
Today ,the Jewish people, light the last candle of Hanukah,( A holiday that symbolize light and hope ! ) we, the people involved in the JITLI-PEACMAKERS Family ,committed to maintain the “Light ! “,the light of hope for the day “after the war ! “ We support you ,send you our love and urge you to ,communicate with each other , support our participant and graduates, listen to them and strengthen their connections ,that they will be able ,the day after, to lead to a better and peaceful future !
Love and support you all
Yaacov Schneider
Dear Yaacob:
We strongly agree with you. Your words are soothing to our souls. Let´s hope to make a difference among our Jitli-Peacemakers family, thinking, feeling and acting with love and hope among ourselvelves.
Best wishes and love to all of you.
Leon and Frida
DEAR JITLI FAMILY
I AM MAYBE THE OLDEST PERSON THAT BELONGS TO JITLI FAMILY.
I KNOW THAT THE GREATEST CRIMES IN HUMAN HISTORY WERE MADE BY THE NAME OF GOD.
MY FATHER WHO WAS A HOLOCAUST SURVIVER ASKED ME "DONT FORGET TO BE A MAN".
I LOVE YOU ALL
I AM SURE THAT WE TOGATHER CAN BUILD BETTER WORLD. WE CAN TRUST ONE ANOTHER WE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER WE CAN LIVE TOGATHER
ITZIK KOREN
Monday, December 29, 2008
The last day of Jitli summer trip 2008
The last day of Jitli summer trip 2008
We got up very late, sleeping in Suliman tent and the last party in Segev Shalom, took many sleeping hours from us.
The first meeting that day was with Amal ElSana. You can see her lecture in the last post. She spoke to the teenagers as future leaders and suggested to them: do or act with your belief what you must do. To be a leader is not a question how old you are. nothing is impossible. Keep asking questions and always keep finding answers to your questions. If you will not be part of a solution you will remain part of the problem.
Before dinner every participant summed up in writing: what is Jitli for me? What was the most significant event during the summer trip? What I will never forget…. For example Dor wrote: Jilli for me was a great deep experience, it was not a kind of trip with friends, it is a project that gets you and your friends to think , some time you feel that no one listens to you but finally, you understand that you touch the heart of all the teenagers, staff, everyone. The most significant event for me was my feelings, storm of feelings that I passed and I am sure that every one of us the teenagers felt a strong feelings of great belonging. It was the most amazing feeling during this trip, I will never forget our visit in the Afro-American church when they mentioned our mane and purposes in this trip all the prayer stood up and clapped for us.
The last activity was about stereotypes. Before the trip every participant from all the communities answered a questionnaire about his point of view on Israeli Jews, American Jews, Muslim Bedouins, and they got the same questionnaire in the last day. We checked if there was any change in the stereotypes after the journey. The answers were conclusive about change, many of the stereotypes smashed. After last supper together the American participants went to the airport and the others to their homes. Jitli summer trip 2008 comes to its end.
I want to thank the Jacobs family for this unique experience. Gary and Jerri-Ann you are really wonderful people- idealistic warm and proud Jews.
I will continue to publish in this blog about Jitli
The first meeting that day was with Amal ElSana. You can see her lecture in the last post. She spoke to the teenagers as future leaders and suggested to them: do or act with your belief what you must do. To be a leader is not a question how old you are. nothing is impossible. Keep asking questions and always keep finding answers to your questions. If you will not be part of a solution you will remain part of the problem.
Before dinner every participant summed up in writing: what is Jitli for me? What was the most significant event during the summer trip? What I will never forget…. For example Dor wrote: Jilli for me was a great deep experience, it was not a kind of trip with friends, it is a project that gets you and your friends to think , some time you feel that no one listens to you but finally, you understand that you touch the heart of all the teenagers, staff, everyone. The most significant event for me was my feelings, storm of feelings that I passed and I am sure that every one of us the teenagers felt a strong feelings of great belonging. It was the most amazing feeling during this trip, I will never forget our visit in the Afro-American church when they mentioned our mane and purposes in this trip all the prayer stood up and clapped for us.
The last activity was about stereotypes. Before the trip every participant from all the communities answered a questionnaire about his point of view on Israeli Jews, American Jews, Muslim Bedouins, and they got the same questionnaire in the last day. We checked if there was any change in the stereotypes after the journey. The answers were conclusive about change, many of the stereotypes smashed. After last supper together the American participants went to the airport and the others to their homes. Jitli summer trip 2008 comes to its end.
I want to thank the Jacobs family for this unique experience. Gary and Jerri-Ann you are really wonderful people- idealistic warm and proud Jews.
I will continue to publish in this blog about Jitli
love you all
itzik koren
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
AMAL MEANS HOPE
AMAL MEANS HOPE
During last day activities we heard Amal El Shana' a brave Bedouin woman.
Look to this video and judge yourself.
During last day activities we heard Amal El Shana' a brave Bedouin woman.
Look to this video and judge yourself.
enjoy
Itzik Koren
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hospitality in the Negev
Hospitality in the Negev.
Saturday - Sha'ar Hanegev's day. We drove alongthe way from Jerusalem to the south in beautiful landscape of the Jerusalem hills. On the way we stopped near Kibbutz Nativ Ha Lamed He that is situatated in Emek Haella Valley, there, we referred to the story of David and Goliath, and to the story of the 35 soldiers in the Israeli war of independence. Later we stopped at the scenic point of Mitzpeh Mashua in front of us we saw most parts of the South of Israel.A panoramic view of Hebron Mountains, Kiryat Gat town, Askelon, Asdod, Ramle. Mitzpe Mashua served as a place to light beacons to inform the new moon. We got to Kibbutz Ruhama, we received an explanation on the kibbutz from Shaked's mother. We Visited the founders site of the kibbutz. After lunch the teenagers dispersed among Shaar Hanegev families. We gathered again in the evening meeting with Jitli alumni. The testimonies of the alumni how Jilli influenced their lives were very exciting.
The next day was Lakyah day. We started with social and sport games, in the Lahav forest. Later we visited the women business in Lakiya. The home hospitality felt like we were kings towards evening we drove to Mitzpe Ramon to be guests in Bedouin tent, Shalman tent. He told us his life story. The next morning we went on foot to Mitzpe Ramon- Beer Sheva road and from there we drove to our next activity at Desert Farm "Tzel Midbar".
The activity was based on environmental issues, each group built a model of village that was based on JITLI laws and ecology principles.
Our next activity was: "Explore the Bedouin land"- drive through the "unrecognized villages". We reached to Beer Hayil or Beer el Hadag and there in the middle of no where the government built a school to the Bedouin children.
We spoke with the school director who told us about that special school.
From there we were driven by safari car to Segev Shalom. We saw the unrecognized villages and its Bedouin population that are living with many difficulties.
We reached Segev Shalom and immediately we were taken to home hospitality and again the teenagers said that it was excellent. In the evening we gathered for graduation jitli project party. Most of the parents came to be with us. After thanks and summing we announced who will be the young counselors for the nest year activities. We went to light inscription fire, with Jitli 08 written. After the dance party we went back to sleep in Eshal Hanasih school' there again we gained excellent hospitality.
The nest day was the last day of Jitli 2008 summer trip. We summed the trip and it will be in the next post.
This post is without questions.
Shaar Hanegev Hospitality
Alumni Event
lAQUIA HOSPITALITY
SEGEV SHALOM HOSPITALITY
enjoy
Itzik
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Jerusalem of Democracy, Mankind, Lands
Jerusalem of Democracy, Mankind, Lands
The third day of our visit in Jerusalem was democracy day. We visited the "Kneset" building. We experienced all the security examination, and the "Knesset" guide was with us. The wall tapestry made by Mark Shagal was beautiful; all the history of the Jewish nation was on this tapestry. After visiting the Knesset plenum hall we met two Knesset members: an Arab Knesset member Zhahalka and a Jewish one Malkior who was a minister too. The questions of the participants were about co existent, daily life and the answers were according their political point of view.
We lunched at the rose garden near the Knesset building and then we entered the Supreme Court building. The view points in the supreme court yard are such, that from one side you can see the government building and from the other side you can see the knesset building, this view point is the Israeli democracy essence.
The tour in the Supreme Court building was very interesting. We received explanation about its wonderful planning, like the natural sunny light that lights the building. We met a Bedouin judge who was born in Tel Sheva near Beer Sheva . he told us his fascinating life story with a great sense of humor.
Early in the evening we met Idan and Basem. Idan is a Israeli play writer and Basem is an Arab who is lives in east Jerusalem and was in the Israeli prison. He lost his daughter in a Israeli army operation. They belong to organization that supports dialog and not revenge. They told use their stories, the touching story of Basem touched sensitive Idan and he wrote a play about Basem's story. It was a very special evening.
