DETROIT
JEWISH NEWS
.6.1133"""Nerir
, '
sl
4
Photo by Assaf Shtilman
Happy 60th birthday, Israel!
Local teens express their feelings about the Jewish homeland.
by Atara Lakritz and Avi Buckman
srael at 60? What does it mean to Jews the
world over? What relevance does it have to
Jewish teens in our community?
As this milestone anniversary of Israel's indepen-
dence approaches, these are questions that intrigue
us. To put it simply, Israel is the home of the Jews.
It is where every Jew has the opportunity to feel
welcome and at ease. It is where our ancestors come
from, where the core of Judaism was established.
Ultimately, it is a place that the Jewish people love
and are proud to be able to call their homeland.
We, as Jewish day school students and as part of
the Detroit Jewish community at large, feel strongly
connected to the holy land of Israel. It holds a re-
ligious significance for us because God promised it
to us. Because of this, going to Israel is like going
home — even if it is only for a short trip.
A common denominator among Jewish people
is and has always been Israel. Generations have
longed and prayed for a return to Israel. It is a high
point at most Passover seders when we proclaim,
"Next year in Jerusalem!" Over the past century,
Israel has changed from an idea that our ancestors
dreamed about to a reality. Though their reasons
may differ, we found that Jewish teens in our com-
munity from a variety of backgrounds still feel just
as connected to the land as we do. Regardless of
one's religious observance or background, it is clear
that Israel holds special value for all Jews.
Josh Schwartz, 16, of West Bloomfield has traveled
to Israel twice and does not think it loses its special-
ness. "It was still a beautiful country the second time
I visited," says Schwartz, an active BBYO member.
"Good food!" jokes Josh, "especially the falafel. But
what is also incredible is the land itself."
Hava Ylyaguev, 17, lived in Israel for a decade of
her life, so understandably she feels a heightened
connection to the land. Although she is now a West
Bloomfield resident, Ylyaguev is confident in say-
ing, "Israel is my homeland. No matter where I live,
my heart always lies there." This example shows Is-
rael is not simply where one grows up or visits. The
country stays with you forever.
Melanie Betel, 16, of Farmington Hills is not
afraid to go to Israel even thought her stepsister was
a participant in Federation' 2006 Teen Mission that
returned early due to the Lebanon War. "There are
always issues, but you cannot let them stop you,"
she says. "I feel it is important to go. There is a con-
nection to anyone who is Jewish."
Despite the violence the news media often focus on
in their portrayal of Israel, Jesse Yedwab, 15, of
Commerce Township says, "You always feel safe in
Israel, even in times of war." A member of Temple
Israel in West Bloomfield and active in NFTY, Jesse
has friends and family in Israel. He has visited twice
continues on B4
teen2teen May • 2008 Bl