JNF Brings Students of all Faiths to Israel TWENTY-FIVE STUDENT LEADERS FROM
EDUCATION & ADVOCACY
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across the United States traveled to Israel with JNF this past January to explore Israel’s distinctive democracy and meet with political, cultural, and community leaders from all backgrounds and faiths in order to gain a deeper understanding of Israel beyond the media. “I have been fascinated with the country of Israel since about the 8th grade,” said Alexandra Wiggins, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania who participated in the second annual Caravan for Democracy mission to Israel. “Everyone I know who has visited, no matter their race, religion, or ethnicity, has felt a connection to the country and the wonders it has to offer. I was beyond excited to experience all the excitement and adventure myself.” Caravan for Democracy is a program of JNF and Media Watch International whose goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on college campuses across America. The program brings speakers from Israel and the United States to campuses to address Israel’s unique contributions to the world, its vibrant democracy and its commitment to peace in the region. “JNF is honored to bring such a distinguished and diverse group of student leaders of all faiths to Israel to see firsthand the intricacies that make Israel the incredible and dynamic place that it is,” said Mara Suskauer, Director of Israel Advocacy and Education. “We believe that by
sharing Israel with student leaders, we will continue to help change the dialogue about Israel.” This year’s Caravan for Democracy mission was comprised of students from West Point, University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, Duke University, Babson College, Adelphi University, UCLA and a number of other universities, all significant leaders in student government, clubs, athletics, and service activities. Chosen by a selection committee from a pool of 80 applicants, these motivated young people submitted a written application and took part in a video interview. Adrian Paneto, a junior at the University of Florida, described the first day of the mission as “a day that was marked by moments that will not soon be forgotten.” For all participants on the mission, the trip was about sharing an experience that examines the complexity that is Israel. On a visit to Yad Vashem, the students met an Auschwitz survivor who lost his whole family before making his way to the Promised Land. “It made me appreciate the resiliency of the Jewish people,” said Trevor Myers, a junior at the University of Florida. “As young people living in a modern Western world, we can sometimes lose faith in God for the simplest of reasons—a bad breakup, bad grades, or even just a bad day—but the fact that this man still held his faith after all that he was subjected to made me reevaluate my relationship with God.”
2013 Caravan for Democracy participants in Israel.
“I have gained a better understanding of the geopolitical issues that Israel faces and can speak more intelligently about why certain things are the way they are in Israel,” said Shabhia Akter, a sophomore at Lafayette College. “I am extremely thankful for this experience and look forward to telling my peers and colleagues about all the new things I have learned during this incredible journey.” This program would not have been possible without generous donors who gave their vision and support, including Joan and Sam Ginsburg and the Milton and Beatrice Shapiro Scholarship Fund. To learn more about supporting this program, contact Mara Suskauer at msuskauer@jnf.org n
JNF Israel Day at Camp Lavi EVERY YEAR, CAMP LAVI IN LAKEWOOD, PA holds an Israel Day. But this
summer’s Israel Day was a little different—it was a JNF Israel Day. JNF-Halutza liaison Yedidya Harush suggested the JNF tie-in to Camp Director Joey Hoenig, who loved the idea. “I thought of doing something at camp in the spirit of chesed, Israel, and Zionism,” said Yedidya, who is also the camp’s head Israeli shaliach. “JNF is the right organization to do it with.” Lavi employs 80 Israelis who helped transform the camp into a huge Israel carnival, complete with Israeli flags and Israeli music. The 650 campers, ranging in age from 10-17, got very involved, playing fun games such as extinguishing candles with water guns and walking around with a cup of water without spilling it. They participated in mock army training, made pita, and had Maccabiah swim competitions. The night before, the Israeli staff held a memorial and spoke about Israel’s heroes and their bravery, and Campers on Israel Day. Israel’s wars and history. JNF posters festooned the camp and a video presentation on some of JNF’s important projects in Israel was shown. An email went out to the campers’ parents telling them that Israel Day was going to be a fundraiser for JNF and asking them to send in donations. With matching funds from Joey, Camp Lavi’s JNF Israel Day raised $10,000. “Overall, Israel Day was a great success,” said Joey. “Because of JNF, Yedidya, and his excitement about JNF, it brought the day to a different level. I’d love to do it again next year and raise more money and awareness about JNF.”