August 1: International Congress (Ilana Golzman)

August 1, 2013

Blog Author: Ilana Golzman

Starting the first official full day of International Congress 2013 was like opening the first page to a chapter of a book after getting past the prologue. You get a brief introduction to the characters and the story that is about to unfold but now you finally dive into the intriguing plot. After a great breakfast we began our day with a continuation to the activity called ‘Journey of a People - Part B’. After exploring the history of the Jewish people from centuries ago (yesterday), Part B of this unit focused on more recent history of the Jewish people. This really helped our tribe notice repetitive patterns in the experiences of our people, understand why Jews are dispersed the way they are today, and made what seemed to be ancient and unfamiliar history much more relatable. Next we were fortunate enough to listen to an incredible guest speaker, Avraham Infeld, about Jewish peoplehood, the 5 legs that hold the table of Judaism up, and their importance (presented to us in a very interesting and humorous manner). We got time to process the strong points and rich material that Avraham Infeld gave us during our lunch break and relaxing pool time. 

The day continued with an activity called ‘Looking Kadima’ (literally, 'looking forward') lead by two junior counsellors which helped us reflect on the lecture and learn how to further apply this information and use it for deeper analysis of our life and what being Jewish means to each one of us. Later on, all of the Jewish Diller Teen Fellow teens from eight different North American cities had the pleasure to be the audience of an artistic, musical, and meaningful cultural evening with Robbie Gingrass. This talented individual was able to communicate to us the concept of Israel’s flaws and why people decide to live ‘b'eretz Israel’ through live music, story telling, and impersonations. After this amusing event we split into our tribes to discuss one of the songs called ‘Rak Po’ (also known as ‘Only here’) that was sung to us by Robbie Gingrass (originally by Hadag Nachash). This lead us into an interesting discussion about the meaning of the cultural evening and what we find special about the place we live in. To end the day off, each city cohort met for their ma'agal lilah (night circle) and we then got to go meet with one another and experience different North American Jewish life face to face under the famous Diller White Tent.

July 31: North American Kennes (Karin Kazakevich)

July 31, 2013

Blog Author: Karin Kazakevich

Think back to when you were an exuberant and curious child. Do you remember the shrill of excitement that ran down your spine the night before Hanukkah? Or can you recall checking each day on the calendar before Purim because you were eager to wear your costume and celebrate? Well, while the end of the North American Kennes would seem presumably upsetting, it is undeniable that this morning there was no greater force felt than the sheer power of anticipation that filled the air of Givat Haviva. After an early breakfast the North American cohorts sat waiting anxiously for their Israeli counterparts to come the same way you would wait for a close relative at the Arrivals section of the airport. Indeed, the yelling, cheering, hugs, tears of joy, and more that all the Diller Teen Fellows felt was parallel to finally spotting dear “Saba and Safta” as they come through those familiar doors ready for their usual visit. Although it has only been [barely] two days without the Israelis, the feelings in our Toronto cohort were unanimous; we missed them more than a child misses their favourite toy. Indeed, having finally reunited with our other half was incredible and what was just North American Keenness had magically transformed overnight to the Diller International Congress. Perhaps that’s a major part that I haven’t yet touched on, the incredible fact that there are currently Diller Teen Fellows from 16 Israeli and North American cities and that have finally all been united. Right down to the roots, we’ve been on the same journey and with the opening ceremony led by Tal Gale and Liat Cohen-Raviv, it is impossible to ignore the overwhelming sense of community and even more importantly, the true sensation of unity between the fellows.

After the opening ceremony, a handful of Israelis from all over Israel (including places like Upper Galilee, Haifa, Bash Banash, and more!) joined our respectfully named tribes as we started another round of [literal] “icebreakers” (No really, one of our “Getting to know you” games including breaking a huge block of ice, and it was totally awesome) After this we started into what I can now call the beginning of our intellectual journey on the topic of Jewry and looking back on it, we had no idea how stimulating and eye-opening the next couple of discussions were going to be. As mentioned in the previous blog, the incredible speaker Avraham Infeld mentioned the 5 legs of the Jewish table and our next few units including looking at the legs in depth. Over the course of the afternoon and evening we studied two in specific detail, Family and Covenant, and what they meant to the world of Jewry and more importantly, to ourselves. From sharing rich family history to debating the story of Mt. Sinai the discussions that were led today were streamlined through a highly intellectual and thought provoking process that I see as very unique to Diller itself. Nothing about these units seems prescribed but rather, the fellows are free to interpret them as they please which is perhaps one of the most valuable facets of the program. After the nightly “Magal Laila” with the Toronto team, it was time to have fun and let loose at White Tent after such an exhausting [mentally just as much as physically] day. Congress itself is like nothing we could have imagined but equally, we really can’t imagine ourselves anywhere but here.

