The last day in the Negev

We played " Treasure Hunt" in the Old City in "Beer Sheva", each group was given a map and clues and had to get to various sites in the Old City. In each site the groups young counselor was waiting and operated the group around the theme that the site represented. For example at the Grand Mosque in the Old City there was a debate whether to restore the mosque and its traditional role, or leave it in it's current position as a museum?
In the afternoon, after the game, we were hosted at "ship of the Desert" near Kibbutz "Revivim". After a traditional Bedouin lunch, the Hanichim, under the guidance of the young counselors summarized the activities conducted with beads. The subject was which string of beads every participant took from "Jitli" project ?
Then we went on a journey to experience riding on camels, We rode in pairs, the ride was definitely a unique experience, The route that we rode allowed us spectacular perspectives of the desert and the lake in "Golda Park" that was foothills stretching down where we rode.
As evening arrived Mr. Gary Jacobs also joined us. He participated the summary conversation at the hospitality tent. The Hanichim took turns telling what they take from participation in the project. It was beautiful to notice that each participant told us his unique insights. Certainly it was clear that the project has affected the participants' changed positions and points of view and stereotypes. We returned to Be'er Sheva to get organized, the next day we drove to Tel Aviv
Questions
1. does the peak of Jitli summer trip belong to shared experience or the immediate personal connection that is established among the participants?
2. Is there something symbolic to end the journey in the Negev by riding on camels?
3. During the summary conversation the Hanichim did not reply to their friends remarks, but added their own personal experience. Does this imply the participants' sensitivity to such experiences or that they accepted each other?


The last morning in Beer Sheva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98TW2I0YdpY

Camels trip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udlLQdLsXC8

Summary conversation at the hospitality tent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhvpfq1fHQ

I'm waiting to your comments

itzik

Lakia Day

LaKia is a very interesting Bedouin town,because it is inhabited by interesting people. The morning opened with a visit to a carpet weaving factory which belongs to Lakia women. They showed us all the steps of taking sheep wool into carpets. In the Bedouin sector this is work for women, and it's a very hard work. We heard about an example in which the women took their fate, they found themselves living independently regardless of the men's world. The rugs were beautiful.
We reached Amal school in Lakia wherethe Lakia Hanichim learnArts & Craft teacher taught us the work of beads and a student made a decorative work of beads Then we heard Prof. Ismail Saad, resident Lakia who teaches at Ben Gurion UniversityHe talked about the state of the Bedouin in the Negev, Bedouin education situation in the Bedouin sector, what men and women needed to meet the progress. Another teacher got is active in social games
We visited the school mosque in which we received an explanation of the Koran, the Islamic prayers. All the girls wrapped their hair with a scarf and appearances were honored. Then came the moment everyone has been waiting Hanichim families' hosting. As expected again, it was a formative experience of relations between people of good food and a great common denominator
At night we returned to Beer Sheva and there Schneider and Nadav shared with us social activities at the end, all participants were worked like a machine and shouted "bananas"
Questions:
1. What makes Lakia a Bedouin town that has something different from other Bedouin towns in the Negev?
2. What is the contribution of a Bedouin Prof. to his community?
3. What do social activities have, that makes them understood without words and bring the students to each other?

Video Clips
Lakiya Day - First Part
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tdyOvCMc6c
Lakiya Day - Second Part
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UG3ZnDwke4

I'm waiting to your comments

Itzik Koren

"Segev Shalom" Day

We went on the road "Beer Sheva" "Revivim", and the driver stopped midway and we went between the hills towards the home of Musa Abu Kaf who is living in the Bedouin Diaspora. His eldest daughter "Smah" participated in Jitli project two years ago, and his younger daughter "Rada" is participating in Jitli project this year. After an explanation about living in the Bedouin Diaspora and declaring that he does not replace his home with any house in the world,we helped Musa build a wall on which later in the day We drew a drawing related Jitli. Girls helped Musa's wife cooking, Falafel, salad, baked pitas. At noon we sat down to eat the delicacies, It was nice and tasty AND interesting.

From there we went to the elementary school in the Bedouin Diaspora, named El-Azazaama B. Abdullah studied there as a child and returned as the school principle. We spoke with Abdullah about the meaning of Diaspora School From there we went "Segev Shalom Community Center" where we met Abir's father who was the first JITLI adult guide of Segev Shalom . The conversation was about the situation of the Bedouin diaspora and in Segev Shalom.