Early in the night we visited David Tower. We climbed to the highest view point on the roof of the castle. The panoramic view of Jerusalem at this night was very exciting. Then we went to the Kottel tunnels. It was like going in time machine back in history. We stood in a point in the tunnel that is the nearest place to the holiest place in the Jewish temple, we saw remains of big fires from the past there, we walked on a street that remained from the second temple time. We finished our visit very late 3 a.m. We reached again the Kottel yard, there, life goes on without any pause.
The next day was Adam Adama Day - men and land in Jerusalem. We walked from the school we slept at, to Ein Karem village. It was a very hot day. Afterward we traveled to the proconsul palace in east Jerusalem and we entered again to a tunnel the ancient citizens of Jerusalem passed water to Jerusalem. We reached to the proconsul palace promenade, where divided into groups there in groups we sum our visit in Jerusalem. In the horizon we saw the wall that separates Jerusalem from the west bank.
In the evening we returned to Ein Karem to receive the Shabbat and then we went to Israeli Arab girls' choir that came to us from the Galilee, afterward there was a dancing party that went on into the night.
So we neared to the last part of our journey: home hospitality in Shaar Hanegev, Lakiya and Segev Shalom.
Questions:
A. The Israeli Democracy situated in beautiful thoughtful desiged building so why is the Israeli democracy so ugly?
B. Is Jerusalem more beautiful during the day or during the night? What is outstanding in Jerusalem during the day and what is outstanding during the night?
C. Do we, in Jitli project have any roll in changing Jerusalem to be the city of peace?
D. We met so many points of co-existent in Jerusalem;would it influence us in short term? In long term?
The third day of our visit in Jerusalem was democracy day. We visited the "Kneset" building. We experienced all the security examination, and the "Knesset" guide was with us. The wall tapestry made by Mark Shagal was beautiful; all the history of the Jewish nation was on this tapestry. After visiting the Knesset plenum hall we met two Knesset members: an Arab Knesset member Zhahalka and a Jewish one Malkior who was a minister too. The questions of the participants were about co existent, daily life and the answers were according their political point of view.
We lunched at the rose garden near the Knesset building and then we entered the Supreme Court building. The view points in the supreme court yard are such, that from one side you can see the government building and from the other side you can see the knesset building, this view point is the Israeli democracy essence.
The tour in the Supreme Court building was very interesting. We received explanation about its wonderful planning, like the natural sunny light that lights the building. We met a Bedouin judge who was born in Tel Sheva near Beer Sheva . he told us his fascinating life story with a great sense of humor.
Early in the evening we met Idan and Basem. Idan is a Israeli play writer and Basem is an Arab who is lives in east Jerusalem and was in the Israeli prison. He lost his daughter in a Israeli army operation. They belong to organization that supports dialog and not revenge. They told use their stories, the touching story of Basem touched sensitive Idan and he wrote a play about Basem's story. It was a very special evening.
Early in the night we visited David Tower. We climbed to the highest view point on the roof of the castle. The panoramic view of Jerusalem at this night was very exciting. Then we went to the Kottel tunnels. It was like going in time machine back in history. We stood in a point in the tunnel that is the nearest place to the holiest place in the Jewish temple, we saw remains of big fires from the past there, we walked on a street that remained from the second temple time. We finished our visit very late 3 a.m. We reached again the Kottel yard, there, life goes on without any pause.
The next day was Adam Adama Day - men and land in Jerusalem. We walked from the school we slept at, to Ein Karem village. It was a very hot day. Afterward we traveled to the proconsul palace in east Jerusalem and we entered again to a tunnel the ancient citizens of Jerusalem passed water to Jerusalem. We reached to the proconsul palace promenade, where divided into groups there in groups we sum our visit in Jerusalem. In the horizon we saw the wall that separates Jerusalem from the west bank.
In the evening we returned to Ein Karem to receive the Shabbat and then we went to Israeli Arab girls' choir that came to us from the Galilee, afterward there was a dancing party that went on into the night.
So we neared to the last part of our journey: home hospitality in Shaar Hanegev, Lakiya and Segev Shalom.
Questions:
A. The Israeli Democracy situated in beautiful thoughtful desiged building so why is the Israeli democracy so ugly?
B. Is Jerusalem more beautiful during the day or during the night? What is outstanding in Jerusalem during the day and what is outstanding during the night?
C. Do we, in Jitli project have any roll in changing Jerusalem to be the city of peace?
D. We met so many points of co-existent in Jerusalem;would it influence us in short term? In long term?
enjoy
Itzik
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A Letter form Shaar Hanegev Participants to the Group
The Letter
In the past two weeks we have dealt primarily with your role as citizens in Israel and the problems dealing with your communities and culture. We talked about discrimination, rights and ownership of land. We have spent a lot of time and effort learning about and understanding your dilemmas and issues. As individuals and as a group we have made sure to react to situations with respect, consideration and a positive temperament. Each of us has taken the time to think about what we say before we say it in order to not offend others.
Yesterday we were all listening to the lecture about the situation in the Middle East and more specifically in Israel. As a group we have come to a conclusion that the lecture was pro-Israeli in the parts that dealt with the Gazza strip and the areas around Gazza. Although the lecture was an hour, there was only about five minutes about the situation in Gazza and with in that five minutes there was a short video clip about the reality of Sderot and the surrounding Kibbutzim. This situation is OUR reality.
Although we have created wonderful friendships with all of you, it has hurt us to see that we have spent a lot of time understanding you and your stories while you have not take any time to listen to us. Many of you have rushed to state that the situation in Gazza is a justification for the reality that WE live in; this is a reality of a life threatening situation for the past eight years. We are aware of the situation of the people living in Gazza and we feel for them. A few of us live close enough to Gazza that we see the situation with our own eyes every day, whereas you only hear about it through the news and occasionally relatives. The situation in Gazza is hard and unbarable, but it does not give you the right to overlook our situation.
We are a community that lives in constant fear; going to school every morning is risking your life. Some of the class rooms at school have been converted into bomb shelters, although most of them have not; when the alarm is sounded we have 15 seconds to run for shelter. That is 15 seconds to run for you life. Jimmy Kadoshim, the father of our close friend was killed several weeks ago by a missile while working in his garden. In the following weeks three more people have been killed including a college student at our school. Oz's brothers have moved to sleep in the shelter because they are too scared to sleep in their rooms. Maayan was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTS) after a missile fell six meters from her. The apartment of Mai's boyfriend was destroyed by a missile. Each and every one of us has already been in a situation where a few meters made a difference between life and death.
The basic right of every human being is to live in safety, not the right to own land or have equality. You all enjoy the right to live in safety, meanwhile we do not. We feel for you when you tell us about discrimination and mistreatment of you as citizens of our country. Did you ever take a moment to think about those people you hear about in Sderot as victims? Because those people are us and you rush to disregard us. The fact that you do not take the time to understand us and our situation as people that are threatened and living in constant fear; it seems as if there is a personal offence to each and every one of us. None of us are afraid that our houses are going to be destroyed, but we are each afraid of going to school each morning. For some of us, even our home isn't safe. The fear we posses is real. The fear we feel when we walk to school or go out to play soccer is real. None of you have experienced that type of daily fear, we have been living with this fear for eight years now. The people of Gaza have these similar daily fears as we do. You with all of our difficulties in this country live here in safety, we on the other hand do not.
We feel as if none of you have considered our situation from your personal point of view as someone who lives in safety. You all reacted as if you relate to the citizens of Gazza. We don't relate to anyone; this is our life and our reality.
You haven't shown a slightest bit of respect and empathy to our situation at hand. To ignore and dismiss the danger we live in only because Gazza is more dangerous is an offensive and insulting act. This act is not JITLI. We came here to respect and be respected in return. Until now we feel as if we have put forth the respect needed and have not been given back the respect we deserve. Instead we have received undermining coments and disrespect.
Each and everyone of us and all of us as a group were insulted. This is something we feel very strongly about and do not want to let this simply pass. I hope you take into consideration everything we said and we can move on to become a stronger JITLI family that respects each and everyone of us.
Yesterday we were all listening to the lecture about the situation in the Middle East and more specifically in Israel. As a group we have come to a conclusion that the lecture was pro-Israeli in the parts that dealt with the Gazza strip and the areas around Gazza. Although the lecture was an hour, there was only about five minutes about the situation in Gazza and with in that five minutes there was a short video clip about the reality of Sderot and the surrounding Kibbutzim. This situation is OUR reality.