July 30: North American "Kennes"/Conference (Alex Good)

July 30, 2013

Blog Author: Alex Good

Unfortunately like all things good, our incredible community week in Eilat/Eilot came to an end today as we boarded a mini bus that took us to the North American "Kennes"(Hebrew for 'conference'). Upon arrival at Givat Haviva, we were given a tour of the grounds before being broken into new groups (tribes) that we would spend the week with - each with representation from all Diller cities! 

Then the opening ceremony took place, led by the Junior Counsellor team. Each city performed a 90 second skit to introduce the other fellows to their home cities. We then met our tribes, which consist of one or two teens from each Diller North American city. Following dinner we had our first session where we learned about the history of the Jewish people as well as the division of the Jews in the diaspora. Before heading to sleep we had free time and began making new friends and meeting so many teens from all across North America. I am really looking forward to the rest of the Kennes/Congress and meeting so many new and amazing people -- and making memories that will last forever!

Identity Week: Glimpse of Community Week Impact (Hanna Unger)

Blog Author: Hanna Unger

What does it mean to have an identity?
That's the question that surfs in the waves of my mind as I commence to write this blog post. I am not talking about your religion, or your culture. Not your gender or your future job. I'm talking about YOU.

We speak our minds, but rarely know why we individually think a certain way. It's not the way we were raised, or the education we received as children and teenagers. It's us ultimately.

This week, we spent our days with our favourite and most amazing group in whole wide world: the Eilat - Eilot Diller Teen Fellows. Just like in the North American seminar, we connected in a blink of an eye. And I found my identity at the same speed, too.

You see, I moved to Canada 9 years ago from the wonderful city of Ashdod. And every since that day, I continued to be a proud "zaberit". I ate my falafels and hummus (but I still had my fair share of my maple syrup). My Hebrew continued to exit my lips. In fact, knowing Hebrew and Russian was probably one of the most significant things that stayed with me throughout the years, because if you don't speak one or two of those languages at my school, you would probably be missing out on many conversations.

I found myself this week with the Israelis. I laughed with them in Israeli humour, and I bonded with them in a way that was so rare to me. I was with the people who share my common ground, and part of my identity. I shared my deepest secrets to my closest Israeli friend, who to me is like a sister I have always wanted, and when the whole group sat today for the final "ma'agal", we all shared our love for everyone in this group. We connected as one.

Looking around the "ma'agal", I knew right away what my identity was: indescribable, because your identity cannot be described. It is not the fact that I'm israeli, or that I like to write. It is not the fact that I would rather wear high heel boots than any other shoe. It was just me. Hanna Unger, and I need to respect that.

So when I was asked by an Israeli "how do you speak Hebrew at home if you moved 9 years ago from Israel?", I answered "because your identity does not change once you move a country... It never does". Yes you could change your name, or get a new passport, but who you are will never change. It is you, breathing every second, and every day.
I will always be me. I am the 4 year old girl who ran around in the streets of Ashdod. I am the 6 year old girl who only found I was moving to Toronto. I am the 12 year old girl who realized what reality really is. And I am that 15 year old girl who is going into grade 11. I am the same girl, only older. I will carry my background with me my whole life. I am a proud maple syrup dripping Canadian, and a hummus loving Israeli born girl. I will be Jewish, and forever a zabarit. I will love Israel as much as I adore the incredible country of Canads. Those facts are the flowers around my identity that I have grown throughout this week.

As we say farewell today to our Eilat-Eilot families, we will feel a massive thrust in our hearts, because we will feel like a part of us will be left here in Eilat. We may not come back ever, or come visit ever couple of years. Yet, what we must never forget that the flowers around are identity will continue to blossom and bloom even when we leave. The memories that we made here in Eilat will never leave us. They are now part of our identity, and no matter what; the places you go, the people you meet, the things you learn; your identity will always be there. It will hold your hand and never leave. You are you.

July 28: Time to Give Back (Gabi Herman)

July 28, 2013

Blog Author: Gabi Herman

 Watching old episodes of Friends at weird times of the day has always been a part of my life in Canada, but I did not expect it to be in Israel. I keep turning on the TV just to see what this country is watching, and she seems to be watching the same outdated (but still funny) comedy. Friends fosters mutual understanding, friendship, and easy entertainment for Israelis and North Americans alike. Of course, I write this a little bit tongue-in-cheek; the number of deep, Friends-less connections I've been privileged to make so far with Jewish people of all backgrounds is extraordinary. Today, on our day of volunteering, our cohort got to connect on this deep level with some very unique people, learning about each other and hopefully adding to each others' lives. 

The first place we went to volunteer was called Yad Rojeh. Yad Rojeh is an organization which provides work and support to adults with developmental disabilities – they called them "anashim meyuchadim," or "special people." Yad Rojeh needed help painting their fence, and also invited us to sit with the people there and help them with their work. Back in Toronto I work with people with special needs, so this was exciting to me. After painting for a little bit, I went inside one of their rooms for working. With my mediocre Hebrew, I tried my best to introduce myself to the people present, and then sat down beside a woman who looked to be in her 20's. She was folding labels for date boxes, so I joined in and helped. As we folded, we chatted about basic things: pets, music, and the weather in Canada. There was beautiful art made by the people at Yad Rojeh all over the walls. By the end of our time there, I gained more than a few extra words of Hebrew. I gained the experience of doing a job which I'm already passionate about in Canada in Israel, too. I am pretty sure that the people at Yad Rojeh gained something as well. We departed with hugs, and went to our next location.

