Cincinnati Teen Solidarity Mission
April 16 to April 23, 2001
Julie Adler
Aaron Binik-Thomas
Ben Fisher
Joshua Frankel
Ronit Gavronsky
Ariella Guttman
Jeremy Guttman
Stephanie Miller
Danielle Mendelson
Hindy Poupko
Jodi Sadoff
Shira Saltzman
Danielle Schneider
Justin Schneider
Aaron Zakem
Teacher: Reuven Spero, Alexander Muss High School in Israel
Chaperones: Barbara Miller, Richard Sadoff, Patricia Schneider
We Promise to Stay Involved
By Ari Guttman
Growing up in the Jewish community of Cincinnati has
been a lesson in itself, being an active teenager in this Jewish community.
Ever since high school, I have had some kind of devotion to the youth
in the Cincinnati Jewish community. I mean, we are the future of the Jewish
people.
Putting together the NOAR dance party, a teen Jewish dance, was very successful
and brought over 250 Jewish teenagers together, but the connection was
not there, I didn't feel it. Something was missing and I didn't know what
it was.
In November of 2000, the Israel Youth Council of the Jewish Federation
of Cincinnati put together a rally for the Jewish youth in Cincinnati
to show support for Israel because in the previous rally teens were not
part of the program. About 150 students came to show their support and
the effort paid off. But still there was something missing. Sure, orthodox,
conservative, reform and even some unaffiliated Jews came together but
I could feel a gap, a gap that made me fear for the future of the Jewish
community of Cincinnati. More importantly it scared me for the future
of Jews everywhere.
The weeks passed and a trip was planned for Jewish adults in Cincinnati
to go to Israel to show their support. I wanted to go. When the adult
mission returned to Cincinnati, Justin Schneider and I contacted Barbara
Miller at the Federation about our ideas for a youth mission to Israel
to show support. We felt it was not only our duty as Jews but also our
responsibility to go to Israel during this crucial time. Only six weeks
later, 15 students and three adults boarded the nine-hour El Al flight
to our Jewish homeland. These 15 students were willing to miss school
and to go when no one else would.
Being greeted by anxious Israeli teens brought so much pride to me because
I could feel their appreciation for our visit to Israel. We toured the
country and were taught some history lessons and even had some fun, but
it was during our discussions where I really understood what I could not
have understood for so long.
With my orthodox, conservative, reform, unaffiliated, and Israeli friends
I participated in intense discussions about Judaism. Our mission had become
a success. Our goal had been accomplished and our message delivered. We
were united as a group, as a people, but most importantly as Jews.
To me, the Cincinnati Jewish community seems unusually spread out and
it makes it hard to learn about all the different aspects of Judaism.
No tour guide or book could have possibly taught me what it was like to
engage in these conversations. This is when I realized the impact the
15 of us had made on Israel.
I will never forget how I felt when I made the realization that we had
made a difference. I am sure it will affect my life forever.
We are so lucky to have the Jewish Foundation grants in Cincinnati. Every
student should take advantage of them—in good times and in bad times.
Our group, our mission, was so lucky to have gotten such an amazing opportunity
as well. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation as well as to anonymous
and very generous donors in our community who helped subsidize this mission.
We were able to travel to Israel as Jewish youth to
show that it is our job to make sure that Israel will be the Jewish homeland
forever. Who knows what us kids are gonna come up with next. but whatever
it is, we will continue to be active in the community. We want to show
the world just how much our Judaism means to each and every one of us.
Israel
By Ben Fisher
Simply put, Israel is without question the most amazing experience for
an American Jewish teen. Nowhere on earth do you feel the way you do in
Israel.
After a brief period of apprehension, I quickly placed myself in Israel
mode. Upon entering our tour bus and finding a seat amongst a group of
fellow teens, I realized that our journey was a very meaningful experience
not only for us, but also for the entire state of Israel. The connection
we, as a group, felt with the Israeli teens and vice versa were remarkable.
