(KESHER ENOSHI)

Californian student Shani Lerner of KESHER ENOSHI during her visit to Givat Haviva and region

 

In October last year UC Berkeley student Shani Lerner contacted Givat Haviva in the hope to "establish a fruitful, long-term relationship between Givat Haviva and a new Hillel based organization at UC Berkeley, Kesher Enoshi: Progressive Activism in Israel."

Following Shani's recent visit to Israel and subsequent tour of the Givat Haviva campus at the invitation of the International Department Kesher Enoshi and Givat Haviva are now truly connected.

"Our group emerged last semester out of collective concerns over the relation of Jews in America to Israel," explained Shani.

"Many feel a deep connection to Israel and want to work for its benefit.  They approach this goal, however, primarily through advocacy and are reluctant to engage directly in Israeli civil society.  Though many American Jews see themselves as progressives, and for human rights in all circumstances, they are often afraid to explore the day-to-day struggles of Israeli people for fear of saying something 'bad' about Israel.

"Kesher Enoshi would like to challenge the traditional role of Jews in America vis-a-vis the Israeli state.  We want to engage directly in Israeli civil society and work for its benefit with those who do so in Israel," said Shani.

"We hope to accomplish this by establishing strong relationships with progressive Israeli organizations, educate ourselves about their objectives and programs, and contribute financial and human resources to their cause.  Our goal is to be in direct correspondence with, learn about your programs, and brainstorm ways for Jews living across the Atlantic to get involved."

During her visit to Givat Haviva Shani met with David Mendelsohn who had given a talk at UC Berkeley last year, Lydia Aisenberg and Dudu Amitai, spokesperson for Givat Haviva – all of whom were very impressed by the sincerity and commitment of Shani and the group she represents in contributing 'tachless' to Israel.

"The recent tragic events have "mapped" the reputation of Givat Haviva worldwide, for us," commented Dudu Amitai following Shani's visit.

"Feedback, comments and indirect mentioning (websites, blogs, newspapers, etc.) have popped up from Brazil to New Zealand.  However, given the challenges we face in our efforts to maintain and develop our activities, it is only with the help of friends and good will supporters that we could and can spread the word about our work to such depth and magnitude.  Voluntary groups such as Kesher Enoshi (Human Contact) are the most effective support we could get in that regard because of their personal approach and conviction which drive them to approach Givat Haviva in the first place.

"The synergy between them and Givat Haviva set an additional "building block" in a mutual long march to deliver and realize the promise for TIKKUN OLAM. 

"I was very impressed with Shani's attitude and enthusiasm in everything that relates to Givat Haviva's agenda," said Dudu.

An amazing young lady representing a group of equally positive young students in California that have formed Kesher Enoshi, we were honored to have Shani visit and look forward to a close working relationship in future with Shani and her university peers.

 

Shani Lerner of Kesher Enoshi & Lydia Aisenberg at the Katzir vantage point over Barta'a

 

 

Text: Lydia Aisenberg – February 2009