We had lunch in Potchim Atid's cozy facility. Singing, reminders to drink water, and cat naps followed. At last, we got to hear about the organization from a staff member. Potchim Atid (opening the future) does just that for children who are at risk. Throughout the year, children are paired with advisors, and meet them at least weekly for support. Over the summer, Potchim Atid runs a summer camp in the late afternoon to give the children something to do in a supportive environment. Diller's job today was to act as their counselors, with activities we had planned and would execute. We set up the activities swiftly, and waited for the children to arrive. They came noisily. Once they were divided into their groups, I tried my best to get to know the kids in mine. Using so-so Hebrew again, I noticed how nonjudgmental they were of my accent and linguistic faux-pas. In fact, I seemed to be making friends with my babbling. We ran around from station to station (with water breaks!) for a long time. Suddenly, the end of the day came. The children thanked us loudly. I received a lot of hugs. Before Diller left the camp, we presented Potchim Atid with backpacks and school supplies in order to help equip children for the school year. 

A common vein I noticed throughout today was how wherever we went, we seemed to make connections. Through talking to the people we were helping, even about TV shows like Friends, we established a common ground. The volunteering made it actually meaningful with the beauty of lending a hand. Today, more than ever, I felt a sense of international cooperation and comradeship. Diller is truly giving back; we're getting a lot, too.

(click on the images below to make them bigger)

July 27: Typical Shabbat in Eilat (Jonah Buckstein)

July 27, 2013

Blog Author: Jonah Buckstein

As I woke up at 1030 saturday morning, following one of the best sleeps of my life, a strange thought occurred to me; this would be the first day that the group would not be together. Though initially disappointed to be separated from some of my best friends, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen of the upcoming breakfast soon washed it away. I was not to be disappointed as I was treated to freshly baked bourekas, three kinds of pasta,muesli and a variety of Israeli cheeses and salad. 

After being stuffed to the brim, it was decided that to avoid joining the Biggest Loser, some excersise was needed. That excersise came in the form of a two hour, 50 km bike ride in 45 Degrees heat. Despite being lathered with sunscreen, I was absolutely scorched (sorry, mom). To prevent a hospital visit, Sagi's (my host) mother broke off a branch from an aloe plant and lathered the green liquid all over body to assuage my stinging pain. We then entered a lagoon that was designated for birdwatching, and from there we proceeded to the beach, where we immediately dove in with our snorkelling gear. We saw some of the strangest fish, as well as the most beautiful reefs scattered across a half km sprawl along the ocean floor. 

At about 5 o'clock we returned home where Sagi's mom made shwarma from scratch for dinner. Sagis father then cut both Sagi's and my hair, and not surprisingly (as Israelis can do everything) he was an excellent barber. We finally made our way to Tomer's house for a reunion of both cohorts for a quick havdallah, and then we lay out on the grass, staff and fellows alike to watch one of the greatest movies of the modern century; "The Hebrew Hammer". 

Though it was one of the most hectic and action filled Shabbats in recent memory, the best part of it all was to be together as one family and just hang out in each others company. There was a true feeling of belonging and serenity, and it was in this moment that it was clear how profound an impact Diller has had on all of us. These lifelong friendships that we have forged is insane due to the fact that we had really only spent about two full weeks together over the course of the program. It was if our two groups, were tailored for one another to mesh together seamlessly. This was one of the most meaningful moment of the trip for me so far, on what has been a very special journey that is thankfully only halfway done. 

Love to all back home, and Shavua Tov!

July 26: First Shabbat in Eilat (Kary Pelly)

July 26, 2013

Blog Author: Kary Pelly

Today was the second Shabbat in Israel with our group. We had an interesting day, following the theme of Judaism and Israel in Eilat. To start off the day, we had a cooking contest consisting of different cultural foods that are prepared in homes and restaurants throughout Israel. These delicious foods included falafel, churros, Israeli salad, pita and more. We were graciously hosted at Israeli Fellow Inbar's beautiful home.

Following this, we drove to the local Holocaust Education Centre in which we got the opportunity to learn Jacky's extraordinary Holocaust survival story. We got to see pictures and learn about his family and life. It was very meaningful and insightful because for some, it was their first time listening to a survivor. We learnt about the importance of remembering the Holocaust and the significance of Jacky's story. Next we continued our Jewish driven journey as we travelled to the Netzah Israel Synagogue and experienced a Rabbi's opinion on Judaism in Eliat in the past and present. Today proved to be a truly inspiring and wisdom filled day which was indeed a perfect precursor to the lovely Shabbat dinner and celebration that followed.