Early afternoon the Hanichim dispersed to home hospitality , they came back happy and full of experiences.
Questions
1.Life in the Diaspora are filled with problems of water, electricity. Why in our one-time life , people cling to anything they have and are not willing to give up for their own benefit?
2. Life in the Diaspora, on the other hand, has a lot of protecting the environment and using resources. If so why doesn't the government make it easier for these people?
3. Bedouin food is simple but amazingly tasty, what makes this food so tasty?

video clips

The first half day in Segev Shalom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WamZoTJyvdM

The second half day in Segev Shalom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4psm-b2RIg

waiting to your comments

itzik

Friday Saturday Shaar Hanegev Days

I woke up early, everyone was still sleeping in sleeping bags, boys here girls there, only Abdullah was up, he got up to pray. We organized quickly, breakfast was delicious, and we started walking toward the "Ein ovdat" nature reserve. Walking distance of one kilometer in the morning was refreshing. We sat at the entrance to the parking area, the rangers filed a complaint against the guide that we came into the reserve without permission. There was great anger we expected the ranger to understand our situation, that we slept outdoors and got there a little early. Because the ranger did not cancel the complaint, we gave up on the visit. instead we climbed to see David and Paula Ben Gurion tombs, the first prime minister of Israel and his wife. The view from the place was amazing, we talked a bit about Ben Gurion and his love to the Negev his personal example and his image as leader of the country.
Towards the afternoon we went to "Shaar Hanegev". The first stop was viewpoint "Black Arrow" which is located east of Gaza. There, Gon explained about Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, and its people living in the shadow of the Qassams, From there we drove to kibbutz "Mefalsim" synagogue. Gon's dad Yosi explained the major principles of Judaism and the similarities and differences between Judaism and Islam. He spoke of the belief in one God, man is the center of the human existence and has a mission to be a good person, about the significance of the choice, the importance of time in Judaism, we must not waste time, that Judaism is against the missionary, the importance of democracy in Judaism The importance of learning and the need to do good things without the need to tell about them. The lecture was very interesting at the end he showed us the Holy Ark and the Torah. Then we met the mayor Alon Schuster accompanying Jitli project for many years and he talked about the importance of leadership and the importance of Jewish Bedouin coexistence for the Negev region. The group dispersed to families' home hospitality, which included Friday dinner. Hospitality was amazing it brought the students closer. The students spent the night in a hostel "Beit Yatziv" in Be'er Sheva. The next morning there was a meeting that included a workshop with members of the "one voice" Palestinian Jewish cooperation " Create the future today, two-state to two nations, one voice" The meeting was interesting, their URL: http://www.onevoice.org.il/ .
At noon we returned to "Shaar Hanegev" to "Ibim" students village where there is a memory point to San Diego student that was killed in a terrorist attack .
We conducted social activities, we learned the song of the Beatles "all together now" Jitli version. Then we swam in the swimming pool of "Kibbutz Mefalsim" It was nice to see the Bedouin girls enter the water wrapped with their long clothes and enjoyeding the situation.
From there we went to Gon's house and the team from San Diego made a Monopoly game with which we got to know San Diego city and the important places to that Hanichim group. The game was done with a lot of attention, and with a lot of experiences.
After an argument where to eat dinner: in "Sderot", in "Rahat", or at the gas station restaurant in "Kefar Aza". We decided to eat in "Kefar Aza." So, while buying food incident occurred at the border and we heard gunshots and lighting bombs. This all lasted a few minutes and then the quiet returned. Some Hanichim came to fear and hysteria. It was live practice of the meaning of living by the border.
Shaar Hanegev" participants tried to reassure and explained that now there will be quiet We finished eating and went back to Be'er Sheva. Chen said that after she saw the natural fear reactions of her friends, she was shocked at her condition of accepting such a shooting event as norma ot was bothersome to her, and shed light on the abnormal situation where she lives
In Beer Sheva we gathered to talk about the experiences we went through that day.
Questions:
1. Is there a better way of learning than to experience the event and participate in it? Home hospitality?, an event at the border?
2. Are home hospitality the culmination of Jitli project?
3. can co-parenting/ parent involvement contribute to the success of the project?

I received a link of an interview conducted by Michael with Gary and Jerry Ann about Jitli project that wasuploaded to YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwCTXEwOkyA&feature=sub
our videos

Reaching Shaar Hanegev
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUWABhAa0ZY
Mefalsim Synagogue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtBPOvJCI7M
Gon Father
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxbhzHdp5CA
Alon Shuster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zghRC7g-xxg
About Us All Togather Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rP6JUA0f2M
Shabat Afternoon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk53nA5138o