Although we have created wonderful friendships with all of you, it has hurt us to see that we have spent a lot of time understanding you and your stories while you have not take any time to listen to us. Many of you have rushed to state that the situation in Gazza is a justification for the reality that WE live in; this is a reality of a life threatening situation for the past eight years. We are aware of the situation of the people living in Gazza and we feel for them. A few of us live close enough to Gazza that we see the situation with our own eyes every day, whereas you only hear about it through the news and occasionally relatives. The situation in Gazza is hard and unbarable, but it does not give you the right to overlook our situation.
We are a community that lives in constant fear; going to school every morning is risking your life. Some of the class rooms at school have been converted into bomb shelters, although most of them have not; when the alarm is sounded we have 15 seconds to run for shelter. That is 15 seconds to run for you life. Jimmy Kadoshim, the father of our close friend was killed several weeks ago by a missile while working in his garden. In the following weeks three more people have been killed including a college student at our school. Oz's brothers have moved to sleep in the shelter because they are too scared to sleep in their rooms. Maayan was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTS) after a missile fell six meters from her. The apartment of Mai's boyfriend was destroyed by a missile. Each and every one of us has already been in a situation where a few meters made a difference between life and death.
The basic right of every human being is to live in safety, not the right to own land or have equality. You all enjoy the right to live in safety, meanwhile we do not. We feel for you when you tell us about discrimination and mistreatment of you as citizens of our country. Did you ever take a moment to think about those people you hear about in Sderot as victims? Because those people are us and you rush to disregard us. The fact that you do not take the time to understand us and our situation as people that are threatened and living in constant fear; it seems as if there is a personal offence to each and every one of us. None of us are afraid that our houses are going to be destroyed, but we are each afraid of going to school each morning. For some of us, even our home isn't safe. The fear we posses is real. The fear we feel when we walk to school or go out to play soccer is real. None of you have experienced that type of daily fear, we have been living with this fear for eight years now. The people of Gaza have these similar daily fears as we do. You with all of our difficulties in this country live here in safety, we on the other hand do not.
We feel as if none of you have considered our situation from your personal point of view as someone who lives in safety. You all reacted as if you relate to the citizens of Gazza. We don't relate to anyone; this is our life and our reality.
You haven't shown a slightest bit of respect and empathy to our situation at hand. To ignore and dismiss the danger we live in only because Gazza is more dangerous is an offensive and insulting act. This act is not JITLI. We came here to respect and be respected in return. Until now we feel as if we have put forth the respect needed and have not been given back the respect we deserve. Instead we have received undermining coments and disrespect.
Each and everyone of us and all of us as a group were insulted. This is something we feel very strongly about and do not want to let this simply pass. I hope you take into consideration everything we said and we can move on to become a stronger JITLI family that respects each and everyone of us.
How to create more sympathy empathy kindness and love in such intense trip???
Itzik koren
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Two First Days in Jerusalem
Jerusalem – the first two days
After a night flight from Madrid we landed at Ben Gurion airport at 5AM, and traveled to Mt Scopus in east Jerusalem. We stopped at a view point on the old city of Jerusalem. The view was overwhelming, the old city in the east touching the new city in the west,
We also saw the separation wall in the north and the hanging bridge in the center of the city. After saying "seheheyano" the traditional Jewish blessing thanking God that we live and enjoy this moment we blessed the bread salt and wine we ate there for our breakfast. A conversation started about our feelings and everyone told their feelings and self identity there, that morning in Jerusalem.
We stayed at the in Ein Karem school, in the residential school lodging, we rested a little bit and then Neil Lazaros spoke with us about the situation in the Middle East today: Iran, Iraq, the Palestinians problems, and Israel. It was a very interesting lecture and the teenagers asked questions and spoke their opinions.
In the evening we met the parents that came to Ein Karem to meet their children after two weeks abroad. It was very exciting meeting and we were all so happy. After some greetings and festive dinner there was a music performance in Ladino Hebrew and Arabic . The singers were Jewish and Arabs.
The next day we had a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We were divided to three groups, each group represented one religion : Jewish, Christianity, Islam. Each group had a different way to reach the old city of Jerusalem. at the end of this activity each participant visited the Kottel - The Wailing Wall, Temple Mount – Omar Mosque and El-aksa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I was surprised how easy it was to enter the Temple Mount.
I asked one of the participants of the Jitli summer trip, from the states, a first time visiter in Jerusalem about her feeling after visiting the holy places and she said that that visit reminded her very much a visit in Disney land park, very crowded every where, waiting in line but in the end of the visit it was a great experience. I liked her answer very much because there was another point of view very local point of view. I realized that it was matter of proportions.
We returned to Ein Karem school and there we heard a panel of three lecturers about the three religions and their attitude to daily problems. I was impressed by the Sufi attitudes. Sufe is a group in the Islam, that talk about the feelings in the heart as the most important reason to man behavior.
After dinner we met again and analyzed texts from the bible and holy Koran with the help of Martin Sesler, we analyzed the similarity and the differences between the texts.
We dealt with Cain and Abel story, and Isaac or Ishmael sacrificed and the story of Abraham and Sodom destroyed. After analyzing textswe understood the Islamic attitude not to argue with god and to accept him, and the opposite in the Judaism to ask and to argue and even to rebel against god.
Before going to sleep the group from Shaar Hanegev read a letter to all participants that its main subject was more sensitivity to one another in the groups. Questions:
A. What makes Jerusalem so especial? The holiest city in the world?
B. What gives the feeling of holiness? Why did I, a Jew, feel the holiness at the Temple Mount near the mosques? In the Church of the Holy Sephlucre? in the Kotel tunnels? And less holiness near the Kotel Wall?
C. What is different or similar between the old city of Jerusalem and Disney Land?
D. Why the, moderate approaches in the different religions have less influence on our lives?
E. Does deeper knowledge about a religion change someone's opinion about its?
F. I feel that there is more similarity between Judaism and Islam then with Christianity. Is it true?
We arrived to Jerusalem
We also saw the separation wall in the north and the hanging bridge in the center of the city. After saying "seheheyano" the traditional Jewish blessing thanking God that we live and enjoy this moment we blessed the bread salt and wine we ate there for our breakfast. A conversation started about our feelings and everyone told their feelings and self identity there, that morning in Jerusalem.
We stayed at the in Ein Karem school, in the residential school lodging, we rested a little bit and then Neil Lazaros spoke with us about the situation in the Middle East today: Iran, Iraq, the Palestinians problems, and Israel. It was a very interesting lecture and the teenagers asked questions and spoke their opinions.
In the evening we met the parents that came to Ein Karem to meet their children after two weeks abroad. It was very exciting meeting and we were all so happy. After some greetings and festive dinner there was a music performance in Ladino Hebrew and Arabic . The singers were Jewish and Arabs.
The next day we had a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We were divided to three groups, each group represented one religion : Jewish, Christianity, Islam. Each group had a different way to reach the old city of Jerusalem. at the end of this activity each participant visited the Kottel - The Wailing Wall, Temple Mount – Omar Mosque and El-aksa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I was surprised how easy it was to enter the Temple Mount.
I asked one of the participants of the Jitli summer trip, from the states, a first time visiter in Jerusalem about her feeling after visiting the holy places and she said that that visit reminded her very much a visit in Disney land park, very crowded every where, waiting in line but in the end of the visit it was a great experience. I liked her answer very much because there was another point of view very local point of view. I realized that it was matter of proportions.
We returned to Ein Karem school and there we heard a panel of three lecturers about the three religions and their attitude to daily problems. I was impressed by the Sufi attitudes. Sufe is a group in the Islam, that talk about the feelings in the heart as the most important reason to man behavior.
After dinner we met again and analyzed texts from the bible and holy Koran with the help of Martin Sesler, we analyzed the similarity and the differences between the texts.
We dealt with Cain and Abel story, and Isaac or Ishmael sacrificed and the story of Abraham and Sodom destroyed. After analyzing textswe understood the Islamic attitude not to argue with god and to accept him, and the opposite in the Judaism to ask and to argue and even to rebel against god.
Before going to sleep the group from Shaar Hanegev read a letter to all participants that its main subject was more sensitivity to one another in the groups. Questions:
A. What makes Jerusalem so especial? The holiest city in the world?
B. What gives the feeling of holiness? Why did I, a Jew, feel the holiness at the Temple Mount near the mosques? In the Church of the Holy Sephlucre? in the Kotel tunnels? And less holiness near the Kotel Wall?
