hldp student awards 2010

Program

THE SEVENTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 9, 2010

Exhibit photography and videography courtesy of Forrest Autenrieth.

Additional exhibit photography generously provided by Pini Dror Photography.

Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair

Ahavia Scheindlin, Director

Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant Director

John Fitzsimons, Educational Coordinator

Advisory Council

Malka Blitz, Julie Bram, Gary Cypres, Eric J. Diamond, Irwin S. Field,

Abner Goldstine, Dennis A. Gura, Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler,

Sharon Krischer, Arlene Kupietzky, Dr. Daniel Lieber,

Linda Mayman, Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,Terri Smooke

The Jewish Federation Community Pillar

Sharon Baradaran and Glenn Sonnenberg, Co-Chairs

Marc Carrel, Vice Chair

The Jewish Federation

Jay Sanderson, President

Richard V. Sandler, Chairman of the Board

Jonathan Cookler and Ed Robin Vice Chairs

Les Bider and Sharon Janks General Campaign Chairs

Andrew Cushnir, ExecutiveVice President/Chief Program Officer

DIOCESE of SAN BERNARDINO

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Andrew Evans, St. Francis (Mark Fredette)

SECOND PRIZEVictoria Chayes, Marymount (William M. Klein)

THIRD PRIZESteven Kezian, Loyola (Tika Lee)

FOURTH PRIZEGabriel Ning, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)

HONORABLE MENTIONLauren Golem, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales); Eliza Graumlich, Villanova (Brian Grisin)Brett Homer, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); In Yeong Kim, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)

Savannah Luschei, Jserra (Melea Walden); Mack Macke, Servite (John Swoboda)Alejandro Rodriguez, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre-Yribarren)

Cristal Suarez, San Joaquin (Cindy Campbell & Kathleen DeSantis)Marysol Uribe, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Katie Laner, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)SECOND PRIZE

Marissa Delgado, St Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)Jonathan Madson, Loyola (Tika Lee)

Camille Yadao, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill)HONORABLE MENTION

Jennifer Echeagaray, Pomona (Allicen Naal); Sean Finck, Mater Dei (Colleen Hall)Jessica Gresham, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James); Christian Mclain, Loyola (Tika Lee)

Elisabeth Scahill, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen); Steven Warren, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)

ART CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Yoojin Lee, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis)Ashley Malpica, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)

SECOND PRIZEBrian Yi, Loyola (Tika Lee)

THIRD PRIZECamellia Mikhaili, Louisville (Mary Wilson)

Thecla Min, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis)Julie Wuellner, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)

HONORABLE MENTIONAngheline Austria, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)

Nicole Kawamoto, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)Allyssa Moscotte, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola); Dylan Nieman, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)

Vincent Spadone, Loyola (Tika Lee); Jordan Zarraonandia, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)

2010 HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT

MULTIMEDIA CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Simone Hart, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola)SECOND PRIZE

Nina Townley, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)THIRD PRIZE

Kevin Khamneipur, Loyola (Tika Lee)HONORABLE MENTION

Anton Rotter-Sieren, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola)392

Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory SchoolMary Killmond Bishop Alemany High SchoolWilliam Klein Marymount High SchoolAnnet Kohen Granada Hills Charter High SchoolCarol Koppenheffer Mater Dei High SchoolApril Kramer Chaminade College PrepatoryClaude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical InstituteTika Lee Loyola High SchoolCindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High SchoolMaureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolCynthia Madsen St. Joseph High SchoolAaron Marcarelli Oaks Christian SchoolDean Marolla College-Ready Academy High School #5Mary Marsella Garces Memorial High SchoolChalio Medrano Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High SchoolSonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High SchoolConan Moats Heritage College-Ready Academy High SchoolRita Morgan Marymount High SchoolDenis Munoz St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolAllicen Naal Pomona Catholic High SchoolFatima Nicdao Cantwell Sacred Heart of MaryJames Nielsen Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolLisa Nollette Rosary High SchoolRay Nolte Damien High SchoolMarc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High SchoolNate Nylander Oaks Christian SchoolSiobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High SchoolKristina Ortega Chaminade College PreparatoryRobert Pambello Heritage College-Ready Academy High SchoolJason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolJeanette Pascua Notre Dame High SchoolGary Pate Oaks Christian SchoolWilliam Perales Mary Star of the SeaElisa Perez Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolLinda Petrich St. Joseph High SchoolMichelle Purghart Holy Family High School College PreparatoryTomas Renna Bishop Montgomery High SchoolSusan Rizo Garces Memorial High SchoolVanessa Sandoval College-Ready Academy High School #5David Savage Notre Dame High SchoolStephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolMichael Sifter Alverno High SchoolBernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High SchoolJoe Swoboda Servite High SchoolMaureen Tunstill Rosary High SchoolSteve Viau Mater Dei High SchoolMelea Walden Jserra Catholic High SchoolChris Weir Servite High SchoolJosh Wilson Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson Louisville High SchoolRobin Winkler Granada Hills Charter High SchoolTheresa Yugar Sacred Heart High School