Waiting to your comments

Yitzik Koren

Last day in Jerusalem on the way home

We saved our last morning in Jerusalem for community activities. The activity was in a school for deaf children in the city, A school where deaf pupils from all parts of the city are learning together. We divided into small groups, and we received the task to improve school yard: Creating a garden, recreational facilities for children, painting facilities in the school yard. The children helped us, and we managed to perform all tasks. Towards noon the kids prepared us drink and bread and salad and we ate together. We gathered in the gymnasium where the children danced for us and we, with Shosi Israeli's help, danced flamenco dancing for the children. Again the immediate connection between deaf children and Jitli hanichim was amazing.
At noon we went to visit Yad Vashem. The demand to visit Yad Vashem came from the Hanichim who saw the need to recognize the Holocaust period in Jewish history. The Bedouin Hanichim were not properly prepared for the experience of visiting the Holocaust Museum and the visit was very difficult for them, at the end of the visit each participant withdrewto himself and a proper conversation after the visit didn't develop.
We said goodbye to Jitli Peace Maker students as they went to the Wadi Ara and we went to the Negev. We Reached Ein Ovdat there we met ten Jitli alumni they guided us to walk along the Huvarim Wadi. In the evening, after walking for three hours, we reached Ein Ovdat parking place. There we ate dinner and had social activities organized by the alumni. Sitting around the campfire, the conversation about topics related to co-existence, with the darkness around created a very warm atmosphere Late at night the Hanichim entered the sleeping bags, sleeping under the sky that was lit with thousands of stars.
Questions that came while writing the post:
A. The combination of giving and receiving is a winning one, can we have a combination like that in the education system over the years we spend in the system?
b. What should be the goals of the visit in Yad Vashem of mixed groups of Jews and Arabs? What topics need to be developed for post-visit discussion?
c. Trip in nature, camping outside, what makes these activities so special?

Volunteering at the school for the deaf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65ozxy5ideY

Before and after the visit atYad Vashem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjMZRYsAfCM

Wadi Huvarim walk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_xNniOQcSU

Oscar Ceremony Jitli Summer Trip 2010

Hi friends
I upload the videos' clips created by Jitli participants during the third day summer trip in the Banias river sources.
The videos' clips are without names, you are welcome to add the missing details and select the video clip that you like and to tell us why.
1e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1QAorZ4L8M

2e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahW79cnb6LU

3e

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usiaq5Em32Q

4e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6PnTdJ722Q

5e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q9VmF6aciM

6e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA0aN4-bjxw

8e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPwHmwK8GhE

I'm waiting to your comments.
Itzik Koren

Me and my Land in Jerusalem

Me and my Land in Jerusalem
After a long night in the Western Wall tunnels, the next wake-up was a bit late, We went to the Haas Promenade We stopped at a statue of tolerance,Israeli Poland cooperation the artist :teschello dezavigaz. From there we reached the entrance of a water channel that was dug under the mountains , Underground water rench was dug to Jerusalem, 1 km long. Today, walking along the dry channel illustrates the water problem of Jerusalem throughout the generations. We left the channel near the building that was the British Governor's Palace. We walked along the Schreiber promenade, the Old City of Jerusalem, the mosques, spread out before us, looking spectacular.
From there we went to Willy Brandt center. Willy Brandt was the Chancellor of West Germany and was a friend of Israel. He strove for peace in his country, Germany that was also divided to two countries. Willy Brandt Center is located at the border between western and eastern Jerusalem. On one side of the building the new modern Jerusalem, on the other side – the neglected east part of the city . This striking difference demonstrats the problems of Jerusalem. In the Horizon we saw the wall separating the various parts of the city. During lunch, an argument developed between the students: should we visit the Shalit family's tent and express support for the family suffering as another victim of violence in our area? The debate was sharp, at first the Bedouin youth resisted, They completely identified with the Shalit family's pain but because it can be perceived political activity they needed the approval of the families. Finally it was decided to write a letter supporting the family on behalf of all Jitli members. In the afternoon we visited the Begin Heritage Center in the city. Begin Center was very interesting. The visit to the museum sections was of limited time and we could not be delayed to comment and ask questions. It was impossible not to notice the change in Menachem Begin over the years - he has become a symbol of peace in Israel.
The human side of the man during his last years was especially emotional. Towards evening, we went to Mahane Yehuda market to mix with Jerusalem citizens and to eat something authentic from the market.
We went back to school and heard a lecture and participated in a workshop by Martin Sesler on the similarities and differences in Judaism and Islam by stories in the Bible and the Quran, The subject interested the students and although it was held after a busy day of activities participation was remarkable.
The evening ended with the Oscar ceremony of the films prepared by hanichim groups in the third day in the Banias River.
The three facilitators led by Ahmad got the the students laughing to tears and declared the winner, you can see the video clip movies, and I will be happy to hear your opinion about them.
Questions which arose while writing the post:
1. Is it possible to be a religious man and an independent thinker?
2. Is it possible through technological means at our disposal to make the water issue a blessing and not a war?
3. should studying the various religions' similar stories be mandatory in schools to meet the other on the origins and beliefs?

video clips:

Me and my Land in Jerusalem morning hours
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvo3mfJPTSs

Me and my Land in Jerusalem afternoon hours
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAjSUfDRoE
Gilad Shalit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAcC6diTKw8
Martin Sesler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_RhTgsmufw

