Budokan students with Allam Abu Abead in the mountains above the Dotan Valley
Ten students from different countries participating in an innovative martial arts program based in the center of the country spent a day on seminar with the International Department. It would seem some of the Masa-Budokan Martial Arts and Fitness Program students were not too interested in Arab-Jewish relations, shared citizenship projects of Givat Haviva and other related topics before the seminar but after the day was out commented it had been one of the best – if not the best – day they had spent outside of their home base and daily regime of academic and physical studies.
Following a talk on campus the students undertook a tour of the immediate region and in the village of Barta'a squashed in to the tiny perfume and bed linen shop of Palestinian businessman Allam Abu Abead who spoke about how he sees the current situation between Palestinians and Israel and candidly answered the students many questions – receiving a Budokan hat as a present from the group (pictured below).
The Budokan program is a 5-month journey incorporating intensive daily trainings taught by world- class instructors, a variety of outdoor adventures and an in-depth look at Israel through its language, culture and history. The students presently on the program – and who came to Givat Haviva for seminar – hail from England, Hungary, Australia, France and America.
"The seminar at Givat Haviva was very successful, somehow each and every one of the students was touched by the experience," reported Linda Leder, the councilor working with the students for the full 5-month term and who accompanied the students to Givat Haviva.
"When the seminar was over the students kept talking about certain topics mentioned during the day which means they caught something and were grappling with it – and it was all so worthwhile."
Linda, originally from Switzerland, feels very much at home on campus being a member of Hashomer Hatzair in Switzerland and participating in summer programs in Israel incorporating visits to Givat Haviva and also at a later stage returning as a guide of Hashomer Hatzair groups.
"Every time I come to Givat Haviva I not only have this feeling of home but each time I gain new knowledge myself and leave the day with more thoughts and ideas to grapple with – all this very productive for my journey of really trying to make sense of what is going on Israel and beyond the Green Line and where I stand with all of this," comments Linda.
Linda, who studied in America, completed her thesis earlier this year – for masters in Peace Education.
"Basically I formulated a new model on how to teach about Israel in American Jewish institutions," explained Linda who has now made aliya and when the present Budokan group finishes their term, will be looking for work where she can implement her studies and experiences to date.
Photos & Text: Lydia Aisenberg, May, 2010
