By: Gabi Herman
At the arrivals terminal in Ben Gurion airport, the signs pointing out the shelters are the first thing incoming travelers see. For Diller Toronto, that didn't seem to matter much. Despite the cancellation of every other city, all 19 Diller fellows rolled out their suitcases with the typical excitement of 15 and 16 year olds. Mixed in with the thrill of finally landing, there was a common refrain: "I'm so proud we came."
Diller Teen Fellows is a leadership development program for Jewish teens based on the pillars of leadership, Jewish identity, Israel, and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Our city, Toronto, is paired with Eilat. Nine other partnerships between North American Jews and Israelis exist. The first time the Eilatees and Torontonians met was at North American Seminar in April, and the 15 month long program climaxes now, with a trip to Israel.
The excited teens are my chanichim, campers. For the last two weeks I had been participating in the junior staff seminar. The rockets had started to fall just before my co-counselor, Sabrina, and I touched down on the runway. As the situation escalated, my mind returned again and again to the same question. Would my fellows come? Some cities had to drop out.
A few Israeli partnerships did not feel able to host and US travel advisories forced more cities to support their partnership communities from afar. But, here in Israel, Sabrina and I were safe, happy, and having one of the most valuable experiences of our lives. The cities that dropped out had valid reasons to do so, but I hoped Toronto's community could come.
A little more than a day before the flights were scheduled, 9/10 cohorts were no longer coming. We received a call from Toronto. Our coordinator, Daniel, was on the other end.
"Eilat families say that the best thing we could do to support them is come. We can ensure every fellow a safe and meaningful experience. Every one of them wants to go. Are you in?" Of course we were.
The pride I felt in my community when we learned that Toronto is coming was immeasurable. Now that we're here, we are trying to see through the eyes of Israelis, living in host homes. This "community week" is planned entirely by the fellows, who have worked together since April to put each day into reality. We've toured kibbutzim, learned about the Red Sea's coral reef, and spent a whole lot of time swimming.
Of course, one of the pillars of Diller is tikkun olam. At the beginning of the trip, fellows were told they had a budget to spend on a community project. Together, they decided to support the soldiers working tirelessly at the Iron Dome. They purchased clean clothing for them, since the soldiers have not had time for laundry. Fellows also planned their own volunteer day, helping in community gardens and with children with special needs.
Teens have had many meaningful discussions about the current situation in Israel. The harsh reality of the conflict escapes none of them, but their conversations are insightful, respectful, and supportive. The profound relationship our partnership feels between Toronto and Eilat is only growing stronger through learning about realities of life in Israel. Despite the differences in culture, language, and weather, teens have a deep connection. One Torontonian said: "I want my children to be as connected to Eilat as I feel."
To me, it's plainer to see than ever before that through good times and bad, through thin and through thick, the connection between Jews inside and outside of Israel is vital. As the Diller Toronto and Eilat cohorts travel across Israel as one unit this week, learning and growing, I feel certain that each fellow knows the partnership's value too.
Note: This was written while in Israel. While the article may not be current, every sentiment within holds true, and the bond between the teens only grew stronger.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Aftermath
Date: August 11, 2014
By: Naomi Benmergui
Dear family and friends,
It is hard to believe that our ISS has come to an end. This part of our Diller journey has been unforgettable and I am very fortunate and immensely thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program with such distinguished individuals. I believe that as a group we all had an unforgettable summer; one that was both fun and meaningful. We have not ceased to learn and grow (individually and collectively) throughout the year and in particular these past two weeks. We have shared in both joyous and tough times and from each experience we have come out stronger.