THE OSKAR VIDEO CLIPS WILL BE HERE SOON

Democracy Day

In the morning we visited the holy spring in Ein Kerem, where Maria, the mother of Jesus drank water. We climbed to the monastery, There we heard the story of one of the nuns who was born as a Jew and found herself at the end of her life as a nun in Jerusalem. Most of her life she was teaching Arabic children.
From there we went to the Supreme Court, one of the three strongholds of Israeli democracy. The Supreme Court building is amazingly beautiful many symbols are intertwined in it. We entered into the courtroom, We watched the court in which a citizen sued the state for the injustice done to him.
From there we went to the Knesset, the Israeli legislature- the parliament, here too we toured the building. Every time I visit the Knesset I'm excited because I'mat the heart of Israeli democracy. We entered the Knesset plenum and watched a debate which took place. Then we met three members of the Knesset. Member of the Knesset Dov Hanin, He told us about his activities in the Knesset for the benefit of Israel citizens. Member of the Knesset Shai Hermesh of is living in Kibbutz Kfar Aza from Shaar HaNegev who praised his friend Dov Hanin on activities and about the security situation in the Gaza Strip and the Hamas rule. And Arab Member of the Knesset Ibrahim Sarsur who spoke about the importance of peace and his activities for it.
At night we went to visit the Western Wall Tunnels, The tour guide is a member of the religious urban kibbutz in Jerusalem. The visit in the Western Wall Tunnels was fascinating. Fantasy mixes with reality in the city of Jerusalem during the time of Herod's Temple there, It was interesting. Along the tunnel according to the researchers there is a point closest to sanctuary Holies of the Temple, and despite the late hours of the night we found women parying devoutly. I heard again an interesting and dangerous claim, that the western wall is just a wall. The aspiration of the Jews today is where the Temple stood. Because it is the holiest site in Judaism.
Questions while writing the post:
1. What is the reason that Israel is the only real fortress of democracy in the middle east?
2. What are the reasons that the Supreme Court in Jerusalem became the ortress of every citizen in Israel? Regardless of sector of religion? Was it democracy? Was it the nature of the judges? Is the status of the Supreme Court in democratic countries the same as in Israel?
3. How can one resist the dangerous religious people from all religions who value life as insignificant compared to the holy sanctity in their eyes?

the video clips:

visiting Ein Karem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmUOm_JR-Q

visiting Kottel tunnels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysu_bLrKm10

I'm waiting to yout comments

Itzik Koren

Pilgrimage to the "Holy Sites"

At wake-up, it was still dark outside. Morning drive to Mount Scopus went by quickly. We got to Mount Scopus and stopped near a observation point. The Hanichim got off the bus, their eyes were covered, they went hand in hand up to the observation point, then they were asked to remove the blindfold, the Old City of Jerusalem was was spread before them. It was an emotional moment, after a brief explanation the hanichim spoke about the meaning of Jerusalem for them: Capital city, the holy city, a beautiful city, a historical city. After an excellent breakfast, the mood improved and together they sang tremendous " Brother happiness Jitli empire" in Hebrew, Arabic and Spanish.
We reached the old city; the first stop was on the Temple Mount, the two mosques. Entrance to the mosques is only allowed to Muslims, We toured the mosques square, Our task was to interview tourists and ask what Jerusalem means to them, we interviewed many people from different countries and the answers were interesting. (See video clip) From there we went to the Western Wall. Those days were the days before Memorial Day of Temple destruction, and the Western Wall plaza was full with praying people. Our fellow Muslims were afraid to enter the plaza, but soon they saw that there is no reason to be afraid. During this visit in the Western Wall I began to hear the statement that the Western Wall is just a stone wall and not worthy of the most holy place for Jews. That statement came from very religious Jews and it surprised me.
After a break for lunch in the streets of the Christian Quarter We went to the Church of Holy Sepulcher., Here, too, as well as in the Western Wall we continued to interview people about the significance of Jerusalem for them. And the answers were varied: The priest who came from Greece and serves the Holy Sepulcher claimed that there is not a city like Jerusalem in the world, London and Paris are very small Compared to Jerusalem, the young man who came from Italy explained that he should be a Catholic but he is not religious and he came to Jerusalem to see the places that his mother talked about in his childhood. The professor who came from U.S., he claimed that everything is politics and to cross a road is as dangerous as to visit Israel.
The woman said that, thanks to science and DNA discovery she now know that difference between people is so small, insignificant and therefore people in the world have to live in peace. The talks with the pilgrims made the trip to the holy places very unique. (See video clip).
In the evening we gathered to hear a lecture by Dr. Neil Lazaros " Middle East Update". Most of his speech was about the Hamas in Gaza and about the Injustice that makes the Hamas rule the residents of Gaza, He tried to prove it in movies and facts. Our Muslim brothers found it difficult to accept Neil's description. For some of them Hamas has only brought honor to Gaza Palestinians. There was an argument, painful but honorable. Jews and Muslims, each side tried to defend his position: Hamas is a terrorist organization, Hamas is good to the Arabs of Gaza. We ended the evening talking in groups Jitli and Jitli Peace Makers trying to explain and to bring people together. Ibrahim touched everyone when he told us about his brother, a Bedouin soldier who died protecting the Gaza border. It was a great expression of emotion, and the complex situation in which we live.
The questions that came to me during the writing this post:
1. is religion a belief or a livelihood? 2. How come the most holy places instead of being a places of unity have become a source of hatred?
3. What is the difference between Muslim Hamas and the extremist Jewish movements? Who's worse?