We had wonderful conversations on an extremely wide variety of issues
ranging from the Holocaust to the idea of what a good Jew is. It was a
truly unique and educational experience.
Although we will take away with us a myriad of memories, one image and
moment will forever remain in my heart. As I was walking though the Old
City Erev Shabbat on my way to the Kotel, I couldn't help but feel a tremendous
amount of pride. As the Kotel came into view, I got goose bumps from what
I was seeing. At no other place on the planet could an experience such
as the one I was witnessing take place. Nowhere else in the world could
Judaism mean so much and be so special as it was there.
Of all the things I will take away from this mission
and all the things I have learned, I think an appreciation for what Israel
is to us is at the top of the list. I have always known how special a
place Israel is, and what it represents to us. But, there is something
to be said about actually experiencing Israel and putting yourself in
Israel mode that allows one to truly understand just how special Israel
is.
"All Jews are responsible for each other.
We are guarantors for each other.
Our individual well being is bound up
in our commitment to the community."
Reuven Spero, Teacher
Alexander Muss High School in Israel
My First Peer Trip
By Aaron Binik-Thomas
This trip to Israel was my first group trip. I enjoyed
it very much. When I arrived in Israel with a group of teens I didn't
know and with the thought that Israel was in an all out war (as shown
on the media each night) I really could not imagine what I was going to
experience. I had such a good time, however, as a tourist and an American,
but most of all as a Jew.
Are You Scared to Go to Israel?
By Danielle Schneider
When I first signed up for the Israel trip I didn't think anything of
it except going on a trip to my "homeland." The whole week before
I left, people would ask me if I were scared about going. After hearing
it a few times, I began to think twice about going. However, the first
second I stepped off the plane, I realized why I had signed up for this
trip and why I had chosen to come to show my solidarity to Israel.
We met Israeli kids our age and interacted with them. I got to hear two
different perspectives on being Jewish (American and Israeli) and on what
we thought about the Holocaust—were Jews pacifists? The second thing that
probably made me realize why I went to Israel in these seemingly troubled
times was when I heard the siren on Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance
Day. Everyone was quiet and respected the silence and if I were in the
states on that day it would not have been as meaningful.
The last thing that was important to me was telling people where we were
from and why we were here. Just seeing people's faces light up because
we were tourists will always stick in my mind. We really touched those
we met and we truly made their day.
I will never forget this trip because I had never touched
so many people's lives in one week. I made a great choice to come to Israel
even with all the doubts and fears I had. I felt very safe and it was
just like I was in my own home, but more my own homeland.
"Israel needs you now. You are the future leaders
of our community.
It is really great that you came. We need each other."
Rabbi Paul Friedman
Director of USY in New York City Not So Long Ago
Why Not Go?
By Aaron Zakem
A better question than "why go" would be "why
not go?" Israel is our country only as long as we are willing to
struggle for its existence. Abandoning Israel is to abandon all that the
Israeli soldiers have fought for over the past 53 years. When we went
to Israel the empty streets to the Old City and the calm atmosphere shocked
me. The usually bustling Ben Yehuda Street was quiet with only a few strollers.
I felt glad that I had made an effort to visit Israel when so many others
had chosen to avoid it.
American Jews are our friends. Friends share in good
times.
But when friends are there for you in bad times, they are great friends.
All of you who came now are true friends. Thank you.
Matti, Israeli Teenager
In Touch With Being Jewish
By Stephanie Miller
Thousands of years ago it was thought that Jerusalem was the center of
the world. Today for Jews Jerusalem is still the center of the world.
Reflecting on all my Jewish experiences (youth group, camp, religious
school, bat mitzvah, madricha), I have never felt as in touch with my
Jewish identity and spirituality as when I am in Israel.
On Yom Ha Shoah the siren blared all over Israel for one minute and the
country stopped—no talking, no walking, cars pulled over on the side of
the road. The country was silent. Everyone may have had his or her own
various thoughts but everyone was respectful and quiet as they recalled
those who perished in the Holocaust. As I stood there I not only mourned
for the six million lives of our people who were murdered in the Holocaust
but I realized and understood clearly the significance of the State of
Israel.