Before embarking on our journey we were all aware of the situation in Israel. We heard and read the news and we spoke to family and friends who live in Israel who related their thoughts and feelings on the situation. Together with global Jewry we prayed and hoped for peace, for the safety of our soldiers in the IDF, and for the return of normal life to all in Israel who are affected by the constant barrage of rockets. Before traveling to Israel, I doubted whether it was the right time to go, not the principles that guided me to wanting to go (the immense love and passion I have for Israel). However, after being there, I can confidently conclude that our Diller Toronto Cohort 2 made the BEST decision by going forward with our plans to travel to Israel. We were able to show our support and solidarity with our partner community, Eilat- Eillot. Throughout our stay, there was a noticeable difference in the country, places that would regularly be flooding with people (particularly in the summer) seemed rather deserted. From the moment we landed we noticed this change in Ben Gurion Airport, tourist spots in Eilat, Masada, and (shockingly) the Kotel. Unfortunately, the situation at the time has impacted the lives of both those who live in Israel and those abroad. It has punctured one of Israel’s largest summer industries, tourism. Whether it was during our community week in Eilat, our Shabbaton in Masada, or our stay in Jerusalem we heard from countless people how thankful they were that we came from Canada to ‘visit’ albeit the circumstances. This comment echoed through homes, streets, shops, and institutions where we volunteered. When I heard people say this I was astounded and somewhat distraught. My thoughts were that the ones that should be saying “thank you” is us. It is because of their sacrifices that we, in the Diaspora, could walk proudly as Jews. They live there protecting, safeguarding, and developing our homeland so that no matter what all Jews have a home. It was right then that I realized what a huge impact our Diller Toronto Cohort 2 had by solely being present. This is a lesson that I will cherish forever, showing support begins with presence. Whether that be physical or vocal, that is the first step in making a difference.
This trip to Israel is one that is unique. While strengthening our ties to our partner community of Eilat- Eillot, we worked towards accomplishing one of the goals of the Diller program and that is to establish a connection with the people in Israel. We were able to have meaningful conversations on important matters of community and Judaism which lead me to understand that despite our differences we are all Am Echad B’Lev Echad (one people with one heart). I hope that while all of us continue in our Diller journey we keep this in mind because as Hellen Diller said, “It's never too early, too late, or too often to make the world a better place” and I know that we have the power to do so.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to G-d for keeping us safe on our journey. I would also like to thank our parents for allowing us to go and for supporting us throughout with their endless encouragement. I know that for them it would have been easier if we would have all said that we did not want to go, but they were very happy that we unanimously agreed to go (despite the extra white hairs that they got from worrying!). Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Daniel Sourani and Liav Peretz, our program coordinators, and to Raquel Binder, our incoming coordinator for Toronto for being our mentors, role models, and friends. Thank you also to the Helen Diller Foundation, the international Diller Teen Fellows team, and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for making this program possible and for facilitating the opportunity that we had this summer to have a safe and extremely insightful experience.
With wishes for the safe return of all of the members of the IDF and lasting peace in Israel!
By: Naomi Benmergui
Dear family and friends,
It is hard to believe that our ISS has come to an end. This part of our Diller journey has been unforgettable and I am very fortunate and immensely thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program with such distinguished individuals. I believe that as a group we all had an unforgettable summer; one that was both fun and meaningful. We have not ceased to learn and grow (individually and collectively) throughout the year and in particular these past two weeks. We have shared in both joyous and tough times and from each experience we have come out stronger.
This trip to Israel is one that is unique. While strengthening our ties to our partner community of Eilat- Eillot, we worked towards accomplishing one of the goals of the Diller program and that is to establish a connection with the people in Israel. We were able to have meaningful conversations on important matters of community and Judaism which lead me to understand that despite our differences we are all Am Echad B’Lev Echad (one people with one heart). I hope that while all of us continue in our Diller journey we keep this in mind because as Hellen Diller said, “It's never too early, too late, or too often to make the world a better place” and I know that we have the power to do so.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to G-d for keeping us safe on our journey. I would also like to thank our parents for allowing us to go and for supporting us throughout with their endless encouragement. I know that for them it would have been easier if we would have all said that we did not want to go, but they were very happy that we unanimously agreed to go (despite the extra white hairs that they got from worrying!). Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Daniel Sourani and Liav Peretz, our program coordinators, and to Raquel Binder, our incoming coordinator for Toronto for being our mentors, role models, and friends. Thank you also to the Helen Diller Foundation, the international Diller Teen Fellows team, and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for making this program possible and for facilitating the opportunity that we had this summer to have a safe and extremely insightful experience.