C. What is different or similar between the old city of Jerusalem and Disney Land?
D. Why the, moderate approaches in the different religions have less influence on our lives?
E. Does deeper knowledge about a religion change someone's opinion about its?
F. I feel that there is more similarity between Judaism and Islam then with Christianity. Is it true?
We arrived to Jerusalem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1Oj4hQScz8
Middle East Today - Neil Lazaros
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tK7AdhT-As
Meeting the Parents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVWFyb4QXv4
pilgrimage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aG3jiyTPnw
The Three Religions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn8-FMXpqzU
ANAYLAZING TEXTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6a3nYG6vbs
ENJOY
ITZIK
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
toledo
Toledo
The way from Cordova to Toledo lasted five hours; this was good time to fill our cells with energy and to continue sleeping. Before we reached Toledo we passed in Lamanch the land of Don Quixote, it was amazing to see the wind mill on the top of the hills, Don Quixote fought the wind mill and we came to learn about them.
Toledo, three of its sides are surrounded by the Tacho river and in the fourth side a wall. The old city is located on a hill. We climbed the old town from the wall side with escalators. We walked through its backstreets to the old synagogue, one of two that still remains in the old city. It is a magnificent synagogue, now there is a museum there about the golden time of Toledo Jewery. Afterward we walked to a culture center near Toledo cathedral, there we ate oriental food: salad falafel humus. A folk unique music group played with ancient music instruments songs and danced Jewish music from the middle ages. We reached the hotel, in that afternoon we all gathered to speak about our identity, personal identity. Gary Jacobs opened this conversation by introducing his identity in a very interesting way then the conversation that developed was very unique, we the Israeli Jews have a definition problem between Jewish and Israeli what is coming before ? The United states Jewish between Jewish and American , the Negev Bedouins between Muslim, Palestenian, Israeli? Every participant told his opinion and feelings and we all felt the similarity and the difference among the participants and the groups. In Toledo I met my daughter Hadash Lulu' she is learning in Madrid Spanish dancing and circus, in that evening she activated the group with acrobatic exercises that are based on new balances then every participant expressed his feelings with his voice without words.
The next day we visited Toledo cathedral, a magnificent building with interesting art treasures. Every participant got money for food and two hours time to walk and eat in the old town of Toledo.. We returned to the hotel to finish the dwarfs' game. Every dwarf found out who was his giant. We prepared ourselves and continued the journey to Israel already that night..
The questions that came up after the visit Toledo were:
a. Why do we need frames to be kind to one another?? Dwarfs' game, Jitli project? How shall we continue with constructive connections once the frame is no loger there?
b. In Toledo we felt a yearning to Jerusalem, to the oriental food, to historical songs, to our real indentify. What makes a town or city to be so unique? Its beauty? Its history? The people that lived there, that are living now? A combination of the all factors?
c. How someone builds his identity? Specifically when one has choices. What helps us to choose an identity? Connection to myself, to my friends, to my nation, to my homeland, to the era?
d. And again connection among people that is born with the help of art: without words, creating new balance, accepting each other, what do all these activities contribute to our personal shared future?
e. Why were we all so excited before the return to Israel?
Does anybody who read this blog have answers to those questions ? JITLI participants?
Toledo's video clips
Sleeping - pictures
The way from Cordova to Toledo lasted five hours; this was good time to fill our cells with energy and to continue sleeping. Before we reached Toledo we passed in Lamanch the land of Don Quixote, it was amazing to see the wind mill on the top of the hills, Don Quixote fought the wind mill and we came to learn about them.
Toledo, three of its sides are surrounded by the Tacho river and in the fourth side a wall. The old city is located on a hill. We climbed the old town from the wall side with escalators. We walked through its backstreets to the old synagogue, one of two that still remains in the old city. It is a magnificent synagogue, now there is a museum there about the golden time of Toledo Jewery. Afterward we walked to a culture center near Toledo cathedral, there we ate oriental food: salad falafel humus. A folk unique music group played with ancient music instruments songs and danced Jewish music from the middle ages. We reached the hotel, in that afternoon we all gathered to speak about our identity, personal identity. Gary Jacobs opened this conversation by introducing his identity in a very interesting way then the conversation that developed was very unique, we the Israeli Jews have a definition problem between Jewish and Israeli what is coming before ? The United states Jewish between Jewish and American , the Negev Bedouins between Muslim, Palestenian, Israeli? Every participant told his opinion and feelings and we all felt the similarity and the difference among the participants and the groups. In Toledo I met my daughter Hadash Lulu' she is learning in Madrid Spanish dancing and circus, in that evening she activated the group with acrobatic exercises that are based on new balances then every participant expressed his feelings with his voice without words.
The next day we visited Toledo cathedral, a magnificent building with interesting art treasures. Every participant got money for food and two hours time to walk and eat in the old town of Toledo.. We returned to the hotel to finish the dwarfs' game. Every dwarf found out who was his giant. We prepared ourselves and continued the journey to Israel already that night..
The questions that came up after the visit Toledo were:
a. Why do we need frames to be kind to one another?? Dwarfs' game, Jitli project? How shall we continue with constructive connections once the frame is no loger there?
b. In Toledo we felt a yearning to Jerusalem, to the oriental food, to historical songs, to our real indentify. What makes a town or city to be so unique? Its beauty? Its history? The people that lived there, that are living now? A combination of the all factors?
c. How someone builds his identity? Specifically when one has choices. What helps us to choose an identity? Connection to myself, to my friends, to my nation, to my homeland, to the era?
d. And again connection among people that is born with the help of art: without words, creating new balance, accepting each other, what do all these activities contribute to our personal shared future?
e. Why were we all so excited before the return to Israel?
Does anybody who read this blog have answers to those questions ? JITLI participants?
Toledo's video clips
Sleeping - pictures
Ho ha on the way to toledo
Toledo the first day
Toledo the second day
Toledo- Hadashlulu my daughter activities
enjoy
Itzik
Friday, October 3, 2008
cordova
cordova
We reached Cordova before evening. We crossed the "El Cabi r"river , which still has an Arabic name. The bus stopped near the city walls and we walked to the Maimonides hotel.
It was Friday so we quickly prepared ourselves to "Kabalat Shabat". In an interior yard of Maimonides hotel the Jitli group, Jewish and Muslim teenagers, had Friday Jewish ceremony to receive the Shabat. We heard Shabat songs, we blessed the bread and the wine. That ceremony touched me very much maybe because of the symbolic place and time.(Cordova, Maimonides hotel, Rambam city, the Mosquita).
After we ate, we went to the Jewish museum in the old city, its name is
"Casa de sefarad" . There we had a culture night. Each community made a show that characterizes its people. Segev Shalom teenagers dramatized a story that was taken from a new book collection of Bedouin legendry from the Negev. San Diego teenagers showed the history of the Jewish community in the last hundred years. Shaar Hanegev teenagers showed episodes from the Israeli army that emphasized the great difference among the Israelis and that the army is the only place that unifies them together. Laquia teenagers danced a Debbka, a beautiful dance. The mood after the performances was high and we did not stop singing and dancing.
The next day we returned to the "Casa de sefarad", there we heard mini concert of Mohamed Akel and local musicians. We listened to ancient Andalusia music. Then some actors from our staff represented us some famous persons from Cordova history: Rabbi Moshe Ben Mymon - Harambam , Eben Rashid a muslin philosopher.
Then we were divided to four groups and every group prepared a video clip. The scripts represented the life in Cordova in the golden age., and the problems and dilemma from that time.
In the evening we had flamenco show with the Shosi Israeli group and even safir from Shaar Hanegev danced a beautiful flamenco dance.
In the time we were in Cordova the pictures and the video clips tell about the wonderful events much better then the written words.
After we visited the Musquita , a church that was the greatest mosque in the world, and after the meeting between the Spanish foreign minister and Mr. Gary Jacobs in Cordova, I fantasized that the Spanish foreign minister would promote a historical movement to compensate people of the world. That he suggests that Spain will give the Musquita back to the Muslims and the building will be a mosque again (compensation to Muslims) that the Jewish people can build a magnificent synagogue in the temple mount (compensations to Jews) and Jerusalem will be an international city.( compensations to Christian people). I know that it is fantasy but what you think? Will movements like this upgrade peace?
More questions:
A. Is shared culture - Jewish Muslim possible today? As it was in Cordova in the golden age?
B. Is creating a shared culture like it happened in our culture night in Cordova a significant step to make people from different cultures feel closer?
C, Isn't Cordova an excellent example of honoring different cultures? Keeping history? National pride based on accepting the other?