Israel is our homeland, our place of refuge, and a place
where a Jew can become a citizen in just 15 minutes. Yet this Jewish State
is being abandoned by those whom it may one day have to help and it is
being abandoned in its time of need. Perhaps we American Jews have a terrible
fear of turmoil in the country. After all we only know of peace. We know
very little about struggle or what it means to defend ourselves against
injustice. And, perhaps the media is more powerful than we understand.
However, never, once, even when I heard of the bus bombing in Kfar Saba
on our very last day in Israel was I afraid to be in Israel. Instead I
was proud. I felt safe. I was where I needed to be. I knew the importance
of being a Jew and being connected to Israel.
"Listen to the poets not only the politicians.
Arab intellectuals do not encourage
dialogue or peaceful coexistence."
Ilan Ger Zev
Professor, Haifa University
Home for the First Time
By Ronit Gavronsky
As I stepped off the plane I felt as if I had just arrived
at my home for the first time. I was in Israel, a place I had never traveled
to and a place I always dreamed of visiting. Millions of emotions ran
through me as I walked into the airport; I was happy for being in Israel,
excited to meet new people, and sad for not permanently living there.
Meeting the Israeli students was like seeing old friends. I was enlightened
to listen to many stories. As I walked through the streets of Israel,
I thought how lucky I was to be in the Jewish homeland.
I learned a lot about the culture through visiting historical places.
I would have given anything to stay longer but unfortunately our trip
was only one week. The days flew by so fast. I did not sleep well the
last night knowing I would soon be leaving "home." I was disappointed
while boarding the plane to go back to Cincinnati.
However, just as I was disappointed to go back home I
was equally excited to know I would be going back for other visits. My
phenomenal experience with the teenagers on this Cincinnati Teen Solidarity
Mission, 2001 will always occupy a large space in my heart.
For any group to be here now,
for any group to come—it is wonderful.
No one is here. Kol ha k'vod to all of you.
Danny Newman
Mayor's Office Representative, Haifa
I Am A Friend
By Jeremy Guttman
From the beginning of this trip I had no idea what to expect or whom
to expect it from. As the trip began to unwind and we started to go deeper
into our mission I realized the importance of this seeming to be little
mission. We began talking to people and after seeing the Israeli and American
reactions, I realized that I wasn't here for the fun of it and I wasn't
just a tourist anymore, I WAS A FRIEND!
After hearing why we were really here at this time every single Israeli
we spoke to could not believe how a group of high school kids from Cincinnati,
Ohio, could do something so meaningful and important for their homeland.
After listening to a few reactions I realized that this was so much more
than a mission. Meeting Israelis became a goal. I felt a constant desire
to talk to everyone I could and to hear everyone's feelings.
From the start our group was very close. But after all
the time we spent sharing our thoughts together it made us one, made us
a whole. As soon as we realized what we had become we became that much
stronger. We came as individuals and we left as a group. Because of the
security I felt while in Israel I was able to enjoy the experience. This
mission has provided me with such a new outlook on life; it is a shame
that I must leave Israel and the group. I know, however, that this is
just the beginning.
"When a soldier is indoctrinated into the Army
he has his right hand on his gun
and his left hand on the Tanach.
This way, he knows what he is fighting for."
Reuven Spero
Teacher, Alexander Muss High School in Israel
What's the Difference Between
Them and Us?
By Justin Schneider
Wow! What a trip! Almost the full tourist Israel experience in just a
week. The one thing that set this trip apart from others to Israel is
that we got a full spiritual experience that even most two to three week
long tourist type trips don't get. Meeting Israeli kids that were in many
ways just like us . . . but in other ways we stood apart in our lifestyles
and socioeconomics.