With wishes for the safe return of all of the members of the IDF and lasting peace in Israel!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Day 12: Emotional but Important
August 4, 2014
By: Leora Nash and Maya Bordan
We started off the day with a delightful breakfast before getting on the bus and heading for Yad Vashem. There, we split into two groups and had a guided tour with museum specialists. The tour focused a lot on teens and youth in the Holocaust, and our guide tried to relate the experiences to us as much as he could. After the tour we visited the children's memorial. This was especially emotional and touching, as many of us could picture this happen to children barely younger than us.
From there we had a quick lunch and walked over to Har Herzl where our guide, Ilan, gave us a tour of many important graves, including Yitzchak Rabin and Theodore Herzl. We also had the chance to visit the graves of fallen soldiers, specifically ones who have passed during the current operation in Gaza. We returned to the hostel where we had a program about Tisha Be'av with the executive director of Diller, Liat. Some Diller alumni joined us. This program opened our eyes to the meaning of Tisha Be'av and how it relates to our lives today. After dinner we walked to the tayelet to hear a beautiful Eicha led by our own JC, Gabi Herman. Overall, today was emotionally strenuous, but very important at the same time. Tomorrow we look forward to having a meaningful Tisha Be'av. Wishing everyone at home an easy fast and meaningful day.
By: Leora Nash and Maya Bordan
We started off the day with a delightful breakfast before getting on the bus and heading for Yad Vashem. There, we split into two groups and had a guided tour with museum specialists. The tour focused a lot on teens and youth in the Holocaust, and our guide tried to relate the experiences to us as much as he could. After the tour we visited the children's memorial. This was especially emotional and touching, as many of us could picture this happen to children barely younger than us.
Day 11: Welcome to Jerusalem
August 3, 2014
By: Reut Cohen and Courtney Marks
The day started when we woke up for our last morning at Masada to the beautiful views of the Dead Sea and Judean Hills. Exhausted from the night before, which included an amazingly energetic havdallah, we ate a quick breakfast and piled on to the bus for our journey to Jerusalem.
On the way, we were introduced to our new tour guide Ilan, who will accompany us for the rest of our stay.
Today, people in our group saw Jerusalem, our eternal capital, for the first time. It was truly amazing to see their reactions to the Old City appearing before us as we approached. Though there are people in our group who have been to Jerusalem countless times, they were still able to see it through new eyes due to being with our entire cohort.
Our bus dropped us off at Ir David, a "city" that straddles East and West Jerusalem. We spoke about the annexing of East Jerusalem in the Six Day War and discussed who the area truly belongs to. After some historical background, we entered Hezekiah's Tunnels, the aqueducts used by Jews in the time of David to conquer Jerusalem from the Jebussites. We wandered through the main tunnels before taking the path to the water tunnels, and along the way stopped for a short discussion about how miraculous it was that the Jews were able to capture Jerusalem. We realized that our cohort went through a similar experience, with all the uncertainty about our trip. To us it is a miracle that we are here.
We don't think that any of us knew exactly what we were getting into -- the tunnels were dark, wet, and required the taller members of our group to crouch most of the time. We found ourselves turning this way and that to fit through the skinnier passages of the tunnels. Yet, it was amazing to experience history firsthand. After exiting the tunnels, we enjoyed some authentic Israeli falafel for lunch, and made our way to the Israel Museum.
At the Israel Museum, we split into two groups and alternated between activities. We saw a short movie about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as the history of the religious sect known as Yachad, who lived on the banks of the Dead Sea where the scrolls were discovered. Afterwards, we walked around a beautiful model of Jerusalem at the time of the second Temple. We discussed the divisions between the Jewish people at the time, with different sects like the Pharisees and the Sadducees controlling different aspects of the city. So much senseless hatred between our people led to the destruction of the Temple and our exile. Hearing this really hit home for our group, which bases itself on pluralism, and gave us a concrete example of what lack of mutual respect and cooperation can do.
