An amazing day in Nazareth

Wow. Today was amazing. At 3 pm me and a couple classmates headed to Nazareth with one of our Arabic teachers. Since the start of the program, we have had the opportunity to study with a couple different groups of students. We used to study Arabic with a group of "Shabbab" (Arabic for youth) who were training for the Israeli army. We also studied with people in their 20s who were merely interested in learning Arabic. Now, every Wednesday, we study with a group of 10 adults who are 30-65. I've noticed that any Israeli above the age of 21/22 (post-army) who chooses to study Arabic, does so for a similar reason; they all have a glimpse of hope that Israel will someday be in a more peaceful situation than it is today. I used the word "glimpse," because many are doubtful.  Especially in these times, I've noticed many people having a sense of lost hope in ever reaching a peace agreement. Coming from America, it's hard to fathom, there are two nations living here. Both of these nations have religious influences on their politics, beliefs, and daily lives.
Back to today.. we met our classmates in Nazareth. We are such a diverse group.. I love it! One woman is a former member of Kinesset (Israeli Parliament), one a pediatrician, one a manager of Cafe Cafe (an Israel Cafe/food chain), and many are retired. Our first stop was a Church. A class full of Jews studying Arabic, visiting a church.. if I haven't made it clear how special of a country Israel is.. idk what more to say.

Apparently in China, mother Mary and Baby Jesus are Chinese

After the visit to the Church, we went to an incredible organization for Arabic-speaking children  with Diabetes. The founder of the organization is only 26, and was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was 19. There are currently over 180 children from around Israel who participate (both Christians and Muslims. Christian Arabs are a small minority in Israel). There still exists a stereotype in the Arab culture that being "sick" with anything is shameful. Many children who suffer from diabetes are too embarrassed to admit it to anyone outside their direct family, and keep it a secret. Such a large part of the Arab culture is being welcoming, and feeding your guests several cakes and other desserts. These children accept the offer, because they don't want to explain why they can't have them. This organization works at decreasing the stigma of being diabetic, and using insulin. These children are taught to be brave, and not fear being open with others about their health conditions.

My classmates, and the volunteers at the organization, introduced ourselves (in Arabic of course), and answered this question. This intro took almost 2 hours.. 

Afterwards, at 9 pm, we stopped at a local Falafel place, and stuffed our faces.. Middle Eastern style. We even went next door and got some Kinaffe (an Arabic dessert which has melted cheese in the middle..yum!). We got back to the Kibbutz at around 10. It still surprises me how much I learn everyday on this program!

Mix of Emotions

It has been over a month since my last blog entry. When I first started my program, everything from cuisine, to the Kibbutz experience, was new and exciting to me. As I approach my 4th month in Israel, most things that were strange or foreign to me have become normal. I feel that I have acculturated even more than when I was abroad two years ago. Commemorating Yom Hashoa (Holocaust remembrance day) and Yom Hazikaron (Remembering the soldiers who lost their lives in Israel) has a much more eerie feeling than in the Sates. Yom Hashoa has always affected me because my Zady (Yiddish for grandfather) was a Holocaust survivor in one of the most horrific concentration camps (Auschwitz). The main difference between Yom Hashoa in Israel, and the rest of the world, is the loud siren that sweeps across the entire nation. Everything stops. Traffic goes to a halt, and everything falls silent. I can't help but get emotional whenever I hear it. Yom Hazikaron had a much deeper effect on me this time than ever before. While living on the Kibbutz, I have become good friends with soldiers from Israel, and also from abroad. Knowing what they go through to defend this country, some without a choice, has been a lot for me to handle. When the siren went off for Yom Hazikaron, I couldn't help but cry thinking about them and what they do every day and how thankful I am they're still alive. 

If you could imagine, there is almost a non existent time gap between commemorating those who have lost their lives, and celebrating the independence of Israel. The holiday's merely blend. 

For Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence day) I decided to stay on the Kibbutz. It was a huge celebration with fireworks, dancing, cake, etc. 

It's hard to believe that Israel is only 65 years old. Such a young country, with so much conflict surrounding it. Especially as an Arabic student, I am constantly exposed to many narratives. The day after the Israelis/Jews from around the world celebrate Israel's Independence, the Arabs rename the holiday "The Nakba" directly translating to "The catastrophe." Under Israeli school systems, they are legally not allowed to discuss the existence of "The Nakba." The conflict in this area dominates in all aspects of life here. Whether it be stereotypes learned from a young age, or actual violence, it is imminent. Israel is an extremely young nation, and I can only hope that peace efforts will have more of an effect in the future. After all, neither the Arabs or the Israelis will be disappearing. They live here "side by side," and must be able to do so in a non-violent way. I say this as their was yet another rocket attack into Southern Israel today. I think it's sad that no one even mentions it. The only reason I know is from my Twitter account. As you can tell, these past couple weeks have been a mix of emotions for me. Every week I learn a new layer of the complex situation bearing upon this part of the world. At the same time, I try to see all sides from a neutral standpoint. I have two months left on this program, and I can't wait to further improve my language skills in both Hebrew and Arabic. I am really enjoying my time here, but of course miss my friends and family!! (Shout out to Papa Black for being awesome, and you too Mama Black :). and duh madi. and you too if your'e reading this bro). (and voj. I'd feel like you'd read this). 

J