sun rise on jerusalem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIyzd0qnfIk

2010what jerusalem means to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QKysuDwnUM


holy jerusalem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6k9OOzPQNw

neil lazaros
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n65fivPLV_A

I'm waiting to your comments, answers

Itzik Koren

Acre the City of co-existence

Theatre, an International Language - in Acre the City of co-existence

We left the Galilee to Jerusalem and on our way we stopped in Acre. A city where Jews and Arabs are living together, an Ancient city and a new city.
In Acre we visited the temple of Baha Allah and the Gardens Baha gi
Lovely gardens, similar to the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. We saw some trees hundreds of years old, these trees 'saw' during their lifetime a lot of events including the founder of the Bahai religion who lived and was buried in Acre.
We visited the temple where he is buried, we were impressed by the simplicity and dignity of this place.
The Bahá'í religion talks about human unity.
To promote human unity, the following principles were set:
the abandonment of all forms of prejudice
assurance to women of full equality of opportunity with men
recognition of the unity and relativity of religious truth
the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth
the realization of universal education
the responsibility of each person to independently search for truth
the establishment of a global commonwealth of nations
recognition that true religion is in harmony with reason and the pursuit of scientific knowledge
First question: Is there anyone that these principles don't suit?
From there we continued theJewish-Arab theater in Acre.
There, an actor named Khaled gave us a theater workshop Including games designed to further lower the barriers of individual participants. Cooperation was full and there were many moments of laughter and relaxation and ease. At the end of the workshop spoke to us a resident of Acre that two of his brothers were killed during the Second Lebanon war from rockets. He shared with us great pain and insights that there's no room for hatred and revenge, but for cooperation based on humanity.
Second question: Are the people we met in Acre, a mixed city, treat the subject of co-existence in a different way ? from Tel Aviv citizens .

Third question: Could you feel the common Languages in Akko? Theater? Food?
Participants were given lunch money and they dispersed into Acre's special market and enjoyed its rich assortment.

After lunch we dealed with the question : who am I?

It took about 3 hours to reach Jerusalem . We dispersed to mama groups to conclude the summer trip so far. A large screen was spread out in the yard prior to broadcast of the final game of the World Cup. The boring game caused participants to go to their rooms to rest. The next day's activities will start before sunrise

The video Clips:

The Bahai Center

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS9If2GA0cY

Theatre Games

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1qVgvH7V7o

Haled Show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNhCdSP2-bw

Moti Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvaMTTCk3wY

Who Am I?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw-tycRxm78

Shaar Hanegev Mama Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SSiW1WE3eI

Waiting to your comments

Itzik Koren

Saturday - the fourth day of jitli summer trip

Saturday - the fourth day of jitli summer trip
The activity was scheduled to begin at 10 am. The young counselors decided to make another "team spirit" activity, so they woke the hanichim up at five am, Took them out of their rooms, to watch the sunrise together among other actions,. We, the adult educators slept in the same time, so I'd love to see pictures and hear stories about this activity.
Then the day began again at ten in the morning, Because the Sabbath the activities were around the hostel in Tel Hai. We started at Tel Hai , the settlement , where Joseph Trumpeldor was killed defending .. The hanichim visited the site museum and heard the story of Trumpeldor.
It was interesting to hear that in the past, the Jews and the Shi'ite Muslims were like brothers, kept each other, Today the situation is different.
The second stop was to visit a stash in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, it seemed that we could not be on time and so as not to disappoint the kibbutz member who was waiting for us to visit, We the educators went to hear the fascinating story of one of the stash of Kfar Giladi .( see video clip)
After lunch we visited the Museum of Photography at Tel Hai industrial center that combines art and industry, we saw fascinating photos of Israel since the beginning of the 20th century. the name of the photographer is sShweig Shmuel Yosef. No doubt his photography was at the level of art.
We saw the technique in three dimensions as it developed early last century
Photo games workshop was carried out and the results can be seen in special pictures.
Toward the evening, we gathered for activities to learn how to listen to each other,
Halil and I presented a conflict between neighbors, and showed how good will and paying attention can solve the the majority of conflicts
Shoshi Israeli came to Tel Hai to demonstrate and teach the Hanichim how to dance flamenco. There were three workshops to an end the Hanichim danced flamenco drummed and sang. The source of Flamenco dance is in Spain. it recalls the glory days of Spain where Jews and Muslims lived together and created and wrote. It wasa joyous evening with a lot of positive energy. Thank you Shosi.
Questions:
1. Tel Hai story is a good example of different narratives in different perspectives, Jewish and Arab residents of the Galilee, Arab Shia people of Lebanon will tell a significant historical event in different perspective. Does the story become a unifier or separator?.
2.A successful entrepreneur Stef Wertheimer, is his story typical? what can I as a jitli member can learn from his story?
3. Art of photography, art in the dance, Is there a lot of good in art because the arts speak the same language to all people?
4. Does a constructive way to resolve conflicts depend on the initial approach of the litigants?
Happy New Year and Eed El Fitter Mubbarach