Think and give your comments
13 video clips about cordova spain activities,
1. Pictures from the 2 days in Cordova
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mlm2Nz4iNI
2.Shabat at Maimonides hotel
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ4r0UBg1_I
3. Culture Night
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtQqs4DhKJM
4.Culture Night San Diego Show
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KciLEqRlwG0
5.Culture Night Segev Shalom Show
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVeS9ZdavrY
6.Culture Night Laquiya Show
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EkJXHjsfk4&feature=user
7. Culture Night Shaar Hanegev Show
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVeS9ZdavrY
8.Cordova the second day
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJyizACN7Yg
9.Cordova Spanish Fiesta Flamenco
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLIL_VzUmu0
10. Shosi Israeli Flamenco Dancer
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuS3sonqrWg
11.Safir Dancing Flamenco
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gYsPSTPKaA
12. Segev Shalom Documentary
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7gqbkWl2k
13.Laquia Documentary
youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB7oj6PScHw
enjoy
Itzik
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
GRANADA - SPAIN
Granada – Spain
We left San Diego in the morning and flew to Spain, to Granada. After we got to our rooms in the hotel we walked to Alhambra palace gardens. From that hill we looked over Granada and then we were divided into groups and summarized the summer trip till then. The palace gardens are really beautiful and very special, it gave me a feeling that this place has a historical value. The conversation in the garden was about the year 1492, as a turning point in Spain and in Europe.( discovery of America by Columbus, deportation of Spain Jewry, the end of the Muslim kingdom in Spain).
After dinner the teenagers were divided randomly to couples of a dwarf and a giant, every participant served another teenager and was served by another one. the game was anonymous and lasted during our stay in Spain. At night we visited the Alhambra palace inside. Even though the light was weak the palace looked mighty beautiful and very especial, an authentic remembrance to the Muslim reign in south Spain.
The next day we visited in the new Islamic center of Granada. There was a great view point on the town and the palace. Our hosts received us very nicely and explained to us the relationship between Spain and the Islam. The old renewed building that is now the place of the center together with the mosque tells us that there is a good relationship among the Muslims and other Spainish population.
From the Islamic center we walked down town Granada to the Arabic shuq bazaar. Each of us got money for food and two hours to go around in the markets. Later we gathered and we drove towards Cordova.
The pictures and the video clips tell the story of Granada summer trip better then words.
Some question arose from those day activities:
A. why isn't the power of Islam in the middle ages in Spain expressed today by the Islamic leaders?
B. Does the Islamic minority in Spain act as a peace bridge between religions?
C. What do our Bedouin brothers from Israel really feel when they visit Alhambra palace and the other places that remind us the Islam in its greatness? (I'm really waiting for an answer)
PICTURES OF THIS DAY
FIRST DAY IN GRANADA - VIDEO CLIP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLuImJ9_jBY
SECOND DAY IN GRANADA - VIDEO CLIP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um6yupjwRh8
enjoy
itzik koren
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Last Day in San Diego
This was a day that in the morning we mentioned the holocaust and in the evening we visited the sea world.
The last day in San Diego opened with a holocaust memorial ceremony. It was near the memorial wall courtyard of the JCC. The memorial wall view is a combination of grey colors and voices of flowing water that symbolize death and revival. Shaar Hanegev participants prepared a touching ceremony. Afterwards, we gathered to hear the testimony of Mrs. Sindler that told us about her family before and after the holocaust and how she and her husband built their life in the states. I heard many testimonies and stories and again I noticed that luck helped them to stay alive and escape from the Nazis killers. The Bedouin participants had never heard a holocaust testimony in a personal before, and after Mrs. Sindler finished her story I heard one Bedouin girl sum: "they destroyed everything, killed all your relatives the Jew had no place to go I am understanding now why you chose Israel from all of the places in the world" I think that this insight, lights the need to expose the Arab teenagers to the Jewish national tragedy that happened during the holocaust and from that situation and evidences to be very sensitive to the Palestine national tragedy and only from that process to find fair solution to their problems.
At noon we reached San Diego city hall. We heard an interesting lecture about education subjects in the city and we met San Diego mayor that found time within his work to come and to meet us and to appreciate Jitli project. Then we moved to the city council hall and we saw San Diego democracy in action. I saw in that hall a lot of respect, efficiency, equality, technology. For me it was an admirable event.
We had "scavenger hunt" in downtown San Diego. We went to the port the business center downtown, high and interesting building, a lot of people walking, beautiful promenade with a lot of statues. I loved the statue of the sailor that kisses his girlfriend before leaving. I love San Diego view.
Before evening, Jitli 2008 went for a farewell visit to Sea World. There were funny shows, taming sea animals to amazing unbelievable performance. It was very American with a lot of fun. The evening finished with wonderful show in big aquarium with fireworks..
We returned to the JCC to pack and to be ready to continue the next day to Spain.
I thought about the following:
A. Can we really learn from historical events? From the holocaust? How can we contain them? How can we reach personal conclusions from such events?
B. How come the mayor of San Diego found time to meet us and here in our country everyone is so busy?
C. Taming sea animals to amazing unbelievable performance, is it a man victory or failure to control so nature and animals?
We finished our visit in San Diego , during all the events ( and afterward in Spain and Israel) Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs were with us, they made me feel their personal commitment to the Jitli project, to the participants, and to the brotherhood among us, and to the Israeli Negev. I really admire them.
some video clips
sea world
enjoy
itzik
Saturday, September 13, 2008
LEADERSHIP
Leadership
We began the day at Joan Embery's ranch. This is an ecologic ranch keeping the nature and the environment around in its best situation. In our first activity we got agricultural tools and some seeds from the natural plants and we had to put its in the ground randomly and to cover its with the tools. So when the rain will come part of the seeds will sprout to plants that this is their natural place to grow (house spread). The plants will make seeds by themselves so the view of that area will change to its natural view. Afterward we walked to the ranch. There, some volunteers treat animals that were found in misery or stressful situations or found by man who did not know what to do with them.
In that ranch Beth Jacobs volunteered so she showed us with the others, the diversity of animals that stay in the ranch: snakes, porcupines , local animals like woodchucks to parrots and cheetah with an angry glance. At lunch time I walked around in the ranch area and I sawhow this phenomena of allowing the simple and beautiful things and survive . The web site of the ranch is: http://www.joanembery.com/index.php
At midday we arrived at the Islamic center of San Diego. The Islamic teenagers guided us in the building: the Mosque, the school, the library, and then we gathered and they answered our questions, and afterward sheikh Taha explained to us again the principles of Islam . As I understood them, hearing and doing not arguing. He spoke about the personal jihad that every Muslim has to ask himself if he behave like real good muslin, if he control himself today, if he contribute enough to his society today, the personality, the quiet and the wisdom of sheikh Taha impressed me and all the teenagers very much. He is a real leader.
In the afternoon we reached the UJF – United Jewish Federation, There we listened to a very interesting panel about "leadership within minorities" (Jewish, homosexuals, lesbians, African-Americans, rich people). They spoke about trustworthiness, public service, sensibility, ability to forget special ideas for the sake of the public, and about leadership in the digital era. Most of our teenagers listened carefully to the speakers, some of them were tired and it was difficult to them to take part in the conversation. Scott H. Silverman one of the panel participant and Gracie father is a pioneer and idea man, motivated to make a difference. He sent us a report about his project : second chance - http://www.sdnews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/30/48b900e0c7aa8
at evening we returned to the JCC and we heard another story from a man that somebody murdered his only son without reason. His name is Azim Khamisa and the website is http://www.azimkhamisa.com/
He spoke about his and his family's changeover. How they changeed revenge feelings with mercy, understanding the other feelings, he told us about his connection with his son's murderer. His story was fascinating and inspired a lot of thinking.
I slept in a sleeping bag in the JCC library room and there I thought about these questions:
A. We were exposed to a lot of examples of leaders during this day: natural leadership, leadership that grow from sorrow, religion leadership, leadership to save the world, leadership of minorities, I thought really changes a man to be leader? All the peoples we met today were sincere, and dealt with subjects that were really important to them.
B. I love the idea to sow in nature again, especially in places that men destroyed. Where can we do it in Israel? Is the Negev is a good place to that idea?
C. Why doesn't the Islam succeed to make people all over the world know, that the Islam is very human considerate, why don't people know about the personal jihad on purpose to adapt it? There is self restrain in Judaism and Christianity .
D. Activities for community. Can you, the reader, give your personal example?
E. The ability to turn a heavy personal tragedy into personal growth yours and your enemy's? is there something more noble than that?
For me it was one of the most fascinating days in 2008 JITLI trip
We began the day at Joan Embery's ranch. This is an ecologic ranch keeping the nature and the environment around in its best situation. In our first activity we got agricultural tools and some seeds from the natural plants and we had to put its in the ground randomly and to cover its with the tools. So when the rain will come part of the seeds will sprout to plants that this is their natural place to grow (house spread). The plants will make seeds by themselves so the view of that area will change to its natural view. Afterward we walked to the ranch. There, some volunteers treat animals that were found in misery or stressful situations or found by man who did not know what to do with them.
