Israel, Israel, Israel!

We began our meeting with a program about standing up for Israel. Everyone has experienced a form of anti-Semitism at some point in their life, whether it was at our school or college campuses, or simply walking down the street. We learned from many anti-defamation activists about protecting and standing up for the country of our people. We had several lectures, watched a video, and learned the quick ways to stop anti-defamation in its tracks. In my opinion, this was the most important meeting we’ve had in Diller, because no matter how much work we do to better ourselves and our leadership abilities, what really counts is that we create a good name for Jews and especially for Israel. To be honest, although I am very proud to be Jewish and very proud to call Israel my home, when it is being verbally attacked, I don’t always have the best responses. Once, while visiting my sister at college, the pro-Palestine (really anti-Israel) group was protesting and shouting things at people walking by. My sister and several of her friends stopped to talk to some of the kids, and I had to sit in the back because I really didn’t know what to say. That is why I’m so thankful for this program. I doubt that I will ever have to sit in the back of a conversation about Israel feeling useless and helpless, but more importantly angry, because I couldn’t defend Israel when I wanted to. Additionally, I think that this program was meaningful to all of the fellows because we all have strong ties with 20+ Israelis and we will want to defend them if the time ever comes.

Thanks Dillers!! - Rachel

Following the stand up to Israel program, we had a workshop. We had an activity where we prepared a debate on what should be the national anthem for Israel is if we were in 1948. One group had Hatikvah, one had Yerushalayim Shel Zahav. and the other had Tehilim, psalm 136. It was very interesting to see how each of these could serve as the national anthem. Meital put on a nice “judges robe” and we began to have a mock debate. Each group fought valiantly to see their song as the new national anthem. Within the limited time we were given, each group picked out the facts that would make their argument most compelling. Groups debating on topics such as whether the anthem should be based on religion, the future, the past, or sheer hope. But in the end, Hatikvah won because it was made for Jews, by Jews. It embodied the hope and spirit that lies within Israel. It was really amazing to see how difficult it must have been to decide on a single song that will represent the land, the people and the culture of a nation. Following that, we met for lunch where Lindsey once again amazed us with her delicious chocolate chip cookies, and yes they were most definitely perfect. The birthday committee and the rest of Diller 6 also surprised Rayfo for her 18th birthday with an awesome picture frame that we hope she will treasure forever and take with her to college next year. The last thing we did was split into our groups to prepare for the ISS. We spent time going over details with all of the groups to make sure we were all on the same page and talking about our Skype chats with our Israeli counterparts. Israel, here we come in T-minus 56 days!

Moran Samuel, the 2012 Paralympics rowing winner, Moran Samuel, was receiving her gold medal, and waiting for her national anthem to be played, (Israel's national anthem - Hatikva,) as is customary tradition for gold medalists. Upon hearing the wrong song played, she blatantly told them this was not her national anthem and, feeling the need to properly represent her country, took the microphone and sang Hatikva herself. Clearly, it was important to her to sing the Hatikva because as much as the medal was for her, it was also for her country. 

We can only hope that we, too, have the same passion and nationality for both America, and Israel, as Moran demonstrates in this video.

Giving it Back Through J-Serve and Paying it Forward With ISS Preparations!

On the day of J-Serve we gathered at the Federation for a meeting, as well as to help out in our community. Through J-Serve, there were many different directions we could potentially go in: helping displaced Sudanese persons, playing sports with special needs adults, doing karaoke and games with people in retirement homes, learning about the movement Tzevah Kachol, and many more activities than those. 

I was in the Darfur activity. I spent an hour teaching a man how to use a computer and the Internet to perform basic functions that I usually pass off as second nature. It was really special to see the man I was working with actually learning from what I taught him. Personally, I thought this was so amazing because I know what I did will truly make his life better. 

Dillers have lunch by the bonfire, partaking in Lag B'Omer!

We dove into the details to make sure no stone was left unturned. Each group took the notes they made with their Israeli counterparts during the NAS, and brought them to life through discussion. As the groups discussed, new ideas flourished and were worked into the original plans each group had. 

Overall, J-Serve was a great success, both the community and us as the participants truly benefited.

J-Serve was awesome, but with the Israeli Summer Seminar quickly approaching, Diller 6 needed to get down to business. We broke into our respective groups along with one staff member and put our minds to the test. 

Diller 6 is working extremely hard to make sure the camp and seminar will change the lives of the participants forever, as well as continuing to become more cohesive as a cohort.

Diller Participates in Remembrance and Independence

On Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Day of Remembrance, Diller attended a beautiful ceremony to commemorate those who have fought and died for Israel. We watched the story of Yoni Netanyahu, a soldier who died in the efforts to rescue others. 

It was a somber night, however it was followed by a happier night with Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day; that evening, Diller partied! The winner of Israeli  Idol, (just like American Idol, but in Israel,) Noa, performed, and we danced to some great music and we celebrated by putting Israel's flags on our cheeks! Not to mention the fact that Lindsey brought the MOST delicious baked goods in the world. Overall, the days were meaningful to us because we just met, and made connections with the Israelis from Rishon LeZion who will be joining the army in just two short years.

Annabelle, Josh, Eden, and Michael P. enjoy Noa's music!

Dillers enjoy Noa's final song!

Our Junior Staff, Rachel and Coral!