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THE JEWISH FEDERATION’SHOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECTSEVENTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

June 9, 2010

PROGRAM

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Daniel Lieber, ChairShalom U’veracha The Holy Land Democracy Project

BENEDICTIONS Monsignor Sal PilatoBerachot Superintendent of Secondary Schools

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Rabbi Mark DiamondExecutive Vice PresidentThe Board of Rabbis of Southern CaliforniaThe Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

REMARKS FROM Andrew CushnirTHE JEWISH FEDERATION Executive Vice President/Chief Program OfficerAND PRESENTATIONS The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Bernadette St. James, Bishop MontgomeryStudent Awardee Katie Laner

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATIONTeacher Commendation Mark Fredette, St. FrancisStudent Awardee Andrew Evans

STUDENT RAP Siobhan O’Neill, St. Monica“A Moment For Israel”Raul Rios-Ramos

ART PRIZE PRESENTATIONTeacher Commendation Nancy Coonis, Notre Dame AcademyStudent Awardee Yoojin LeeTeacher Commendation Cynthia Madsen, St. JosephStudent Awardee Ashley Malpica

MUTIMEDIA PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Vera De Artola, Notre Dame High SchoolStudent Awardee Simone Hart

CAPERNAUM TO THE CLASSROOM: Steve Viau, Mater DeiA TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

THANK YOU Julie BramThe Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Daniel LieberL’hitraot!

We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstanding schoolswho have partnered with us in building bridges between our communities

and sharing the miracle of Israel with over 20,000 students inLos Angeles, Orange County, Fresno and Bakersfield.

TEACHER SCHOOLHilary Aguirre-Yribarren Cathedral High SchoolJanice Allen Oaks Christian High SchoolMaria Andrade-Johnson Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolVictor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolRandy Aust Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolJoe Banfield St. Anthony High SchoolMaggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High SchoolRoxanne Brush St. Genevieve High SchoolJudy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public SchoolsMichele Butorac St. Matthias High SchoolEric Cadena Chaminade College PreparatoryCindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolJennifer Campbell St. Anthony High SchoolRaul Carranza College-Ready Academy High School #7Karen Chambers Verbum Dei High SchoolJames Christopher Leuzinger High SchoolEdward Clark Damien High SchoolJohn Collins Pomona Catholic High SchoolKat Cook Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolNancy Coonis Notre Dame AcademyVera De Artola Notre Dame High SchoolKathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolRoger DeSilva Notre Dame High SchoolJeffrey Dewey Oaks Christian High SchoolKarina Diaz Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science SchoolJeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High SchoolStephen Felkner Junipero Serra High SchoolJohn Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMark Fredette St. Francis High SchoolLisa Gabriel Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High SchoolShannon Gavin Rosary High SchoolBlair Gillam Oaks Christian High SchoolMarcos Gonzalez San Gabriel Mission HSMargaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolBrian Grisin Villanova Preparatory SchoolApril Gutierrez Sacred Heart High SchoolStephen Hagberg Oaks Christian High SchoolColleen Hall Mater Dei High SchoolHolly Haynes Mater Dei High SchoolKevin Hernandez Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High SchoolRodolfo Hernandez Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolMichael Herrera St. Bonaventure High SchoolStephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High School

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Poetry

The Jewish Federation’s Holy Land

Democracy Project educates non-Jewish

high school students throughout

Los Angeles about modern Israel by

sending their teachers there. The result

is a cadre of educators at Catholic, Evangelical and Charter schools who

have shared powerful, first-hand experiences with more than 22,000

diverse students.The program includes teacher training, a curriculum called

The Many Faces of Israel, and a contest showcasing students’ essays, poetry

and art depicting what they learned about the only democracy in the

Middle East. The resulting understanding of Israel creates a new perspective

on Jewish life around the world. Since the program's inception in 2004,

more than 50 schools have participated and more than 90 educators have

made this perspective-changing journey and returned to share their

experience with their students. Educators study the history and diversity of

the Jewish people, the democracy of Israel, as well as the challenges and

complexities of Arab/Israeli relations.