Meeting the teens was by far the most influential and fulfilling part
of this trip. Their willingness to share their lives with us was very
commendable. We learned that life in Israel isn't as easy and safe as
we think it is as American tourists. We learned about everyday life in
the Jewish State and how it can be much like ours in the states. On the
other hand, they spoke of growing up with the reality that the next guy
getting on your bus may blow it up and take many lives—maybe even yours.
We spoke about what life was like knowing that after high school you
would have to serve your country. It was amazing to see how many teens
actually would have joined the army even if they did not have to.
What we learned from being around the Israelis has instilled within us
an in-depth understanding of the diversity of lives we as Jewish youth
lead.
Overall the trip was very successful. More teens from
Cincinnati would have been nice, but they too will have their turn to
experience what we did.
"Shalom Chaverim"
Cincinnati Teens on Solidarity Mission, 2001
as They Met Their New Israeli Friends
My First Time in Israel and I
Was Not Scared a Bit
By Danielle Mendelson
This was my first time in Israel and it was amazing. The news doesn't
know what they are talking about. In Israel, I felt the safest. Sure a
bomb went off, but I was not there. I remember Reuven saying, "The
people of Israel will fight for what they believe. Staying in their homes
is not an option." The whole point of our trip was to show support.
Being scared and not going to places you would normally go isn't showing
too much support. It's being like every other person who is not going
to Israel because they are scared.
Being with kids my age from Israel was so awesome. I definitely did not
expect to achieve the type of friendships that I did with them. This was
not your normal trip to Israel. I'm glad. I had no idea we would do some
of the things we did.
This trip was an eye opener. In a way I am glad I waited
till I was 16 and could appreciate the experiences. I got more out of
it.
"I stuck my note in the wall.
At the end of the note I wrote:
God, please send me my suitcase.
I can't believe that 5 minutes later I
found out it had arrived. I cried. Babs said,
‘See how quickly God works miracles in Jerusalem!'"
Danielle Mendelson
Student on Teen Mission Who Was Without Her Suitcase
for Three Days
Not My First Time in Israel
By Julie Adler
This was not my first time going to Israel, but in a way it was. I was
going on a Teen Solidarity Mission and not on a 28-day outdoor adventure.
I knew I would learn a lot of different things on this trip—more than
I did on the 28-day trip.
When we were in Hod HaSharon I truly felt like I was in Israel. We heard
the siren go off for Yom HaShoah. I never dreamed that I would hear or
see what I had just witnessed. Everyone just stopped what they were doing
and pulled over and left their cars on and stopped all conversation and
even though it was only a matter of one minute everyone was silent. This
is something that I will always remember.
Even though this trip was only one week I felt that it
had a big impact on me.
A Feeling of Being Whole
By Josh Frankel
There is something very special about Israel. It is like no other place
I have been before. There is a presence in Israel, which is unique and
unbelievable. Walking through the streets is an experience in itself.
To see how the old of Israel has survived and flourished for so long is
amazing.
When I decided to come to Israel, I wasn't sure what to expect and at
first I honestly did not know why I wanted to come. I had been to Israel
so many times before and had seen most of the places one sees when visiting
Israel. I remember looking at our schedule on the plane and saying to
myself, "so this will be my third time visiting here." But when
I stepped off the plane and looked around, I realized why I had wanted
to come back so badly.
There was a void, which I felt, but with every step I took off that plane
and into Israel the void became smaller and smaller until there was nothing
left to fill. That is what is so special about Israel, a feeling of being
whole.
On Friday night we went to the wall to pray. As we were
walking to the wall I could hear faint voices in the background. As I
turned around I saw hundreds of Jews pouring from the steps singing and
dancing towards the wall. As they walked passed I could not help but marvel
in the joy these Jews took in praying. It was such an amazing sight that
I couldn't help but get pulled into their happiness. This is what Israel
represents to me.
"Business has been so slow.
I can't believe I am seeing tourists in my shop.
Big discounts for all of you. Where are you from?
