The Taglit-Birthright Israel

For ages the Jewish population did not have a place to call home. They had been wandering around deserts, were once slaves in Egypt, but didn’t have any land to their name. Following the Holocaust, after many Jews had been persecuted by Hitler and the Nazis, a good portion of the overall amount of Jews in the world let alone Europe had been exterminated. As a result, Harry Truman and the UN suggested Israel, a homeland for the Jews. Tensions had been growing throughout the beginning of the 20th Century regarding the Palestinian area in the Middle East. This area was off to the side of Asia, near Africa. When the Jews and Arabs were offered part of this land, war broke out and still continues today. Even though a war happened as a result

Regardless of the growing frequency of Jewish migrating to the United States, the community continues to confront the many issues as part of their assimilation. Through this process of assimilating,

Labeled “Zionism,” this movement advocated for the return of Jews to Palestine, and that Jews constitute one nation and should have a state of their own. This was not met with wholehearted support, however. Both Jews and non-Jews disputed the need for, and right to exist, of the Jewish state. Jews that clung to more traditional values emphasized that the Zionists did not speak for all Jews, and that many do not wish for such a state to exist. Additionally, non-Jews disliked the particularity of the Zionist movement, viewing it as holding Jews as separate, and more significant, than other peoples.

The scattering a Jews beyond Israel has been a reoccurring pattern of events in history. Essential Jewish practice and creation of cultural identity has formed far from Jerusalem, despite the Torah’s vital theme of longing for the Promise Land. The idea that Jews are outsiders is ingrained in Jewish culture and identity Jerusalem faces being exiled too because it is “merely an extension of Western colonialism,” from its neighboring countries. However, today Jews are starting to close the chapter in history of exile and statelessness by returning to the Promise Land but this doesn’t mean that the Diaspora is coming to an end. Jewish history has continuous movement that caused great triumph and sadness. The issue that Jews have faced for so long is not having a home, power, and a sense of belonging because of the continuous exiling and persecution they face, at home and away, while still trying to create an identity for themselves.

Through varied peulot, or recreational activities, our Madrichim, or leaders, were able to teach us about Zionism’s history, while successfully entertaining a large group of first through fifth grade children. Maccabi Tzair Miami’s initiatives are a prime example of Zionism’s longstanding presence around the world even after achieving Israeli independence. The experience came full circle when I, at fourteen years old, began educating the next cohort of Chanichim on

Ancient Israel possessed laws designed to ensure the just treatment of “strangers” and “aliens,” persons who were not ethnic members of the nation but who were protected by law (e.g. Deuteronomy 24:17-18). The law also recognised the non-assimilating “stranger” (Leviticus 19:33-34a), whose different customs were respected and protected. And, despite Israel’s commitment to racial and religious purity, these foreigners were able to share in Israel’s cultural and religious life. The story of Rahab (Joshua 6:24f) and Ruth (Ruth 1:1-22; 4:13-17) demonstrate the radical nature of Israel’s commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable and the outsider.

Many challenges awaited, and continue to await, new immigrants in Israel. Apart from the initial trauma of migration, many who have worked or met the Ethiopian Jewish community have commented on the upheavals they weathered in their domestic lives as cultural norms and their religious practices were questioned (Westheimer and Kaplan, 2013). In addition, whilst they have been in Israel for more than three decades, the vast majority continues to live at the boundary of Israel’s society. Socio-economic gaps remain between Ethiopian Israelis and the general population, despite significant resources invested, and their social standing has changed little over the years (Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews, 2016).

1. Explain why you would like to participate in the Cross-Cultural Trip to Israel? Include

Jews are the oldest diaspora who had no “homeland” for two millennia (Safran 2005). Despite attempts made by Christian evangelists to end the Jewish diaspora, they survived and developed a new relationship with the homeland. Historically, there has been historical meaning of diaspora for Jews- they were exiled because they were powerless, insecure and minority groups. The Jews diaspora who carried on its culture, maintained its ethnic or religious institution in America (hostland) are unwilling to surrender their identities and uphold a transpolitical relationship to the homeland or countries of origin (Safran 2005).

I am looking to connect to Jewish heritage outside of temple or academic studies. As a Creative Writing Student, and as a Professor of Creative Writing, I am always looking for opportunities to be inspired. Since being confirmed in temple, I have not had a steady Jewish community. In my writing, I have begun to explore my personal connection to Jewish spiritualism. I am hoping that this trip will inspire me both artistically, and spiritually. I also hope to reconnect to a Jewish community. I have always believed that being Jewish and supporting Israel go hand in hand. After dedicating much of my college life to studying Jewish issues (specifically the Holocaust) I would like to now, see in person, the place that I have spent so much time studying.

The Country of Israel is the one part of the Jewish community during the 40s was a

The problem is that Israelis and Palestinians are divided over the more than 4 million Palestinian refugees who insist on returning to the homes that they lost during the 1948 and later during the 6-Day War in 1967. Palestinians claim that these were their homes and they have a right to return to them Israelis, on the other hand, generally, find the idea of such an exponential return of Palestinians to the heart of Israel frightening since it may override the ratio of balance of Palestinians to Israelis as well as importing possible terrorism (e.g. Quandt, 2005)

In the years just after World War II, Zionism (the desire to rebuild a Jewish national presence in the Promised Land) became a popular Jewish cause all around the world. Many Jews who were not practicing Judaism at all with religion became involved with the establishment of the State of Israel. Even today, many years after the successful founding of the State of Israel, there are Jews whose only real tie to Judaism is their belief in Zionism and their support for the State of Israel. They are joined by many Jews who are members of synagogues and support a modern Jewish religious movement, but who also find their prime identity as Jews in the Zionist cause.

To begin, the country we chose to do our research one was Israel, because of it vast religious affiliation amidst the religious groups within its borders. Israel is comprised of a major part of the Holy Land, a region of significant importance to all Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze and Baha’is within Israel. Firstly, the Israeli system of government is based on a parliamentary democracy. The prime minister is the head of the government as well as the leader of a multi-party system. The government is comprised of 3 branches; the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch. Executive power is exercised by the government; legislative power is vested in the Knesset and the judiciary is independent of the Executive and Legislative Branch. The word ‘Knesset’ originates from the Hebrew word, meaning ‘assembly’. The Knesset acts as the parliament and the legislate branch of Israeli government. The Knesset passes all laws; elects the President and Prime Minister; approves the cabinet and supervises the work of the government (Knesset, LookLex). In addition, “the political system of Israel and its principles are set out in 11 Basic Laws” (The Political System of Israel, Wikipedia), because Israel doesn’t have a constitution. Furthermore, the predominant religious groups within Israel are Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze. A recent census from 2015 showed that the

With much resentment for those who stole their home of ancient times, there was the creation of the Zionist Movement. The plan was to bring back Jews to Israel, but with the situations, they were to overlook the large population of the Arabs located there.