Tikkun olam, a Hebrew expression which means

“repair the world,” is a historic and core Jewish

value – and why reaching out to address the

needs of the entire community is one of the goals

ofThe Jewish Federation of Greater LosAngeles.

The central coordinating organization for the

Jewish community, the Federation fulfills this goal

by operating and funding a broad range of humanitarian programs on a non-

sectarian basis, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. These essential

programs offer food for the hungry, care for the elderly, help to battered

women, job training for those seeking employment, interest-free loans to

those in need, literacy programs for our young people, and much more.

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Katie Laner, Bishop MontgomeryBernadette St. James, Instructor

First Prize Poetry

A seed was planted, a plant grew

The roots imbedded in a promised soil.

The walls were built, but bricks crumbled

Falling far away from that sacred soil.

The leaves blew away from the plant,

But still were a part of its body.

The bricks constantly collapsed,

But the Wall still remained tall.

New plants of the same seed sprouted in far off places.

The spectrum of faces grew, the colors changed.

Roots of the same plant were calling Them home

Home! Exclaimed Zionism

To their soil, their soil where the Wall was;

Still strong and binding, thick as the roots bringing Them.

They went, despite the crumbling bricks,

Planting the new seeds of change.

For the soil, the soil; promised and sacred,

Is where the Wall was and the roots were planted.

We wish to express our deep thanks toSt. Johns Health Center

andThe Sisters of Charity of Leavenworthfor generously underwriting this event.

Their mission is to reveal God’s healing love

while improving the health of the communities

they serve in realizing this mission.

They acknowledge the importance of our youth

in bringing healing and health to our world.

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Second Prize PoetryMarissa Delgado, St. Joseph

Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors

I am Israel

I am Israel

I am the infant in swaddling clothes looking for my calling to the Family of God

I am Israel

I am the child with a life of friends, sports, and family

I am the student who develops a sense of pride, love, and knowledge

I am the graduate who is looking for the best position in the militarywhich suits my special skills

I am the young soldier that serves my country with both honor and pride so thatfreedom may continue

I am the university student that perseveres for a degree so that I maychange the world

I am the general who is ready to train the youth to fight with honor

I am the mother and father that sacrifices everything for their children so thatthey may have a better life

I am the rabbi and teacher that led the community to be the bestthat they can be

I am the family that is strengthened by the life and love of this land

I am the infant, child, student, soldier, graduate, teacher, rabbi, mother, father,spouse, general, politician, scientist, and family

I am Israel

Julie Wuellner, Oaks ChristianJan Allen, Instructor

Excerpt

My project is all aboutthe different faces

of Israel that cometogether and make up theflag or the country ofIsrael. It is drawn ontocanvas in prisma colorsand it is made up of manydifferent faces or aspectsof the country of Israel,but when you look at thepicture from far away, itlooks like the Israeli flag.This symbolizes that even

though there is a lot of diversity in Israel, ranging from different religions,age groups, ethnicities, histories and even hobbies; it is still one countrythat is united. There are pictures of the three main religions: Judaism,Christianity and Muslim. There are also pictures of all age groups, rangingfrom babies to grandparents who live in Israel. Hobbies such as sports arealso depicted as well as some famous athletes, singers, politicians andbusinessmen. In the collage, the aspects of farming and making the desertgreen are shown, as well as the conflict between the Israelis and thePalestinians. The different soldiers that are depicted throughout thecollage show this conflict. Everyday things that play a role in every society,such as love, loss, friendship and family, are also shown through the manypictures in the collage. Some major parts of the different histories of thepeople who live in Israel are also shown, such as the Jewish Holocaustsurvivors who are wearing the Star of David, and the story of the TenCommandments. Throughout the collage are words that depict a deepermeaning of what Israel is, such as the name of the national anthem and theyear that Israel was declared a country. All of these many different thingsthen come together in the end to form the country of Israel, which isshown by the many different pictures making up the one big flag of Israel.

Third Prize Art

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Jonathan Madson, LoyolaTika Lee, Instructor

Listen to the StruggleExcerpt

Second Prize Poetry

Listen to their struggle;Hear the faint cry;Why has it been muffled?Why has help been denied?

The spirit of this nation;Forming one unique soul;Not halted by intimidation;One by God made whole.