In that ranch Beth Jacobs volunteered so she showed us with the others, the diversity of animals that stay in the ranch: snakes, porcupines , local animals like woodchucks to parrots and cheetah with an angry glance. At lunch time I walked around in the ranch area and I sawhow this phenomena of allowing the simple and beautiful things and survive . The web site of the ranch is: http://www.joanembery.com/index.php
At midday we arrived at the Islamic center of San Diego. The Islamic teenagers guided us in the building: the Mosque, the school, the library, and then we gathered and they answered our questions, and afterward sheikh Taha explained to us again the principles of Islam . As I understood them, hearing and doing not arguing. He spoke about the personal jihad that every Muslim has to ask himself if he behave like real good muslin, if he control himself today, if he contribute enough to his society today, the personality, the quiet and the wisdom of sheikh Taha impressed me and all the teenagers very much. He is a real leader.
In the afternoon we reached the UJF – United Jewish Federation, There we listened to a very interesting panel about "leadership within minorities" (Jewish, homosexuals, lesbians, African-Americans, rich people). They spoke about trustworthiness, public service, sensibility, ability to forget special ideas for the sake of the public, and about leadership in the digital era. Most of our teenagers listened carefully to the speakers, some of them were tired and it was difficult to them to take part in the conversation. Scott H. Silverman one of the panel participant and Gracie father is a pioneer and idea man, motivated to make a difference. He sent us a report about his project : second chance - http://www.sdnews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/30/48b900e0c7aa8
at evening we returned to the JCC and we heard another story from a man that somebody murdered his only son without reason. His name is Azim Khamisa and the website is http://www.azimkhamisa.com/
He spoke about his and his family's changeover. How they changeed revenge feelings with mercy, understanding the other feelings, he told us about his connection with his son's murderer. His story was fascinating and inspired a lot of thinking.
I slept in a sleeping bag in the JCC library room and there I thought about these questions:
A. We were exposed to a lot of examples of leaders during this day: natural leadership, leadership that grow from sorrow, religion leadership, leadership to save the world, leadership of minorities, I thought really changes a man to be leader? All the peoples we met today were sincere, and dealt with subjects that were really important to them.
B. I love the idea to sow in nature again, especially in places that men destroyed. Where can we do it in Israel? Is the Negev is a good place to that idea?
C. Why doesn't the Islam succeed to make people all over the world know, that the Islam is very human considerate, why don't people know about the personal jihad on purpose to adapt it? There is self restrain in Judaism and Christianity .
D. Activities for community. Can you, the reader, give your personal example?
E. The ability to turn a heavy personal tragedy into personal growth yours and your enemy's? is there something more noble than that?
For me it was one of the most fascinating days in 2008 JITLI trip
SOME VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0IGtxZ6NpI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5raFA3dK4l4&feature=user
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMJahdCgBVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brl1NpIbwBY&feature=user
enjoy
I am waiting for your comments
ITZIK
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sunday in San Diego - 13.7.08
Sunday in San Diego
We were invited to the African-American Church to be part of Sunday prayer. A row of girls welcomed us as we got off the yellow bus. We entered the church and we sat down on our marked honor places. During the prayer they sang, danced, thanked god and their leaders spoke and asked for money and blessed us especially because we agreed to be their guests. I looked around on the prayers; they were dressed in their best clothes, bright with happiness and joy. It happens every Sunday prayer. After the church they invited us to eat lunch, we all noticed that they made efforts to make this event unique. It was for me a once in lifetime experience. Before we got on the yellow bus I looked around and noticed that the church is located not in a rich neighborhood of San Diego. It was late so we hurried to QUALCOMM Stadium to see a baseball game.
Our places were excellent; we were near the players so we could watch the game. During the game ee got typical American food: hamburgers, ketchup, mayonnaise, cola, peanuts, and some fruits. Again we found ourselves eating and really enjoying. The American participants explained the rules of baseball. Some Muslim American teenagers were with us in the stadium, we visited them in their mosque the next day.
The baseball game is a real American experience, this huge stadium was almost full, in one place above sat American soldiers with their uniform, the audience reacted to what happened in the game vocally and in time.
After the game we went to Balboa Park for Jitli time. There we talked in groups about faith, religion, mutual respect, tolerance. We noticed that in our groups we are so different in severity of our personal faith, and in our tolerance behavior to each other.
In the evening we reached the JCC (Jewish center) , there we slept the next nights , the JCC offers a lot of activities to adults and children from that area, not only Jewish, swimming pool, power room, places to play with balls (tennis, basketball, football).
After supper the boys first and after it the girls played in the swimming pool.
After this day I asked myself:
A. what is the real role of religion in people's lives? That day we saw the beauty of religion but I know that the biggest crimes in history were made in the name of god.
B. we visited the African-American community, we saw it in her daily life and holidays, and now one of its son Barak Obama is a candidate to become the US president. Did we have the chance to look to the American dream? Is it not a long way to accept somebody or to have equality among people?
C. what is so interesting in baseball? can non Americans understand it?
D. What is the importance to belong to community? What personal forces do we get?
I'm waiting to your answers.
ENJOY!!!!
Some video from this day.
African-American Church
We were invited to the African-American Church to be part of Sunday prayer. A row of girls welcomed us as we got off the yellow bus. We entered the church and we sat down on our marked honor places. During the prayer they sang, danced, thanked god and their leaders spoke and asked for money and blessed us especially because we agreed to be their guests. I looked around on the prayers; they were dressed in their best clothes, bright with happiness and joy. It happens every Sunday prayer. After the church they invited us to eat lunch, we all noticed that they made efforts to make this event unique. It was for me a once in lifetime experience. Before we got on the yellow bus I looked around and noticed that the church is located not in a rich neighborhood of San Diego. It was late so we hurried to QUALCOMM Stadium to see a baseball game.
Our places were excellent; we were near the players so we could watch the game. During the game ee got typical American food: hamburgers, ketchup, mayonnaise, cola, peanuts, and some fruits. Again we found ourselves eating and really enjoying. The American participants explained the rules of baseball. Some Muslim American teenagers were with us in the stadium, we visited them in their mosque the next day.
The baseball game is a real American experience, this huge stadium was almost full, in one place above sat American soldiers with their uniform, the audience reacted to what happened in the game vocally and in time.
After the game we went to Balboa Park for Jitli time. There we talked in groups about faith, religion, mutual respect, tolerance. We noticed that in our groups we are so different in severity of our personal faith, and in our tolerance behavior to each other.
In the evening we reached the JCC (Jewish center) , there we slept the next nights , the JCC offers a lot of activities to adults and children from that area, not only Jewish, swimming pool, power room, places to play with balls (tennis, basketball, football).
After supper the boys first and after it the girls played in the swimming pool.
After this day I asked myself:
A. what is the real role of religion in people's lives? That day we saw the beauty of religion but I know that the biggest crimes in history were made in the name of god.
B. we visited the African-American community, we saw it in her daily life and holidays, and now one of its son Barak Obama is a candidate to become the US president. Did we have the chance to look to the American dream? Is it not a long way to accept somebody or to have equality among people?
C. what is so interesting in baseball? can non Americans understand it?
D. What is the importance to belong to community? What personal forces do we get?
I'm waiting to your answers.
ENJOY!!!!
Some video from this day.
African-American Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX3l4MxGDvY
Base Ball Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1vhWaPSUpk
JITLI Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s26ztF0gUc
Photo Stort 4th Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Gn5KPnexM
i'm waiting to your comments
Itzik Koren
Sunday, August 24, 2008
JITLI Stories Under The Stars
It was Saturday morning, Abdulla walked with me through La Jolla shore. We saw there a lot of animals: sea lions, sea birds, seagulls, squirrels and a lot of peoples jogging.
The awareness in U.S to keep nature and give the animals space to live is very impressive. Only with such tradition one can develop so beautiful animation films about animals. It was natural that in the night we should sleep outside near the beach of the pacific ocean, on property that belongs to Jacobs family.
Twice during the summer trip we slept outside on ground. The first time was in San Diego and the second time was in the Negev desert in Israel.
To my generation to sleep on the ground seems natural and part of behavior of loving the country. The teenagers did not complain but I did not feel that they really understood the meaning of that night.
Gary , Jerri-Ann and the children that hosted us brought everything we needed: dinner and breakfast, generator for light, toilette, water….
After we gathered from home hospitality, we made Havdala, a Jewish ceremony, San Diego teenager's parents took part in that ceremony. Later two music players performed with oriental music. The tones of the guitar and the Tambourine were likeable to my ears. The teenagers danced and sang, tired but very satisfied they entered the sleeping bags and slept very well during the chilly night. The morning came and we were ready for a new day of activities.