I'm waiting to your comments



Tel Hai Activity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2VWyOhx9IQ

A Stash in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sazd35DxQq8

The Museum of Photography at Tel Hai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPWAzdyfpFQ

Activities to Learn How to Llisten

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDfFg-muXpY

Halil and Itzik Presented a Conflict Between Neighbors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1zYwmIt_RM

Flamenco Evning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w0kOVrNkY8

Itzik Koren

The third Day jitli summer trip was a Friday

The third Day jitli summer trip was a Friday
Know the other through religion

The second night passed quietly, except for group of participants smoking hookah (shisha ).
The excuses for the Jewish guys who brought the hookah were that this is a sure way to approach the Bedouins and that was the main purpose for smoking. Despite the convincing argument smoking Hookah was banned during the journey.
We started the morning with a walk along the Banias River on its new hanging bridges. It was very nice track, noise and intensity of water flow in summer it was foreign to residents of the Negev. From there we drove to the Banias River sources, we saw and learned about this sacred place. Here we divided into four groups and each group filmed a documentary video clip that connected the Banias River and coexistence problems. The participants were creative and excited and interest and so were the products that were produced.

The participation of the Hanichim in the video production was full, some in photography and some were acting and some in organization and cooperation and consideration each other was full.
Afternoon in the woods near the Banias River sources, a group of Muslim participants explained us the essence of Muslim Pray. And also they prayed for all of us to Alla. These were very touching moments with a special atmosphere.
From there we drove to the city of Kabbalah, Safed . We toured the Mount Kna'an and the Independence War Memorial on its top. The monument was dirty and neglected. Under the monument there is a rock-hidden in a pit where Safed Jewish residents come to pray and to be with their God. We entered the pit we were in darkness, and then we began to sing. Part of the songs were religious songs and part was nonsense songs.
The singing of Jitli group in this place under the ground in Zefat the Kabalim city brought us together, with sensations incomprehensible (to me) of holiness.
Then we toured the ancient alleys of Safed before the Sabbath entered, few people were rushing in the streets
Jonathan Foreman, the friend of Eran our guide who was penitent) hosted us in his home .He told us his life story and the reasons that caused him to be a religious man. Through my eyes the crises he went through - of his mother's death and his brother death in a car accident left him with many questions unanswered. Partial answers, again in my eyes Jonathan found in religion. However Jonathan is impressive man he spoke with soothing voice of a man who is really a believer.
From there we went back to the streets of Safed, Old City, and near the old mosque in the city the Hanichim spoke about their feelings after their experiences during the day. "The first time we participated in a Muslim prayer ""First time I spoke with an Orthodox Jew with wigs" "I did not understand what the meaning of the Muazzin voices sound ( the man who call the Muslim prayer to come to the mosque) across the border".
In the evening the Jewish participants made Kiddush" for Shabat in the dining room.
We attended the evening in a cultural way; each group expressed its culture passages (see videos).
Hezi brought two chocolate cakes to mark the birthday of Chen and Dory.
The Saturday program was scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.
The questions came to mind while writing this blog:
1. What's the role of God in human history?
2. What is common in all Monotheistic religions, those who believe in one

God?
3. Is being a religious believer in the 21st century a weakness or strength?

the video clips:

Banias hanging bridges

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzCt1yyu9PI

Muslim Pray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxwsqZEiqYE

Tzfat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LkvuGqj8JI

Learning from experiences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mc52-AhwV8

Jewish pray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrTvnEIkiT0


Culture night - Laqia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tYSFBIk2tc

Culture night - Saar Hanegev
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmUlEOh3h_U

Culture night - San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znxgNPAfeaw

Culture night - Segev Shalom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq9Wcpl5TyY

I'm waiting to your comments

Itzik Koren

The second day 8/7/2010: getting to know each other better.

The second day 8/7/2010: getting to know each other better.

The participants arrived in time to the buses,(in my eyes it was kind of miracle to be in time after the first night together).

