A New Perspective

    The article I read this week revolved around the opinion of an Arab doctor, Faiza, who lives in Israel. She thanks Israel for the opportunities she has been provided due to her living here. Reading this was really nice, and I enjoyed hearing about an Arab with a pro-Israel perspective. Personally, I agree with all of her reasoning. I believe that my being born here has provided me with tremendous opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten otherise. Israel is a place full of culture, new beginnings, and people of every kind. As Faiza said, "Israel gives you the opportunity to express your human potential". I could not agree more with this statement, and like Faiza I am extremely thankful to be from this country. 

Article:  

http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-israel-is-giving-me-the-voice-of-an-arab-doctor/

Obligations & Desires

    Today, my roomate Becca and I got on the topic of my obligation to go into the IDF due to me being an Israeli citizen. It's always just been a reality to me; when I turn eighteen I'll enlist in the army with all of my friends in Israel. However, when everyone found out about my plans their jaws hit the ground. Seeing everyone's reactions really hit me hard. It made me realize how big this decision is. I guess since it isn't common or a requirement for Americans, it's slightly shocking that an eighteen year old leaving everything behind and heading off to another country for 2 years of military service. Personally, I can't imagine not fulfilling my role in the Israeli army. I feel obligated to go home and spend my fair share of time with my family here. Aside from that, I really do want to do this. I have the option of getting a release letter since I've lived in America for so long, but I decided for myself to take on this adventure.

"I am a Palestinian citizen of Israel, and I'm not an enemy of the state"

    In the article I read this week, a Palestinian citizen of Israel confronts the Israeli legal system and how it supposedly targets non-Jews. She narrowed in on the sad reality that an Israeli and Palestinian doing the same act would be treated like polar opposites. Despite both individuals being legitimate citizens of Israel, if each were to be in possession of a knife, the Israeli's case would be seen as a safety precaution, and the Palestinian's a threat. It's hard to agree with an opinion that is against the way Israel is run, but we experience the same sort of discrimination around the world. It's strange and new to see these similar facts presented from a different lens. Although it was difficult to read, we have to remember that there is really no such thing as perfection. People, situations, and countries alike, not one will ever be without flaws. This article was very eye-opening and offered a perspective that I wouldn't have thought up on m own. It was different to read along and agree somewhat with each opposing viewpoint.

Adventure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The past 10 days I have been on more adventures than the entire past year. We set off two Wednesdays ago to Masada. After a long bus ride, and nowhere near enough sleep, we woke up practically in the middle of he night to embark on the hike up Masada. To say it was hard is an understatement; it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but seeing the sun rise over the Dead Sea can't be compared to anything. It was one of the most beautiful things I've been lucky enough to observe and we got some pretty sick pictures. The next day, we started off with a hike leading to a natural spring, and later headed off to a relaxing few hours at the Dead Sea.
    It seemed like the most relaxing vacation of our lives until we stepped off the bus at Gadna two days later. Our little glimpse at army life was eye-opening for all of us. Personally, I really enjoyed these few days and got a lot out of it. However, when Thursday morning rolled around, I was more than ready to head down to Eilat. We spent three amazing, fun-filled days exploring the boardwalk, snorkeling, and of course working on our tans on the beach. Despite this being a fun break from school, I can definitely say that I learned so much more than I thought possible from a vacation like this. It was so incredibly fun to explore the country that I grew up in and sadly haven't been to in so long. It was educational, eye-opening, and all sorts of fun.

A Nice Break

    This past Friday, I ventured out of the kibbutz. My uncle, along with his two kids picked me up early afternoon and we embarked on our weekend adventure. After a few hours and countless roller coaster rides at KifTzuba, we headed to their home in Kibbutz Lehavot Haviva. It was a loud, chaotic, and fun filled night with three children running around aimlessly. Despite the craziness, it was beyond fun to be back with family and immersed in the Israeli culture I have missed so very much. After finally getting a goodnight's sleep, we made pancakes then headed off to grandma's. After having food shoved down our throats, we put on our hiking shoes and headed out for the climb up Mount Gilboa. Reaching the top was rewarded with even more food and of course, countless pictures, Overall, it was a fabulous weekend with my little cousins and i couldn't have asked fro a better way to spend it. Most of all, it was nice a nice break from the food here in Tzuba.

Not the Usual Program...

    A few days ago, during our evening program time we participated in an activity dealing with sexual assault and advertising. We began by looking at advertisements in which they appeared to be selling provocative images, and had to guess what the actual product was. Some of these were extremely shocking and surprised us all. It was kind of sad seeing how unmoved we were by this method of advertisement. We have grown up seeing these types of things everywhere, and sadly it's become a part of our society.
    As the program went on, we shifted into a conversation about certain scenarios and whether we agree or disagree with how they happen. The more we discussed many of these things, it was obvious that the way we all say things should be isn't realistic. For example, one scenario described a  certain way that women dress as them "asking for it". Of course everyone immediately said "disagree", but as the conversation went on, we realized that it really is a common thought among many people. We also discussed the reality and shocking fact that most instances of rape are between people who know each other quite well. Although many of these topics were hard to talk about, I think this was a conversation that needed to be had. The more people who are talking about these issues and openly communicating about them, the better. Sadly, there's no way to put a stop to these horrible occurrences, but it is so very important for all people to be educated about this topic.

The Subversive power of Jewish Humor

In this article, George Jochnowitz mentions multiple aspects of Jewish humor. It is used very subtly sometimes and in different manners. Often times, it is also included subconsciously in works of literature and other forms. One example given in the article of how Judaism affects different works involved comedians. It consisted of information about various Jewish comedians and their real names compared to their stage names. For example, Woody Allen’s real name is Allan Stewart Konigsberg. Like many other celebrities, he came up with a name to go by so fans would laugh with him and not at him. I thought the idea of an audience laughing in regard to a comedian being undignified due to their Jewish nature was a sad but a very probable occurrence.

The article as a whole made me think of the circulating stereotypes involving Jews and how we as a Jewish public often conform to fit into society. We’ll change things that may have sentimental or cultural value such as names or the way we speak publically about our beliefs. Even in the Tanakh, a sacred text, there are instances of Jewish humor and sarcasm. It is in our bones, our genes, and our history, and we should not have to sacrifice certain parts of ourselves for it to be heard and respected.