The questions that rose to my mind:
A. What is so special in the American education about keeping nature? Is it stand against development or making money?
B. Does sleeping all together outside, under the sky makes people feel more closeness? Make any relationship between man and land? Man and nature?
C. Is there something more calmingthen looking at the sea, the ocean, or hearing the
wave's sounds?
itzik
The awareness in U.S to keep nature and give the animals space to live is very impressive. Only with such tradition one can develop so beautiful animation films about animals. It was natural that in the night we should sleep outside near the beach of the pacific ocean, on property that belongs to Jacobs family.
Twice during the summer trip we slept outside on ground. The first time was in San Diego and the second time was in the Negev desert in Israel.
To my generation to sleep on the ground seems natural and part of behavior of loving the country. The teenagers did not complain but I did not feel that they really understood the meaning of that night.
Gary , Jerri-Ann and the children that hosted us brought everything we needed: dinner and breakfast, generator for light, toilette, water….
After we gathered from home hospitality, we made Havdala, a Jewish ceremony, San Diego teenager's parents took part in that ceremony. Later two music players performed with oriental music. The tones of the guitar and the Tambourine were likeable to my ears. The teenagers danced and sang, tired but very satisfied they entered the sleeping bags and slept very well during the chilly night. The morning came and we were ready for a new day of activities.
The questions that rose to my mind:
A. What is so special in the American education about keeping nature? Is it stand against development or making money?
B. Does sleeping all together outside, under the sky makes people feel more closeness? Make any relationship between man and land? Man and nature?
C. Is there something more calmingthen looking at the sea, the ocean, or hearing the
wave's sounds?
itzik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75zLyC8B--U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKWLyzBK65w
please write something
enjoy
itzik
Saturday, August 23, 2008
From U.S Mexican Border to Shabbbat Evening
We began the day by travelling with the yellow bus to the US Mexican border. In fact, San Diego is located near that border. Half an hour is the time to reach with the bus from San Diego to the border. We descended the yellow bus and suddenly we saw the fence that marks the border, the Mexican people over the border, the Mexican city of Tichuana .
We met Enrique Morones who told us the history of his family with sources from Mexico, what he is doing and how he helps the illegal Mexican immigrants that try every day to cross this so long border.
I myself did not know that: San Diego area once belonged to Mexico, there are more borders in the world where fence separate between nations. It was hard for me to see the American policemen with their machine guns targeted at the border.
Suddenly a group of young people, half of them were in the American side and half of them in the Mexican side gathered to discuss the situation of the Pacific Ocean beach and how to keep it clean, how to preserve it. They explained us that it is the easiest way to them to meet each other, and to advance the ecological subjects they are sharing.
Our participants discussed in groups about fences as a solution between nations.
Then we reached the historical site of San Diego : Cabrillo National Monument.
Cabrillo was a Spanish sailor that conquered San Diego area. He banished the Indians from their lands. Beth Jacobs, in unique way, told us their story . This monument is a wonderful view point. The bay and the city were before us. The ranger of this place told us about his job. He brought us some souvenirs.
We lunched in the old city of San Diego near the first synagogue . It was a Mexican food restaurant with new good tastes.
It was Friday, the holy day of the Muslims, so the Bedouin groups explained us the Muslim prayer and demonstrated it. The Jewish participants asked a lot of questions and got the answers from their Muslim friends.
I was bothered with the question how the Muslims count their birthdays? If they count according to their calendar, the moon calendar, their year is short in about 11 days. The answer I got that the birthday date is not important at all in the Islam like in the western cultures but if someone celebrates his birthday he counts it according the universal calendar.
We divided the participants to couples. One Jewish and one Muslim and each other told his friend about his family, his dreams.
Before evening we reached to the conservative synagogue " Beth am". It was very nice to see everyone dressing in their best clothes, and all the boys with "kipa" on their heads. Avi from San Diego explained us about Shabbat pray and then we participated with the community. The prayer was with an electronic band and singer that excited the prayers.
Atthe entrance to the synagogue the community built a memorial wall to the holocaust similar to a wall of one of the synagogue that was in Hungary before the 2nd world war. The memory wall is very impressive and thoughtful.
We were invited to Shabbat Dinner at the Bermans' home, Amyi parents, Their home was so beautiful, the dinner was so good, the family welcome was so warm and given, as really typical Jewish hospitality and more then this.
The teenagers went again to the families to their second night and we the educators went to our Shabbat.
The questions that arose after this days activities were:
A. The significance of the notion "border", does a border separate or unify, the relativity of the border, changes or borders, my personal border, in the yellow bus that we drove were there borders? Did they disappear during the summer trip? What is the meaning of culture border?
B. The age of American history is 300 years, short history, is this the reason that they preserved and developed its' site so much?
C. What is similar and what differs among the religions? Is that the base of co-existence?
D. Why can we not find conservative or reform Muslims?
E. The beauty of the Shabat. Whether the different ways to keep the shabat make the Shabat so unique?
Enjoy
I need your comments, answers to my questions.
Itzik
The pictures and videos in the previous post
Thanks to Tamar Harris that help me to translate the posts to English
Itzik
We met Enrique Morones who told us the history of his family with sources from Mexico, what he is doing and how he helps the illegal Mexican immigrants that try every day to cross this so long border.
I myself did not know that: San Diego area once belonged to Mexico, there are more borders in the world where fence separate between nations. It was hard for me to see the American policemen with their machine guns targeted at the border.
Suddenly a group of young people, half of them were in the American side and half of them in the Mexican side gathered to discuss the situation of the Pacific Ocean beach and how to keep it clean, how to preserve it. They explained us that it is the easiest way to them to meet each other, and to advance the ecological subjects they are sharing.
Our participants discussed in groups about fences as a solution between nations.
Then we reached the historical site of San Diego : Cabrillo National Monument.
Cabrillo was a Spanish sailor that conquered San Diego area. He banished the Indians from their lands. Beth Jacobs, in unique way, told us their story . This monument is a wonderful view point. The bay and the city were before us. The ranger of this place told us about his job. He brought us some souvenirs.
We lunched in the old city of San Diego near the first synagogue . It was a Mexican food restaurant with new good tastes.
It was Friday, the holy day of the Muslims, so the Bedouin groups explained us the Muslim prayer and demonstrated it. The Jewish participants asked a lot of questions and got the answers from their Muslim friends.
I was bothered with the question how the Muslims count their birthdays? If they count according to their calendar, the moon calendar, their year is short in about 11 days. The answer I got that the birthday date is not important at all in the Islam like in the western cultures but if someone celebrates his birthday he counts it according the universal calendar.
We divided the participants to couples. One Jewish and one Muslim and each other told his friend about his family, his dreams.
Before evening we reached to the conservative synagogue " Beth am". It was very nice to see everyone dressing in their best clothes, and all the boys with "kipa" on their heads. Avi from San Diego explained us about Shabbat pray and then we participated with the community. The prayer was with an electronic band and singer that excited the prayers.
Atthe entrance to the synagogue the community built a memorial wall to the holocaust similar to a wall of one of the synagogue that was in Hungary before the 2nd world war. The memory wall is very impressive and thoughtful.
We were invited to Shabbat Dinner at the Bermans' home, Amyi parents, Their home was so beautiful, the dinner was so good, the family welcome was so warm and given, as really typical Jewish hospitality and more then this.
The teenagers went again to the families to their second night and we the educators went to our Shabbat.
The questions that arose after this days activities were:
A. The significance of the notion "border", does a border separate or unify, the relativity of the border, changes or borders, my personal border, in the yellow bus that we drove were there borders? Did they disappear during the summer trip? What is the meaning of culture border?
B. The age of American history is 300 years, short history, is this the reason that they preserved and developed its' site so much?
C. What is similar and what differs among the religions? Is that the base of co-existence?
D. Why can we not find conservative or reform Muslims?
E. The beauty of the Shabat. Whether the different ways to keep the shabat make the Shabat so unique?
Enjoy
I need your comments, answers to my questions.
Itzik
The pictures and videos in the previous post
Thanks to Tamar Harris that help me to translate the posts to English
Itzik
Thursday, August 14, 2008
From the US Mexican Border to Shabat Evening
Hellow Jitli Family
This post includes video and pictures, the next post after the translation to English will include my thoughts.
The US Mexican Border
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0vrZVZD1yw
Cabrillo National Monument
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe9H62T2cuE
This post includes video and pictures, the next post after the translation to English will include my thoughts.
