Teram learned how to dance
American-style.
Although the weather was warmer
in California than Detroit, the
Israelis said the hospitality was
warmer here.
"It's.very interesting meeting
African-American people," said
.Meroz. "They're not fake."
Isachar agreed. "My host family
here is big. I met the grandma, and
she's like mine back in Israel. They're
very close, and it's easy to talk to
them. I love it. Everyone kissed and
hugged me when I went to church
with them."
"In Santa Barbara," said Maytar
Duadi, "people were nice, but there
was space between them and us.
Here, I felt like I could ask
for anything I wanted ...
Here, the kids in classes are
very interested to hear about
Israel. In Santa Barbara, the
kids didn't seem as interested;
it seemed like they were only
asking questions because the
teacher expected it."
In addition to feeling
comfortable with their hosts,
several Israelis said it was
exciting learning firsthand
about African-American cul-
ture.
"The most important
thing about Detroit was my
facing finally the African-
Americans as a big popula-
tion and seeing everyday
life," said Tidhar Wald. "All
we knew about America was
from television. I knew real
life was not just gangs, but I
had wanted to see that, want-
ed reassurance."
Wald said he enjoyed
learning more African-
American history from his host, Cass
Tech senior David Kuhn, one of five
Detroit teens who visited Israel last
year through the exchange program.
"I had known about slavery and
the history of racism, but it was
something to finally meet someone
who tells me his name is German
because that was the name of his
ancestors' master," said Wald.
But adapting to Detroit life wasn't
always easy. The Israeli teens were
used to a more independent lifestyle
than their peers.
"It was hard getting used to the
school," said Duadi. "The rules here
are so strict. In Israel, we don't have
to ask permission for so many
things."
The Israelis also had to adapt to

11/21
1997

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