Their deep connection ignored;Their religion often overlooked and neglected;Never given help to be restored;Always rejected, never respected.

A house of terror;Is that all people know?This is one common error;Only ever used for show.

The truth is far from what you’ve heard;Photos are not always what they seem;The news has caused visions to be blurred;Is this nothing more than a flawed scheme?

Quietly listen to the struggle ignored;Clear the clouds that conceal what is true;Your vision of their society shall soon be restored;Never take what is heard or seen at face value.

Change your view, just as mine;Uncover the truth hidden by lies;Help the right of Israel shine;Preach message of unheard cries.

Thecla Min, Notre Dame AcademyNancy Coonis, Instructor

To me, the “Many Faces of Israel” describes the cultural diversity that

Israel has to offer. The country is bustling with synagogues, churches

and other religious buildings. It is also bustling with Jewish citizens,

Africans, Arabs, Russians, Americans and many other ethnic groups.

Third Prize Art

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Camille Yadao, St. MonicaSiobhan O'Neill, Instructor

You and MeExcerpt

Second Prize Poetry

A young boy takes my handHe leads me through the streets of this Holy Land

A yamaka on his head, a smile on his face“Come let me show you this place”

I follow as he leadsUntil he takes me to see

A dark skinned boy and curly haired girlPlaying at the corner, so carefree

“See,” says the young boy“They are just like you and me.”

He leads me once againTo meet more of his friends

A soldier fighting for his countryKnowing that this will bring honor to all and his family

“He is about your age”, says the boy“He is just like you and me”

To the Western Wall is our next destinationA wall that gives the people so much hope and inspiration

“The closest thing we have to him.”Says the boy

“For all our fears and suffering, we know that he listens.They all pray just like you and me.”

We then walk to the seaYes the famous Sea of Galilee

Holy and precious water that the Son of man walkedHere the boy did not talkHe knows what I can see

A beauty, a place that calms both him and me

As I watched himCrying for his home, crying for his people

I understand at that momentThis boy is my family

And Israel is also my homeI will protect it

This home for him and me.

Camellia Mikhaili, LouisvilleMary Wilson, Instructor

Third Prize Art

Israel is a land of many people, all with different opinions, beliefs and

customs. This diversity creates a culture that is united by the differences

of its people; debate and public opinion are part of being a citizen. Jews –

secular and religious – as well as Muslims, Christian and others call Israel

home. Israel has always faced challenge and opposition from its beginnings

as a nation, and Israelis often have to confront violence and serve their

country. In my drawing, I tried to capture the “many faces of Israel,” with

figures of children, students, musicians and soldiers. All comprise the image

of the Israeli flag.

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Honorable Mention Poetry

Within the shadows of assumptionLies an obscure mystery waiting to be solved

Disputing to be a nationThey made a declarationThe creation’s name was

Israel

So what do you assume?A country of terror, of doom

But if only you knewThey’re just like me and youSchool and religion are vital

Some may partake in a ballet recitalThey do activities too

Listen to music just like we doSports, partying, and movies as well

On issues they dwellAs you can see

All that’s needed is to find the keyTo unlock the unsolved mystery

Jennifer Echeagaray, PomonaAllicen Naal, Instructor

Cryptic MysteryExcerpt

Brian Yi, LoyolaTika Lee, Instructor

Second Prize Art

This painting illustrates what Ihave learned through my

project. Before, I had a generalsense that Israel was dangerous andwould do terrible things such asblow up hospitals, schools and otherpublic areas, but through thisproject I learned otherwise. TheIsraeli soldiers are deeply concernedwith protecting the innocent anduse a system that does not allow forfighting without ensuring thepublic’s safety. My paintingrepresents this concept: in thepainting there are two Israelisoldiers at the bottom, ready to fire.At the top left corner there is a public school which is filled with enemysoldiers. These two parts demonstrate the internal fighting going on inIsrael and the usual tactics the enemy soldiers use. The dove with the olivetree branch symbolizes peace and the true nature of the soldiers. The peacesymbolism is to draw out the only reason that Israeli soldiers are fighting.This is also an allusion to the Noah, story where the bird returns to the arkwith a branch. This allusion helps demonstrate that a future with peace andfreedom is the passion and motivation for the soldiers. Lastly, the six simplewords written below the dove are used to hold the painting together. Thesewords help break the consensus most people have about the Israelis. Thisconsensus is due to the media reporting only the news that will catch thepublic’s eyes and not the truth behind the actions. The words represent thegood and peaceful nature of the Israelis, even during a war. This also showsthe motivation and passion the Israelis have for not harming innocentcitizens, no matter what. I was deeply moved when learning about theIsraeli soldiers. I personally think it is a terrible move militaristically, but onethat only helps demonstrate the deep passion for the peace and safety ofinnocent lives.