On a lighter note, we were then able to visit the most amazing art installation, Big Bambú. Big Bambú is a huge structure that reaches 18 meters tall, made entirely out of bamboo stalks and reaching in all directions. Truthfully, it's something you have to see for yourself. There are staircases, places to sit, complete with cushions, and lookouts over the Israel Museum.
Once we were back on the ground, we were given some free time to explore the museum. Some chose, of course, to visit the Shrine of the Book, while others went to the new exhibit on clothing, and still others spent their time in the gift shop. The gift shop has beautiful art, books, an Judaica, but also incredible inventions such as coasters shaped like hamburgers and submarine-shaped pieces of plastic that hold a tea bag while you steep it. An amazing thing about our cohort is that discussion is constantly being encouraged, and even in the Shrine of the Book, Dillers could be heard discussing their feelings about the Bible and even whether or not God exists.
Finally, we arrived at Kiryat Moriya, our home for the last leg of our trip. We even were able to meet some British teens on youth movement tours. After an intense night activity where we were divided into groups to debate between the areas proposed for the Jewish state in the early 1900's (Team Uganda clearly won), we called it a night.
We are all anticipating an emotional day tomorrow at Yad VaShem and Har Herzl, and wishing everyone an easy fast.
By: Reut Cohen and Courtney Marks
The day started when we woke up for our last morning at Masada to the beautiful views of the Dead Sea and Judean Hills. Exhausted from the night before, which included an amazingly energetic havdallah, we ate a quick breakfast and piled on to the bus for our journey to Jerusalem.
On the way, we were introduced to our new tour guide Ilan, who will accompany us for the rest of our stay.
Today, people in our group saw Jerusalem, our eternal capital, for the first time. It was truly amazing to see their reactions to the Old City appearing before us as we approached. Though there are people in our group who have been to Jerusalem countless times, they were still able to see it through new eyes due to being with our entire cohort.
Our bus dropped us off at Ir David, a "city" that straddles East and West Jerusalem. We spoke about the annexing of East Jerusalem in the Six Day War and discussed who the area truly belongs to. After some historical background, we entered Hezekiah's Tunnels, the aqueducts used by Jews in the time of David to conquer Jerusalem from the Jebussites. We wandered through the main tunnels before taking the path to the water tunnels, and along the way stopped for a short discussion about how miraculous it was that the Jews were able to capture Jerusalem. We realized that our cohort went through a similar experience, with all the uncertainty about our trip. To us it is a miracle that we are here.
We don't think that any of us knew exactly what we were getting into -- the tunnels were dark, wet, and required the taller members of our group to crouch most of the time. We found ourselves turning this way and that to fit through the skinnier passages of the tunnels. Yet, it was amazing to experience history firsthand. After exiting the tunnels, we enjoyed some authentic Israeli falafel for lunch, and made our way to the Israel Museum.
At the Israel Museum, we split into two groups and alternated between activities. We saw a short movie about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as the history of the religious sect known as Yachad, who lived on the banks of the Dead Sea where the scrolls were discovered. Afterwards, we walked around a beautiful model of Jerusalem at the time of the second Temple. We discussed the divisions between the Jewish people at the time, with different sects like the Pharisees and the Sadducees controlling different aspects of the city. So much senseless hatred between our people led to the destruction of the Temple and our exile. Hearing this really hit home for our group, which bases itself on pluralism, and gave us a concrete example of what lack of mutual respect and cooperation can do.
On a lighter note, we were then able to visit the most amazing art installation, Big Bambú. Big Bambú is a huge structure that reaches 18 meters tall, made entirely out of bamboo stalks and reaching in all directions. Truthfully, it's something you have to see for yourself. There are staircases, places to sit, complete with cushions, and lookouts over the Israel Museum.