Cincinnati? What? A teen mission? Kol ha'kvod!"
T-shirt Shop Owner in the Mall on Diezengoff Street
in Tel Aviv
I Hope My Children's Children
Have a Place to Go
By Shira Saltzman
Going to Israel with a group of 15 American kids, what could I have expected
other than a tourist experience? What I actually got was so much more.
The discussions and lectures could not have given me a more well rounded
view of the situation. Yes, bombs do explode in Israel, but we take risks
everyday. We, as Jews, have always had hope. Always, we perceive that
better things are on the way to come, and they are! Peace will come but
only with work. Jews in the Diaspora must support Israel. How? Continue
sending money, for without money programs can't continue. However, as
important as money is to the survival of Israel it does nothing on its
own. Nothing gets done if there aren't people to be there to do it.
Why should Israelis continue to risk their lives daily
if Jews in the Diaspora do not physically come to Israel and show how
important Israel is to them? That's what our trip was about. We went to
Israel to physically be there and to show that we care. I don't know about
you, but I want my children and my children's children to have a place
to go where they will surely be accepted. I can guarantee that safe place
by supporting Israel. What are you doing?
"Israelis will go to the streets, not give up,
they will go to rebel or defy or prove that their lives cannot be interrupted.
Five minutes later people will walk on the street after the bombing in
Kfar Saba."
Reuven Spero
Teacher, Alexander Muss High School in Israel
Speechless in Jerusalem
By Jodi Sadoff
Israel is amazing. Not only because of the beauty of the land and the
gorgeous architecture, but because it is a Jewish homeland. I feel it
is very important to go to Israel during this time to show how much we
support Israel. We, as American Jews, need to let the Israeli people know
that we love Israel, and need it as much as they do. I think that point
became very clear after our week of first-hand interactions with the Israeli
community.
I would like to share a story that happened yesterday
when the group was relaxing at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Reuven
asked us if we would share a moment from this trip that would last in
our minds forever. When it came around to my turn I became speechless.
There was no way I could choose just one moment. Everything was special.
Just walking down the streets of Jerusalem and noticing that every man
was wearing a kipah made me feel like I was home, and that we were one
big family. Also, seeing the Orthodox men daven in the back of the airplane
on the way to Israel was exciting. Experiencing Shabbat at the Kotel was
amazing. Hundreds of Jews united at the wall and praying together overwhelmed
me with an incredible feeling. And finally at 10 a.m. on Yom Ha Shoah
as I stood perfectly still and watched the city come to a halt and all
of the people standing in silence the feeling was so powerful. I could
not choose one moment because every part of my Israel experience will
remain with me forever. It is moments like these that keep the Jewish
people united and Israel alive.
"I make you felafel with salad and chips. So glad
to see all of you."
Felafel Restaurant Owner on the Beach of Tel Aviv
Yom HaZikaron
By Ari Guttman
Red blood in the news shows innocent people being abused,
The country so divided, so many get confused.
How can I help make this world a better place to be?
When hatred in their eyes is all that I can see.
Blue and white shining so strong in the light
Soldiers dressed in green, prepared and willing to fight.
The green land and the desert sand so beautiful to see
So why is this the way the situation in Israel must be?
The bright yellow sun shines bright on this land
While all this fighting and killing is getting hard to stand.
The black of war and death fills this country every night
In the morning the white talitot helps to ease the fight.
The empty stores need people and Israelis feel so alone
How can we determine Israel will be ours when my generation is grown?
The history, the culture, so much to learn from here
So just ask yourself two simple questions and then you will be near
First ask why it is crucial to show support right now
Then just take a minute to figure out a way how
You can help make a difference in our colorful Jewish
home
As we commemorate the lives of those who fought for Israel on this Yom
HaZikaron.
My yearning for the past mingles with my longing
for you and because of you I find myself in my past,
and find the time and the desire to reminisce in order
to share my life with you. Yet, by "past" I mean not only my
own past, but the way in which I see myself as an inseparable part,
a link in the chain of existence and Israel's independence.