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A Needle’s Eye Finds The Eye of A Boy

And this boy’s eye is cast across a land flowing with milk and honeyThe six pointed star billows in the Holy Land

A single camelTraipses through the barren desert

One such animal finds water here scarce as serenityGreen, red, black and white blanket the banks west of the Jordan

Where does one find the meeting pointWhen can two borders collide

Why three rockets must be firedWho are the four innocent that died

Once the animal meets the childTwo differences can be seen

The faithful mounts the enduringAnd the journey commences

Sean Finck, Mater DeiColleen Hall, Instructor

Ashley Malpica, St. JosephCynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors

First Prize Art

The Jewish people have a strong connection to their land because itwas given to them by God. They have been through many wars which

have made them, in some way, more attached to their land. My sculpturerepresents the deep connection of the Jewish people to the land ofIsrael. The flag in the hand represents honor and respect.

The hand is a symbol of God holding Israel and his presence with theHebrews throughout history. The blood running down the handrepresents the lives of the Jewish people that have been persecutedthroughout history. The sculpture shows struggle and faith, and also thatthe Israelites never gave up. The hand turning into a tree representssettlement and a new start. When the Hebrews were freed from Egypt,they moved on and settled into the Promised land.

The banner at the bottom represents the birth place of the three religioustraditions. The grass growing around the tree represents the peace,freedom and beauty of this new land. Despite the hatred and the wars, thepeace, beauty and freedom continue to ring throughout the country.

The small footprints represent the Jewish people moving to theirPromised Land. The footprints also represent the fact, which is evident inthe Shema (written in Hebrew on the scroll) that anyone is welcome andaccepted in Israel.

The scroll represents historical Jewish tradition. The Shema is a uniqueprayer recited twice daily by Jews. This prayer has been passed downfor generations.

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Jessica Gresham, Bishop MontgomeryBernadette St. James, Instructor

A Place We Call HomeExcerpt

The only place that feels like homeTo live amongst people of our ownPeople of all nations and all colorsA place where we don’t judge each otherA place of acceptance, freedom, and peaceOf no restrictions or boundariesWe can raise our voices to the heavens aboveAnd praise our Lord whom we loveA holy haven that was given to us long agoAlong with promise our descendants would grow

Enslaved from the Holocaust with no place to go

Longing for Israel the place we call home

But it was time to unite and take a standTo take back Israel and fight for our land

And at last our strife brought us to victoryIsrael was ours once again, ultimatelyWe wept for joy as we looked to the skyFor we knew only God could do something so uprightWe controlled our own land, our own lives, our own fateWe rid ourselves of all the oppression and hateThe land our fathers walked had finally been returnedA place to express our faith and cultureTo reestablish ourselves and build anewAnd plan for the future of all Jews.

Yoojin Lee, Notre Dame AcademyNancy Coonis, Instructor

First Prize Art

Israelis have a fearful but beautiful history. I tried to sum up fourthousand years of their history by drawing seven faces of Israelis

including Jewish, Christian and Muslim. At the very right side of the paper,there is a Jewish child with the kippah on his head. Many Jews are stillfollowing their tradition. Beside the boy, there is an orthodox Jewpraying. I showed their tradition with their appearances, such as longwhiskers or beard as shown on the second from the left. Orthodox Jewsusually wear black suits with black hats. Next to him, there are twosoldiers. One is an “American” Israeli soldier and the other is a femalesoldier. This is another distinction: that Jews go to the army, regardless oftheir gender. A man next to the female soldier has gone through theHolocaust. A lot of Jews died and were separated from their country andfamily. Lastly, a Muslim lady at the end has covered more than half of herface with the veil. These days, people hold many stereotypes towardIsrael. Not only veils and kippahs but also t-shirt and jeans are part ofIsrael. I believe their history cannot be drawn on a piece of paper, but Itried to give them different impressions as individuals.