The US Mexican Border
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0vrZVZD1yw
Cabrillo National Monument
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe9H62T2cuE
Talking Each Other
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_io3n9Hdag
Shabat Evening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Qk4iWRnv4
All together now talking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpghfuilxO8
2 First days pictures
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQzlR62paww&feature=user
Enjoy
I need your comments
Itzik
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tel Aviv Los Angeles San Diego - thoughts
We departed Israel from Ben Gurion airport , stopover New York landing in Los Angeles.
In the plane one of the Bedouin boys asked me " Is it true that we'll reach Hollywood?"
Wanted to say is it real? Dream? A dream that comes true?
San Diego group welcome us, it was a very exciting moment. It was our first meeting, but seems that we know each other. The preparation during the year and the technological possibilities helped us to keep connection.
This summer trip began with "hamburger & kola" a typical American meal , and a tour in Hollywood. This tour was guided by the San Diego group , we saw the Chinese theater, the Oscar prize hall, and a lot of street actors playing our heroes for some regards and money. While we waited for all the groups returning from the tour, some boys began to play sport games. Sport is an international language.
We drove to Jackline studio to get a biodanza workshop. All the teenagers co-operated with Jackline. It is a kind of dance that comes from the soul and the dancer's emotions and feelings. Every dancer expresses himself and his relationship to his friends and to the neighborhood. I myself danced with the video camera that worked during the workshop and enjoyed it very much.
Art is one more international language that builds bridges. My feeling after the workshop was great; I looked over the teenagers all of them were smiling.
We reached the large park in Los Angeles and there we had the opening ceremony of Jitli summer trip 2008. Every group worked hard and prepared show and presents.
The groups from San Diego and Shaar Hanegev prepared the presents by themselves, the groups from Segev Shalom and Laquia bought suitable presents. Every group thought what to bring to keep Jitli spirit.
After the ceremony we drove to San Deigo . the parents of the group from San Diego waited for the teenagers and took them for home hospitality. We were all very excited. Suddenly all became quiet, then I began to feel tired. the long day almost came to end.
Some questions rose in my head while I wrote this post:
a. The flight from Israel to California over half of the world, in what way can we internalize and understand what really happened to us?
b. We saw very littlein Hollywood but is Hollywood a model to copy?
Biodanza workshop:
c. Why dealing with art and especially dance makes a connection among people from different culture?
d. Is Biodanza a good workshop to make connection among people from different culture? Why?
I'll be more then happy to get your comments, specially from Jitli participants, what you felt during the first day?
itzik
the second day - soon
In the plane one of the Bedouin boys asked me " Is it true that we'll reach Hollywood?"
Wanted to say is it real? Dream? A dream that comes true?
San Diego group welcome us, it was a very exciting moment. It was our first meeting, but seems that we know each other. The preparation during the year and the technological possibilities helped us to keep connection.
This summer trip began with "hamburger & kola" a typical American meal , and a tour in Hollywood. This tour was guided by the San Diego group , we saw the Chinese theater, the Oscar prize hall, and a lot of street actors playing our heroes for some regards and money. While we waited for all the groups returning from the tour, some boys began to play sport games. Sport is an international language.
We drove to Jackline studio to get a biodanza workshop. All the teenagers co-operated with Jackline. It is a kind of dance that comes from the soul and the dancer's emotions and feelings. Every dancer expresses himself and his relationship to his friends and to the neighborhood. I myself danced with the video camera that worked during the workshop and enjoyed it very much.
Art is one more international language that builds bridges. My feeling after the workshop was great; I looked over the teenagers all of them were smiling.
We reached the large park in Los Angeles and there we had the opening ceremony of Jitli summer trip 2008. Every group worked hard and prepared show and presents.
The groups from San Diego and Shaar Hanegev prepared the presents by themselves, the groups from Segev Shalom and Laquia bought suitable presents. Every group thought what to bring to keep Jitli spirit.
After the ceremony we drove to San Deigo . the parents of the group from San Diego waited for the teenagers and took them for home hospitality. We were all very excited. Suddenly all became quiet, then I began to feel tired. the long day almost came to end.
Some questions rose in my head while I wrote this post:
a. The flight from Israel to California over half of the world, in what way can we internalize and understand what really happened to us?
b. We saw very littlein Hollywood but is Hollywood a model to copy?
Biodanza workshop:
c. Why dealing with art and especially dance makes a connection among people from different culture?
d. Is Biodanza a good workshop to make connection among people from different culture? Why?
I'll be more then happy to get your comments, specially from Jitli participants, what you felt during the first day?
itzik
the second day - soon
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tel Aviv Los Angeles San Deigo, The First Day of Jitli Summer Trip
Tel Aviv Los Angeles San Deigo, The First Day of Jitli Summer Trip 10.7.08
The opening ceremonyI wrote the post about the first day in Hebrew and now I'm translate it to English meantime some video files that show the events of the first day of Jitli summer trip 2008
Every video file has two addresses: one in You-tube website, and the other of my website.
1. A short summery of all the events of the first day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQf7Om_6XJ8&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/2008summertripfirstdaypart3.wmv
2. The first day – Hollywood part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfIf7cKA3Hw&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/SUMMERTRIP2008FIRSTDAYPART1.wmv
3. The first day – Biodanza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iweHg5aqRcY&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/summertrip2008firtdaypart2.wmv
4. The first day – the opening ceremony.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqmUMKKz98M&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/ahahimbrothersopeningceremony.wmv
5. The opening ceremony – Shaar Hanegev show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBNnFQoVhCk&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/shaarhanegevopenceremony.wmv
6. The opening ceremony – Segev Shalom show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8v6dBOSFBM&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/segevshalomopeningceremony.wmv
7. The opening ceremony – Laquia show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tbkKDyhUus&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/laquiaopenceremony.wmv
8. The opening ceremony – San Diego show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsRK1e5FLG4&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/sandiegoopeningceremony.wmv
9. The opening ceremony – All together now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuqompMdG0k&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/alltogethernowopenceremony.wmv
10. The opening ceremony – Ahchim – brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqmUMKKz98M&feature=user
http://ceti.macam.ac.il/FileManager/Users/49/blog2008/ahahimbrothersopeningceremony.wmv
some pictures:
WAITING IN BEN GURION AIR PORT
ON THE PLANE
IN THE BUS IN LOS ANGELES
HOLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD
OPENING CEREMONY
Enjoy
Itzik
Thursday, August 7, 2008
jitli - 2008
Shalom Salam Hello
I'm part of a project that deals with co-existence between Jews and Muslim Arabs. The name of the project is JITLI= JACOBS INTERNATIONAL TEENLEADERSHIP INSTITUTE. The 40 participants of this project are:10 Jewish teenagers from Shaar Hanegev Israel, 10 from San Diego USA, 10 Bedouin teenagers from Segev Shalom and 10 from Laquiya .All participants are at the end of the 11th grade. The number of the boys equals to the number of the girls during the year each community prepares itself to the challenging summer. The beginning point of the trip is equal to all the communities.
This project is a vision of Jacobs family from San Diego. Gary and Jerri-ann Jacobs. The summer trip began in San Diego Cal, after a week there, the group continued to Spain, Granada, Cordova, Toledo and the last week was in Israel: Jerusalem and Negev.
The teenager boys and girls were fascinated, full with admiration and curiosity and were ready to discuss the questions, conflicts that rose during the trip.
Some of the questions were:
1.what is my identity? Jewish or Israeli? Jewish or American? Moslem, Palestinian, Israeli, Bedouin. What is my personal order?
2. Modernization and traditions, religions and traditions, what is my personal preference? We visited synagogues, mosques, churches. We found a lot of subjects that are similar in those religions.
3. boys and girls that different from each other culturally and religiously, what are the possibilities of building bridges of friendship among them?
4. What are the feelings to experience historical events in the places they happened?
5. What is the contribution of such a trip to the advancements of the relationship between Jewish and Bedouins that live together in the Negev?
I finalize this post by giving my opinion about the cultural differences among the communities.
The American youth are very much involved, we can feel and hear them, they always have something to say; they know the limits between allowed and forbidden.
The Bedouin youth are very sensitive, quiet, and proud in their tradition and keep it when ever it committed. During the trip they always came to me and asked if I need any help, to carry, to sit….most of them say their opinions only if it suits the tradition and religion but some of them very bravely said their opinions although it was against their accepted tradition.
The Jewish Israeli youth think, are sensitive, have what to say, protecting Israel positions, sometime are confused and do not know behavior limits, there is collective responsibility, demand of their "rights".
From the next post I'll describe the trip, every day its' stories, pictures, feeling…..questions
I'll be more then happy to read your comments, questions, opinion…..
KOREN ITZIK
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