Yonatan Netanyahu
March 25, 1975
Israel—April, 2001
By Hindy Poupko
When I stepped off the plane in Tel Aviv, everything felt the same: the
air, the trees, and the ground. I was convinced that the media had been
fabricating a war that never really existed. Before I knew it, I was on
a bus with 15 Americans and 15 Israelis talking about why a small group
of us escaped Cincinnati and came to Israel. Once I saw the look on their
faces, I knew this trip was like no other. It really touched them deep
down to hear that there are people out there who not only care about the
State of Israel, but who care about them as individuals. We let them know
that not a day goes by when they are not in our hopes and prayers. Despite
the current situation, we took a week to come down and give them our support.
This trip benefitted me in a way I cannot begin to understand. I felt
so connected to the Jewish people and our homeland. I was never completely
aware of the feelings and opinions of our fellow Jews living in Israel.
Before this trip, I did not fully comprehend the different views in regard
to Israel being a Jewish State. I am so happy that I had the opportunity
to be exposed to their views.
The experience that affected me the most was when we heard about the bomb
in Kfar Saba. I went through a whirlwind of emotions. At first, it felt
so far away; from where I was everything seemed so safe and calm. I quickly
came to the realization that not that long ago, our Israeli friends were
telling us that they hang out in Kfar Saba. This hit me really hard, were
they ok? I suddenly felt so close to the country; I was in Israel.
Everything on our trip had a profound impact on me:
from davening at the kotel, to eating lunch on the streets of Tel Aviv.
I feel like I have gained a greater appreciation of what life is like
now in our HolyLand.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go on
this trip and I cannot stress enough how important it is for Jews in America
to go to Israel and be with our people and our home. Thank you.
A Chaperone's First Visit to Israel
By Richard Sadoff
Our Israeli experience was intended to be a solidarity mission, in essence
a show of support by the Americans during this difficult time. As we met
with the Israeli citizens, young and old, tasted the culture, visited
the historic sites and experienced Judaism in a way like never before,
the trip brought forth the most beautiful of messages-- that the Israelis
are there for us even more so.
The Israelis view themselves as " true defenders of the faith."
Israel is a haven for all Jews. From the port of Haifa to the beaches
of Tel Aviv and on to Jerusalem we immersed ourselves into the daily lives
of the people. From a university lecture in Haifa to interviews with the
people on the street, we shared their stories and discovered how strongly
Jews in Israel respect their past.
We were fortunate to be there for Yom Ha Shoah and witnessed a truly
extraordinary event at 10 a.m. when the sirens went off and all activity
ceased. Cars stopped. Drivers exited their vehicles and stood motionless
as a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. We also witnessed Israeli
soldiers entering Yad VaShem by the hundreds. This is a mandatory component
of their army training so that they will understand why they are the modern
defenders of both their state and their religion. Watching their expressions
and having an opportunity to speak with some of them was incredibly moving
in view of the fact that they are in the public view and always dressed
in full combat gear.
Lastly we were very fortunate to visit the sights and to learn history
from an amazing teacher and a modern Zionist, Reuven Spero. His knowledge
and enthusiasm really set this mission apart and I am delighted that my
daughter will be attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel next year.
I can't imagine the wealth of knowledge and experiences she will receive
there.
In closing I could not be more pleased with the trip
and can only hope that peace may one day be established in the region.
In the interim the American Jews must realize the citizens of Israel need
our support continuously. We went to the Kotel several times. I had the
opportunity to lay tefillin. This is a memory that I will never forget.
"We are loyal to the land that we live in.
The Jewish people and Israel have been good to us.
If you ask the right way you can get what you want.
We proudly serve in the IDF."
