BIRTHRIGHT STUDENTS COMMENT

 

              

BIRTHRIGHT-TAGLIT – They come and go … too quickly

 

Since its inception, Birthright-Taglit has brought thousands of Jewish students from many diverse countries for a 10-day Israel experience.

Over the years the International Department at Givat Haviva has received hundreds of groups of Birthright-Taglit students in the main from the United States, Canada and Britain as well as other countries.

As an educator/guide dealing with those groups at Givat Haviva during this period of time, memorable moments with Birthright are many, but top of the list would have to be a group from Poland a few years ago.  That particular group had many participants who were on more than a journey to learn about Israel - they were on a deeply emotional journey of self-discovery as many had only in recent times found out they were Jewish, or had a Jewish grandparent or parent.

One of the first Birthright-Taglit groups I ever dealt with from the United States comprised a large number of hearing-impaired students, accompanied by three educators who were also able to communicate in sign language.   It took me a while to make myself stand still whilst giving a talk, to not do my normal walkabout, talkabout in the classroom – thereby getting in the way between those signing and those trying to see their hands in order to know what it was I was saying!!

Birthright-Taglit has taken more than its fair share of criticism from all sides of the waters, but also heaps of well-deserved praise and I, for one, hope that funds will be secured to continue to bring those who are in the main on the periphery of Jewish communities, or total outsiders to any Jewish community or campus orientated organization, to Israel and to meet with and form friendships with, peers from back home they would not normally have crossed paths with.   

For the better part the short period of time that we in the INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT get to deal with a Birthright-Taglit group is only sufficient to touch on the basics of Jewish-Arab relations in Israel, to explain more in depth who are the Arab citizens of this country and also, physically show some of the features of the fascinating region known as Wadi Ara in Arabic, Nahal Irron in Hebrew – in other words either side of Route 65.

A large percentage of the Birthright-Taglit groups we deal with have been joined by either Israeli soldiers or students – part of the getting-to-know-you-process for overseas students and their Israeli peers.  Having to explain background to the Middle East conflict, discuss issues such as the Green Line (a truly hot political potato), security fence, divisions and divides – political and physical – between the peoples of the region is complicated at the best of times, challenging when the Israelis in the group want to also share their views – and they are not necessarily the same as each other!

BIRTHRIGHT-TAGLIT groups are a challenge I gladly take on.  They are among the most appreciative of those groups who have a GIVAT HAVIVA experience in their itinerary and again and again – and even again – many students (as well as their Israeli fellow travelers) complain about the shortness of time given to such all important topics.

"Up until now we have done some pretty amazing things here in Israel, but today has been the most worthwhile of experiences and I now feel I need to sit down and start reading when I get home – could you please send a list of book suggestions?" requested an American student last week – who just happened to be studying International Politics but said he hadn't really taken too much of an interest in the Middle East – up until now that is.

"The last few hours have been very difficult for me," said Oren, a student/soldier accompanying one of the Birthright-Taglit groups.  "I guess the most difficult thing was to accept that I really do not understand so much myself but always very quick to explain to others what it is that really isn't clear to me," he said, somewhat confused but at least honest!

 

Getting to know who is who, where is where – Green Line, Area B, what do you see?

 

Israeli soldiers and students often comment that they would have greatly benefited from such a seminar before they went in to the army – and there are those who also say they are sorry they never had the opportunity to participate in a project such as FACE TO FACE during their high-school days.

An Israeli tour-guide who has accompanied many groups to Givat Haviva during his 10-day stints with them, commented recently that over the years he has heard students voicing their appreciation of their Givat Haviva 'experience' – "and they always complain that it was too little time," he concluded.

Reading on our website about the various groups who have spent time with us in recent months, reader and supporter Pa Sinervo from Canada emailed the following to Givat Haviva.

"I found this report especially interesting, detailed and informative.  Too bad all the Birthright trips don't schedule a tour of Givat Haviva and more importantly, the Arab-Israeli enclaves so nearby."

Richard Verber, an officer with the Union of Jewish Students from the UK recently said something similar – and also pointed out that he will still be in office for the next academic year and intends to make sure students will have Givat Haviva on their itinerary.

 

  

BIRTHRIGHT-TAGLIT students out and about in Wadi Ara with GIVAT HAVIVA