Hello from Ein Dor and happy Jerusalem Day! The last couple weeks of classes here have been spent learning about the history of the modern state of Israel and the Arab- and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts. The chanichim began the module by learning about the United Nations Partition Plan, the establishment of the state in 1948, and the wars that surrounded those events. Then, they moved on to consider the massive demographic shifts that occurred in connection with those wars regarding Jewish and Palestinian refugees.
The module continued with the Six-Day War, particularly the terrifying march to war as well as examining its euphoric aftermath. The chanichim discussed how that war affected the way that Israelis and, indeed, world Jewry thought of themselves and of their state. They also considered the role of the developing Palestinian leadership in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
The week rounded out with ruminations on the last several decades. The chanichim looked at the era of Yitzhak Rabin and the peace process, of Israel and Palestine on the edge of disentanglement and cooperation. Finally, they examined the last decade or so of seemingly directionless conflict, including the reactions of the Israeli and Palestinian public towards the violence and perceived stagnation.
In connection with the module, Neil Harris – HDUK boger, co-founder of Kibbutz Tuval, activist and educator – came to help us explore the relationship between the state and four different groups: Jewish citizens of Israel living within the Green Line, Arab citizens of Israel living within the Green Line, Jewish citizens of Israel living in the West Bank and Gaza territory, and Arabs living in the West Bank and Gaza.
The chanichim also watched a couple of movies to help expand on their discussions of the Arab- and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts. Waltz With Bashir (2009) was useful in trying to unravel the very complex histories and issues in Lebanon, and the documentary Promises (2001) gave them a look at Jerusalem youth and how they are affected by the twin prospects of violence and peace in their society.
Meanwhile, a few weeks ago we took a break from the routine of classes and headed north into the Golan Heights for a four-day northern tiyul. The group camped at Yehudiya National Park and explored the Golan's strategic and historic significance, as well as its stunning natural landscapes and plentiful water resources. As is the nature of tiyulim, they also bonded as a group and spent time relaxing together, both around beautiful natural waterfalls and back at the campsite. A tzevet of chanichim who chose to be involved in the planning and implementation of the tiyul prepared food and activities as well as taking a leadership role in each day of hiking.
Finally, this past weekend the group went through the Sister Chava Seminar - a meeting with a kvutza of Israelis their age who are on Shnat with our Israeli sister youth movement, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed. The seminar dealt with perspectives on Zionism and Jewish identity, looking at the similarities and different experiences of Jews in Israel and abroad, as well as the common vision the two movements share. Beyond the ideology the groups also had time to hang out together and just talk, and a lot of connections were formed which we hope will continue.
Tomorrow morning the group sets out bright and early for the four-day Jerusalem Seminar, exploring a panoply of issues in Israeli society for which Jerusalem is a microcosm. They will be meeting speakers religious and secular, Jewish and Arab, leftist and West Bank settlement-dwelling. It promises to be a seriously provocative experience; we'll tell you all about it in the next blog post here!
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