We forgot to wake the medics so it created a delay of half an hour.
We climbed up to the Golan Height to the point where according to our belief there happened covenant between Abraham and God,
We divided into two groups and began playing integration games. The goal was knowing each other better and functioning as a group. The tasks were done in the best way, the instructors spoke about the excellent performances of the groups and as a group.
It was the first hint that most participants were high-quality people.
From there we continued to the restored " Qal'at Nimrod". It is a fortress located on top of a mountain. The young councilors built a game based on stations in the fortress. Groups ran from station to station performing the tasks as best possible. was surprised to discover that " Qal'at Nimrod" is the structure of Muslim origin. The fortress was built around 1229 by Al-Aziz Uthman., Christian Crusaders then took control and continued to build the fortress.
As I described before " Qal'at Nimrod" is sitting on a mountaintop and the panoramic view from all directions is spectacular. Galilee panhandle in front of us in the west side, Mount Hermon in the north and the Golan Heights from north to the south (see pictures and videos).
Seriousness of the young leaders was the main reason for the success of the fortress game. From there we went to the Hasbani (Snir) River, We ate pizza for lunch and organized a walk in the river stream. The walk in the water was refreshing.
Sound of water and shade of plane trees contributed and created special atmosphere.
In the last station it was allow to enter the river and to swim to the Jewish boys and girls it was not a problem to jump to the water. Slowly all the other entered the water.
It was special to see the Bedouin girls covered with clothes coming to the water without a problem to get cool and to join the happiness.
In the evening we gathered at the inn for further consolidation. The participants tried to come up with a song about jitli. I also got into the creative mood, I wrote a song that the participants liked because it was a little different.
J,I,T,L,I
WE NEVER TELL A LIE
J,I,T,L,I
SUMMER TRIP I'LL TELL YOU WHY
J,I,T,L,I
JEWS AND ARABS TOGETHER HI
Ibrahim headed the team to perform the song as a rap-style song. At the end of the evening the participants already sang it in a rap style.
The young councilors played a show as a way to clarify their expectations about the behavior and function during the trip.
The second night began..
The questions came to mind while writing this blog:
1. Is the best way to study history of the place is just being in the same place to see it, smell it, feel it?
2. Is the best way to know the other better is to be together and experience together different experiences?


I'd love your comments

jutli sumer trip second day clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRVFNvRVlSA

the second day working as a gruop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GrhKqAQeFY
kalhat numerod second day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKtMioMJad0

jitli summer trip 2010 water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvRwlIRDjXA
jitli summer trip 2010 second day never tell a lie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHb6zGjeOgw


jitli summer trip 2010 hat water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTpGoJEgFAk

Itzik Koren

The first day – The opening ceremony of Jitli summer trip 2010

The first day – The opening ceremony of Jitli summer trip 2010

The bus collected the participants from Segev Shalom, Lakiya and Shaar Hanegev and turned to the airport to welcome San Diego USA participants.
In the bus there was already a good atmosphere. The participants tried to get to know each other. Date cookies that brought Bedouin girls from Lakiya made everyone happy.
We got to the airport in time, the reception was exciting, In this Internet era, it seemed the participants already knew each other.
We turned toward Tel Hai, A truck overturned on road number six created a traffic jam...over two hours of delay.
The long bus ride, with all in a closed place, got the participants to try to recognize each other, mixing could be seen already
We arrived late at night to Tel Hai, It is a lovely view point. At night, the lights around made us feel the special atmosphere.
We gathered together Jitli and Jitli Peace Makers outside on the grass and heard the blessing of Schneider ,Jitli program General Manager.
We learned to dance in the first time the "ahahim" "brothers, joy, Jitli, an empire "in Hebrew and Arabic.
Then we gathered inside and started the opening ceremony of the journey. Each group had prepared a show which introduced the participants and something constituting the group stages preparing for the journey. The participants exchanged gifts.
With good family atmosphere the participants went to sleep in their rooms, in each room was a representative of each community.
The video clips and photos are additional to the story of the first day.

The questions came to mind during writing this blog:

a. Who should participate in a co-existence program such as Jitli? One who really wants or the one that the educators think fits?
b. What motivates teenagers to give up two and half weeks of the summer vacation for a co-existence project such as Jitli?
c. What is the level of openness required to know the other culture? To break stereotypes?
I'd love to see answers to these questions.

The video clips adresses:

The first hours in the bus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StUe44fh3ZQ

The first "ahahim"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TWyF1WvCWw

San Diego got talents Jitli 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVfa_Au4iGE

I'm waiting to your comments, answers

Itzik Koren

Jitli summer trip 2010

Welcome Jerusalem
Jitli summer trip 2010

Summer trip this year was amazing.
JITLI (JACOBS INTERNATIONAL TEENLEADERSHIP INSTITUTE) is a project that deals with co-existence between Jews and Muslim Arabs. The participants are Jewish youth from Israel and the United States and Muslim youth from the Negev Bedouin community.
The project is based on learning to know your neighbors up to the most personal levels This project is the vision of the Jacobs family from San Diego. Gary and Jerri-ann Jacobs.
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 trip. The beginning point of the trip is equal to all the communities.
At the same time another summer trip takes place, of a group called "Peace Makers Jitli Mexico." This summer trip is built on the same principles of Jitli but the participants come from the villages of Arara and kara in Wadi Ara, Menashe Regional Council and New Mexico city. The northern branch is funded by the Sternberg families from Mexico and San Diago.
I participated Jitli summer trip so the coverage will focus on the experiences of the southern branch of the project.The teenager boys and girls were fascinating, full of admiration and curiosity and were ready to discuss the questions and 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 are 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?
6.How to build a dialogue with mutual respect that has both listening and arguments?
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 ( usually).The Bedouin youth are very sensitive, quiet, and proud in their tradition and keep it as best possible. 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 out loud only if it suits the tradition and religion, but some of them very bravely said their opinions although it was against their accepted tradition. There were many and varied opinions (surprise) The Jewish Israeli youth think, they are sensitive, have what to say, protecting Israeli positions, there is a collective responsibility, a demand of their "rights".
I enclose the summer trip planFrom the next post I'll describe the trip, every day its' stories, pictures, feeling…..questionsI'll be more then happy to read your comments, questions, opinion…..

