HELPING HANDS
from page 88
We spent time over Shabbat at a gor-
cy seminar. We learned how to strength-
geous kibbutz hotel called Kfar Giladi
en arguments with emotion, language
and shopped in a Kiryat Shemona mall.
and personal experiences, and how to
Due to our work and close quarters,
respond to anti-Israel comments and
the camaraderie in our group was
return to the real issues.
instantaneous. We kept commenting
I consider myself well versed in the
each night about how it was unbeliev-
history and politics of Middle East, but I
able that, in mere days, we felt closer
still learned a great deal. I know that I'll
than with acquaintances at home.
utilize my new information during my
Perhaps it was the environ-
political debates.
ment or the people involved.
Jason
On To Jerusalem
All I know is that I made
Cooperman, 26
many true friends during
We headed to Jerusalem at
of Farmington
those 10 days and countless
the end of our trip. Our bus
Hills, Ezra
close companions, from
had a heated political discus-
Drissman, 22, of
Michigan and Israel, that I
sion. Opinions and argu-
Oak Park and
know I'll be able to truly
ments were traded and feel- •
Brian Ross, 30,
count on in life.
ings were hurt; by the end,
of Farmington
Each night after work, we
hugs were exchanged.
Hills take a break
heard speakers such as
If there hadn't been friend-
from cleaning
Professor Dafna Canetti
ship first, we would not have
tank guns.
from Haifa University, army
had insight into the others'
officers, Otzma participants,
position, even if points of
everyday Israeli citizens and
view remained unchanged. In
Middle East experts Ze'ev Shafrir, Neil
the end, we realized that despite the dif-
Harris and Neil Lazarus.
ferent paths we each believed were right,
Harris lectured about Jews and Arabs
we all desired security in the Land of
and the rights of each, depending on
Israel.
location and citizenship.
The last day included a political tour
Lazarus provided a witty Israel advoca-
HELPING HANDS on page 90
from page 88
The evenings were spent listening,
program participants now being
to guest speakers discuss Israel's elec-
able to intelligently speak up on
tions, the relationships between Jews
her behalf and defend her actions
and Arabs in the Galilee and the
than it will by the physical labor
Israeli-Palestinian Arab conflict.
we provided.
Hearing these speakers was, in a
I urge every American Jew to get
certain respect, even more valuable to
involved and learn the facts so that
the State of Israel than the volunteer
we can better support Israel during
work we did during the day.
these troubled times. ❑
Our role as American Jews is to be
able to support and defend Israel to
Randy Modell of Southfield attended
the American public. American Jews
Southfieldiathrup High School and
need to be equipped with the knowl-
Yeshiva University in New York City.
edge to intelligently speak and defend
He is working toward a master's
Israel's right to exist and her actions.
However, I feel that as a whole we are degree in real estate development at
Columbia University.
severely lacking in this field.
Israel will benefit more from the
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■ Recreational Pr' Kai s
■ Adult Educational Classes
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■ Nosh Nook and Gift Shop
I Respite and Guest Rooms
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Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza
Eugene & Marcia Applebaum Jewish Community Campus
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For more information or an application, call:
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WE'RE PART Of THE TEAM
2/14'
2003
89