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DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
theJEWISHNEWS.com
guest column
Arthur M. Horwitz
Publisher / Executive Editor
ahorwitz@renmedia.us
Keeping Jerusalem Pluralistic And Vibrant
F. Kevin Browett
Chief Operating Officer
kbrowett@renmedia.us
J
erusalem, the holy city. A complex
and controversial place that is sacred
to the three religions of the Book,
plastered across international headlines
and disputed upon by locals. While consid-
ered the booming center of Israel and cul-
mination of its unique essence, Jerusalem
is in trouble.
“Why did you move to Jerusalem?” I am
asked in a negative tone by both Israelis
and non-Israelis.
Many young people view Jerusalem as an
old-fashioned, closed-minded and ultra-
Orthodox city that is not a suitable place
for progressive and secular movers and
shakers. Friends have described feelings
of alienation, discomfort and judgment as
secular Jews in Jerusalem. They feel that in
addition to a limited social life, Jerusalem
does not provide them with career oppor-
Young Jewish adults celebrate Shabbat at a Shalom al Lechem event in Jerusalem.
tunity and development, unlike cities such
as Tel Aviv.
The extremity in religiosity, concerns
several unique projects, notably the Shabbat dinner program
of safety, less prevalent work opportunities and polarization of
coined “Shalom al Lechem” (“greetings over bread”).
Jerusalem all contribute to a great cause of concern. As young
Shalom al Lechem brings together a small and diverse group of
secular people, as well as non-haredi Orthodox, become disil-
up to 15 young Israelis and internationals for quality conversation
lusioned with Jerusalem and head for Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva,
and delicious food in the comfort of a Jerusalem home. The meal
and other peripheral cities, the diversity
is hosted jointly by native Israelis and internationals, where each
that draws Jews of all backgrounds to
host invites his or her own group of friends. The hosts reflect
Jerusalem is at stake.
their favorite traditions and handpick the Shabbat dinner menu
Amongst this doubt and speculation, can
with a talented chef, who comes to their residence and cooks a
Jerusalem remain a pluralistic and vibrant
homemade meal with his kosher portable kitchen.
space? And with that, one that warmly wel-
Shalom al Lechem creates a personal and authentic setting
comes newcomers, both young Israelis as
where young people can create and join in important discussion
well as others from around the world?
all while sitting around the Shabbat dinner table. Shany Batit, a
According to a 2014 study of Israeli
Stephanie
young Israeli woman who recently hosted a Shalom al Lechem
population movements, 5,720 young
Horwitz
meal, believes that taking in olim is very important. She told me
people between the ages of 20 and 29
that “after serving as an emissary in the United States, I know
left Jerusalem and moved to other locali-
how good life is there, and I just don’t know how the olim left
ties, contributing to a total of 17,090 Israelis of all ages who left
those comforts. I am happy to help look after them.”
Jerusalem. In the same year, 3,309 olim (immigrants) of all ages
Many Israelis are interested in helping new immigrants accli-
moved to Jerusalem from abroad. In one year, the net out-migra-
tion of Jerusalem’s population increased significantly. As people of mate and adjust into life in Jerusalem, and Jerusalem Village pro-
vides them with the unique opportunities to do so.
all ages, particularly millennials, leave Jerusalem for the periph-
In addition to providing an “in” to the social scene, Jerusalem
ery at a rapid rate, Jerusalem’s existence as a Jewishly diverse city
Village addresses the issues of Hebrew language and unemploy-
is at stake. Enter Jerusalem Village.
ment through its tailor-made immersive Hebrew program for
RETAINING YOUNG PEOPLE
new immigrants called “Alternative.”
Jerusalem Village, a nonprofit organization in the heart of the
While many new immigrants spend several months studying
city, enables cosmopolitan young adults to form invaluable
in a formal Hebrew class called an ulpan, they rarely use their
connections and to channel their passions to ensure the future
Hebrew and revert to speaking in their native tongues once fin-
of a vibrant Jerusalem. By mixing together religious, secular,
ishing this Hebrew study. Alternative provides young adults in
Israelis and Jews from other countries between the ages of 22-35,
Jerusalem the opportunity to develop Hebrew proficiency while
Jerusalem Village provides a sense of belonging as well as an
easing into Israeli life. By bridging between native and new
opportunity for meaningful and authentic experiences.
Israelis in an interactive learning environment, Alternative cre-
“Our research conducted through surveys and focus groups has ates a comfortable Hebrew-speaking community.
shown that about 50 percent of new immigrants leave Jerusalem
Alternative’s Yomyom (day to day) Hebrew course provides
within their first year of living here,” says Jerusalem Village
hands-on learning experiences such as learning how to fill out
founder and director Lisa Barkan. “The three main reasons for
bureaucratic forms or pay a bill over the phone, to mastering
leaving Jerusalem they cited were lack of jobs, lack of intimate
proper shopping etiquette at the shuk (outdoor market). Yomyom
social circles and an inability to speak the language.”
helps new immigrants integrate into Israeli society by teach-
Jerusalem Village primarily addresses the need for intimate
ing them the “ABC’s” of maneuvering through life in Jerusalem.
social circles by creating an ecosystem in which Israelis partici-
Additionally, Alternative provides employment for young Israelis,
pate in welcoming newcomers to the city. This is done through
as it hires local natives as teachers and teacher assistants to create
continued on page 8
6 November 10 • 2016
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