Fadel, the Druze
Our Community Should Be Very Proud
By Patti Schneider, chaperone
I feel very blessed and privileged that I had the opportunity to travel
with this incredible group of 15 teenagers from our community. Each and
every one of them had made a unique commitment to want to be part of this
special mission. Experiencing it and watching two of my own children throughout
the week is etched in my heart forever. I have been to Israel several
times but this trip has to be the most meaningful to me. To come at a
time like this is unforgettable.
We are filled with memorable thoughts and conversations we experienced.
The Israelis we met were very thankful and moved that these kids came
now. They felt a friend could always be a friend when times are good,
but these 15 teens were true friends. They were true friends to Israel
because they were willing to come show their support now when times have
not been good
Our community should be very proud of each one of these
teens and how they reached out, gave their support, and touched so many
lives of those they met
Each Time I Go There Is Another Reason Why
By Barbara Miller, chaperone
This has been my fifth visit to Israel. You would think by now that I
would be aware of all the emotions one can possibly feel in Israel. You
would think that by now I would know what to expect from my visits to
Israel. However, each time I go I have a personal encounter with myself
as well as with my feelings toward Judaism, Israel, G-d, and my heritage.
Each time I go to Israel I truly feel that G-d has a mission or ulterior
plan for me—plans that lead to other plans and plans that I am totally
unaware of in the "big scheme" of life. Why? Because each time
I go to Israel it is a result of an unusual circumstance, a life- changing
decision, or if not that, then the unusual or the unexpected happens to
me while I am there.
This time the plan unfolded as follows. I went to Israel because of two
very persistent teenagers from our community, Ari Guttman and Justin Schneider,
who desperately wanted to go to Israel to show their support. I had mixed
feelings. A mission of this nature had never been done before in our community
let alone elsewhere. Did I really want the responsibility of chaperoning
15 teenagers to Israel in what appeared to be very dangerous times? Many
parents and families called me and said: How could our community send
"kids" to Israel now? As the Israel Experience Recruiter at
the Federation I had witnessed many drop-outs from the 2001summer programs
to Israel. Each phone call I received made me feel unsure, scared, anxious
and irresponsible about sending students to Israel. I began to realize
that fear was contagious.
Consequently, with great ambivalence on my part, a meeting was held at
the Federation one week prior to our departure for Israel. Fifteen committed
teenagers and their parents came to the meeting. That night I could see
in the kids' eyes and hear in their word their eagerness and sincere desire
to go to Israel and to go now. They wanted to show support to family and
friends in Israel and to new friendships yet to be made. They wanted to
make a difference. By the end of the meeting my concerns had melted away.
The Cincinnati Teen Solidarity Mission to Israel was a go, a reality,
and I somehow knew that this would end up being perhaps one of my most
memorable trips to Israel.
In my opinion even before leaving the United States these 15 students
had already begun a personal journey. They had recognized firsthand the
dilemma of being a Jew in the Diaspora . We are Jews living in America
yet Israel is our homeland. We are proud to be part of the Israel experience
but do we go there only in good times, only when it is peaceful, only
when the United States government determines it is safe to travel there?
I learned a lesson from these 15 determined teenagers and future leaders
of the Jewish community. I learned and recognized that Israel will always
be there for us; so we should always be there for Israel. As American
Jews we are married to Israel. So in good times and in bad, in sickness
and in health, we should be there. We should not abandon Israel. We should
embrace her. We should show our appreciation for the men and women who
wear green uniforms and carry guns on their backs and we should be the
ones saying thank you to them not them to us.
I was so proud of every single teenager who went on this trip. They came
from different movements and different secular schools. Some had been
to Israel many times before while for others it was their first visit.
Each of them, however, was engaged, enthusiastic, caring, respectful,
and eager to talk with the Israelis. Each of them made a difference in
the lives of others and in theirs as well. This was a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. We all felt connected not just to the land but more importantly
to the people. We were there when many were not. We saw how safe it was
with our very own eyes. We heard how abandoned Israelis felt with our
very own ears. We smelled the flowers of springtime and we tasted the
wine of Shabbat. But most of all we felt the pride of Israel. The memories
will remain with us forever.
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