video clip: faces and places - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZVrXYhi564

Near Ben Gurion Grave in Sede Boker

Jitli wall at Abu-Kef Fam

جتلي رحلة صيف 2010رحلة الصيف وكان هذا العام مدهشة.جتلي (معهد الدولي جاكوبس للقيادة ألشابه) هو المشروع الذي يتناول التعايش بين اليهود والعرب المسلمين. من المشاركين هم من الشباب اليهود من إسرائيل والولايات المتحدة والشباب المسلم من المجتمع البدوي في النقب.ويستند هذا المشروع على التعلم لمعرفة جيرانكم ما يصل إلى المستويات الأكثر خصوصية هذا المشروع هو رؤية العائلة جاكوبس من سان دييغو. غاري وجيري آن جاكوبس.المشاركون 40 من هذا المشروع هي : 10 المراهقين اليهود من الشعار النقب إسرائيل ، و 10 من سان دييغو الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية ، و 10 من البدو من المراهقين شقيب السلام و 10 من اللقيه, جميع المشاركين في نهاية الصف 11th. عدد الأولاد على قدم المساواة لعدد من الفتيات. وخلال العام لكل مجتمع تعد نفسها لرحلة الصيف تحديا. نقطة بداية الرحلة تساوي جميع الطوائف.في الوقت نفسه آخر رحلة الصيف يحدث ، من مجموعة تسمى صانعي السلام "." بنيت هذه الرحلة الصيف على نفس المبادئ من جتلي لكن المشاركين تأتي من قرى عرعرة وكارا في وادي عارة ، المجلس الإقليمي منشه ونيو مكسيكو سيتى. ويمول الفرع الشمالي لعائلة ستيرنبرغ من المكسيك.شاركت جتلي رحلة الصيف لذلك سوف تركز على تغطية تجارب الفرع الجنوبي من المشروع.وكان فتى الفتيان والفتيات رائعة ، كامل من الإعجاب والفضول ، وكانوا على استعداد لمناقشة المسائل والصراعات التي ارتفعت خلال الرحلة.وكان بعض من الأسئلة :1. ماذا هي هويتي؟ اليهودي أو الإسرائيلي؟ اليهودي أو الأمريكي؟ مسلم، فلسطينية وإسرائيلية والبدو؟ ما هو طلبي الشخصية؟2. الحداثة والتقاليد والديانات والتقاليد، وتفضيل ما هو رأيي الشخصي؟ قمنا بزيارة المعابد والمساجد والكنائس. وقد وجدنا الكثير من المواضيع التي تشبه في تلك الأديان.3. الفتيان والفتيات التي هي من بعضها البعض ثقافيا ودينيا، ما هي إمكانيات لبناء جسور الصداقة فيما بينها؟4. ما هي المشاعر لتجربة الأحداث التاريخية في الأماكن التي حدث؟5. ما هي مساهمة رحلة من هذا القبيل إلى التطورات في العلاقة بين اليهود والبدو الذين يعيشون معا في النقب؟6كيف لبناء حوار مع الاحترام المتبادل لديها على حد سواء الاستماع والحجج؟أنا الانتهاء من هذه الوظيفة عن طريق إعطاء رأيي حول الاختلافات الثقافية بين المجتمعات.الشباب الأميركي كثيرا المعنية ، يمكننا أن نرى ونسمع منهم ، لديهم دائما ما يقولونه هم يعرفون الحدود بين المسموح والممنوع (عادة).شباب البدو حساسة جدا، هادئة، والفخر في تقاليدهم وإبقائه على أفضل وجه ممكن. خلال الزيارة التي جاءت دائما لي وسئل عما إذا كنت بحاجة إلى أي مساعدة، لتنفيذ، للجلوس... معظمهم من القول إلا من آرائهم بصوت عال إذا ما يتناسب مع التقاليد والدين ، ولكن البعض منهم شجاعة للغاية وقال على الرغم من آرائهم كان ضد تقاليدهم المقبولة. وكانت هناك آراء كثيرة ومتنوعة (مفاجأة)الشباب اليهود الإسرائيليين يعتقدون ، لحساسية القضية ، وماذا أقول ، وحماية المواقع الإسرائيلية ، فإن هناك مسؤولية جماعية ، والطلب من حقوق "هم".أرفق خطة رحلة الصيفمن مرحلة ما بعد المقبل وسوف أكون وصف الرحلة ، كل يوم من قصص وصور ، والشعور... الأسئلةسأكون أكثر من سعيدة لقراءة تعليقاتكم ، والأسئلة ، والرأي...

koren yitzhak