Once we were back on the ground, we were given some free time to explore the museum. Some chose, of course, to visit the Shrine of the Book, while others went to the new exhibit on clothing, and still others spent their time in the gift shop. The gift shop has beautiful art, books, an Judaica, but also incredible inventions such as coasters shaped like hamburgers and submarine-shaped pieces of plastic that hold a tea bag while you steep it. An amazing thing about our cohort is that discussion is constantly being encouraged, and even in the Shrine of the Book, Dillers could be heard discussing their feelings about the Bible and even whether or not God exists.
Finally, we arrived at Kiryat Moriya, our home for the last leg of our trip. We even were able to meet some British teens on youth movement tours. After an intense night activity where we were divided into groups to debate between the areas proposed for the Jewish state in the early 1900's (Team Uganda clearly won), we called it a night.
We are all anticipating an emotional day tomorrow at Yad VaShem and Har Herzl, and wishing everyone an easy fast.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Day 9: Seas and Scrolls
August 1, 2014
By: Aaron Propp
Today we woke up early for breakfast at 8 AM at the Masada Youth Hostel. We boarded the bus and headed to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. After a brief dip in the Dead Sea, I boarded a bus along with fellow fellows, the international staff from the main Diller office, plus some JCs.
At the caves we explored their history and their initial discovery by a young Bedouin boy in 1947. We went on a brief tour which explained certain cultural aspects of the yachad cult, the creators of the Dead Sea Scrolls. A group discussion was lead by the international staff about the significance of the scrolls as evidence for the validity of Tanach. After that, we went to go have lunch at the mineral beach.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Day 8: Travel Begins
July 31, 2014
By: Dani Stancer
Well hello, World Wide Web. How are y'all? I'm doing splendid. It's incredibly hot here and unbearably humid. So guess what? I woke up at 6:30 in the freaking morning because we had to be at the library for 8am and I still had to finish packing. Procrastination is my middle name. While at the library, yesterday's day leaders led a wrap up program for the week. They asked questions like 'what is something you learned about yourself?' Yada, yada, yada. After that invigorating experience, we headed onto the thankfully air conditioned bus (one of the only ones we've had with air conditioning, woohoo!). From then on, we travelled for about 3 hours until we reached this beautiful place called Masada. I mostly slept on the bus so I can't give you a play by play on what happened. Sorry, I like my sleep too much.
So, if you haven't figured it out already, we're currently at Masada until Sunday staying at the hostel. The rooms aren't cramped and the place is pretty cool. After we brought our luggage into the hostel, we boarded the bus once again, but we headed to the actual place called Masada. We took the cable car up and once there, we split into four groups and had a competition based learning program. We had to figure out five interesting facts, find a Diller hat (there was only one!), debate on the interesting topic of whether the story of Masada was an act of heroism by the Jews or of cowardice, and, lastly, take a Diller-esque photo. Once the mini competition was over, we walked down the Roman Ramp, which isn't actually a ramp, and headed onto the bus (again, I know). We took the bus over to the Bedouin community near us. The culture and atmosphere there was phenomenal. The energy was unbelievable. Their way of life is so intriguing and I wish we stayed the night. We had a surprise camel ride and the camel I rode on with at Tomer was named Antigone. The one behind us was named BoBo, and she kept rubbing her head on Tomer's leg. I was scared she'd bite me, but I still have all ten toes. We had a Bedouin style dinner and then were invited into one of the community member's tents. While there, I had the honour of thanking them for hosting us and was then considered the man's ninth daughter and twenty-fourth child. My favourite part of the whole night there was the nice temperature. The area had a slight breeze and fantastic temperatures. Once we were finished there, we boarded the bus for the final time and got back to the hostel in about an hour. Well, the World Wide Web, it's pretty late and my bed is once again calling my name, so this is me signing off. Nighty night. Don't let the bed bugs bite, and if they do, take your shoe, and whack 'em till they're black and blue. Xoxoxoxo Dani
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