The Comings and Goings of AUGUST, 2010
BEFORE & AFTER – the Peace Tree at Givat Haviva
With this month’s temperatures hitting the highest ever since weather records began to be kept in Israel, most folks could only think of two things – heading for the air-conditioning or a swim in the sea or pool!!
Under the most difficult and most uncomfortable of conditions, the International Department continued to receive, show around campus and take out on tours of the region, group after group of teens and students – and here and there a group of adults – and receive excellent feedback from the majority of participants.
Not only was the weather hot, hot and even hotter but peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians seemingly kicked off to warm beginnings and hopefully will stay firmly on the track to workable solutions to the conflict in the not too distant future.
The Peace Tree standing on the main lawn of the Givat Haviva campus continues to be a point of interest also for groups visiting from overseas and for them, as for those of us continuing with projects promoting shared society, tangible evidence of what can be created when Jewish, Muslim and Druze youth decide they can build something together.
As in July, this month saw a large number of teen groups on Israel Tour such as the Liberal Jewish Youth and NOAM from Britain, BBYO from the States and many other organizations that have worked with the International Department for many a successful year.
BBYO with International Department educator Inon Tagner (back row far left)
Israeli and overseas youth leaders accompanying the groups, many of them for the second or third consecutive year, speak of how they look forward to returning to Givat Haviva as they know the seminar will spark the interest and curiosity of many of the teens.
“The talk, Wadi Ara tour and visit to Barta’a, certainly helps them to understand a little better some of the complex issues we find difficulty in explaining – here they actually see for themselves the narrowness of the central part of the State of Israel, the topography, geography and closeness of the Arab and Jewish communities, Green Line and course of the fence – all within a few short hours. For me, this seminar is a must,” said one of the guides accompanying a group of teens whose itinerary had been arranged by tour operators ISRAEL EXPERIENCE Educational Tourism.
In the shade of the Peace Tree at Givat Haviva and out on the Amir mountain range with an International Department tour
A During the month of August, the INTENSIVE ARABIC SEMESTER students – on a five month course under the auspices of MASA and the International Department – were firmly with their heads down in the classroom studying and heads up high whilst out and about in the Wadi Ara region.
Students this month also undertook a more in-depth visit to the village of Barta’a during which they walked through the main section of the village, met with local Palestinian businessmen who shared with them stories of their lives and how they dealt with the daily realities of trying to earn a living during the most difficult times over the last few decades.
The students also had the opportunity to speak with a group of female teachers in East Barta’a, their local high-school for girls coming under the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
Prior to visiting Barta’a the students paid a call to Umm al-Fahm and the Shaked bloc of Jewish settlements affording a generous view over the Jezreel Valley and the Palestinian autonomous city of Jenin.
The students expressed their appreciation of having had the opportunity to undertake such a journey and hopefully there will be many more such experiences during the months ahead.
Ari & Hofit make a new friend in Umm al-Fahm; Mahmoud, a local Palestinian businessman showing the students his identity papers and far right: Alex, Jonathan and Hofit speak with East Barta’a teachers
We wish everybody the very best for the coming holiday season. To our Jewish friends, SHANA TOVA – may the coming year treat you kindly with the best of health, much happiness and success in all you do.
To our Muslim friends – may the Ramadan fast have been one of great personal satisfaction and special spiritual journey, and joyous Eid al-Fitr.
To the rest of our Christian and other friends, we look forward to continuing our excellent relationships with you all.
THE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT - Hilit Ben-Zvi, Uri Barel and Lydia Aisenberg