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Christian Mclain, LoyolaTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

To start off I guess I always assumed,That the Middle East is just a big tomb,The desert is rough,Only made for those who are tough,Tough enough to withstand war,

I was wrong to imagine a place,Without hope, without a case,Like an empty room,

Many people are misinformed,Including me, I just moved on

Until about a month ago

They still hold their own as if one tribe,They are very fair,Giving everyone care,Even people who shouldn’t be there,I’ve come to find out,

There are many religions

At first it seemed strange so many different faces,All from different placesBringing cultures and beliefs

And in the end they’re all fighting for the same thing,Justice and Peace.

Art

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Elisabeth Scahill, Oaks ChristianJan Allen, Instructor

Excerpt

Today I saw a boy,The boy saw me too.

We were standing in a hyacinth field,I wondered who this boy was, where was his family.The boy wondered the same thing about me too.

While looking at the boy the Hyacinths started to blow,The wind took me far away,

Beyond where the hyacinths grow.

I saw the history.I lived the history.

Why was there war, grief, and death?I asked the age old question.

Why can’t we get along?

At this point we were back in the hyacinth field.I looked at the boy

The boy looked at me too.We shared a long loving hug.

He walked south and I walked northHe went to his historic land, Israel.

And I to Palestine.Will WE ever meet in the hyacinth field again?

Marysol Uribe, St. JosephCynthiaMadsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors

In Full

Can you imagine the Middle East as a sand dune transforming into abeautiful and prosperous country? It is no longer a rural and poor

place as I have imagined … from Biblical passages. This project hastremendously changed my understanding of the Middle East, especiallyIsrael. It has turned [in my mind] from barren land to a modern andsuccessful state. Israel is like another wonder of the world.

The Israelis prosper with the willpower for survival and success.Against all odds, in the span of sixty two years, Israel has developed anenergetic and ambitious society that is hungry for achievement andsuccess. This modern society has been the key to Israel’s success inmany of its fields, such as technology, architecture, medicine andengineering. With the help of Israel, there has been an increase incommodities and improvement around our world today.

There is a great similarity between [the values of] Israel’s Declarationof Independence and the United States. Both countries were foundedby people seeking freedom and safety after suffering persecution anddiscrimination. Israel is a society with formal equality of rights andprivileges. Israeli citizens can vote from the age of eighteen,regardless of religion, race or gender – something that resembles ourpolitical practice in the States. As a result, Israel is one of the rareplaces where Arab women may vote. Israel is a great role model forthe entire Middle East …

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Steven Warren, Bishop MontgomeryJohn Fitzsimons, Instructor

The Israel Rap

I just learned a lot about Israel,

I used to think the place was miserable,

But after learning, I see what’s right,

And now I see that nation in a whole new light.

I used to think the people were obsessed with God,

And everybody in the streets wore Yarmulkes,

But I was wrong, so now I’m singing this song.

Did you hear about the war that was six days long?

All surrounding nations, against just one,

Oh, how on Earth could this fight be won?

But they pulled it off, and beat the odds,

And all thanks should be given to the Mossad.

In not even a week they had won a war,

And it was clear that they had more great things in store.

The nation’s very diverse, yeah it’s true,

In many ways it’s similar to the red, white, and blue.

But there are many differences, here’s a few,

The Burger King is kosher and McDonald is too.

Cristal Suarez, San JoaquinCindy Campbell & Kathleen DeSantis, Instructors

Excerpt

Through learning about the historical importance of Israel to its peopleand about the modern-day interests of Israelis, I have seen that the

people of Israel are intriguing individuals with every right to the freedomof living a peaceful life.

For example, the history of Israel has helped me to see how importantthis land is to the Israelis ... The land of Israel was promised to theJewish people by God and therefore holds a special place for them. In70 CE, the Romans destroyed this ancient Jewish state and the Jewswere scattered, not always finding peaceful homes in the countriesthey inhabited. This feeling of unrest led to the Jews wanting apermanent haven. In 1897, Theodore Herzl founded modern Zionismand multitudes of Jews settled in Israel. These numbers increased withAdolph Hitler’s stirring up of anti-Semitism in 1933. It was in 1947 thatthe United Nations established the Jewish state in Palestine. The Jewswept for joy, as they finally had a land of their own, a place where theycould lead their own lives and worship freely. This history allows us allto relate to the Israelis, as it shows us that the people of Israel wantwhat all people want – freedom.

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Essays

Alejandro Rodriguez, CathedralHilary Aguirre-Yribarren, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel does have a lot of conflicts in and around it, but overall theyare trying to keep peace. I never knew everything that the Jewish

people have gone through throughout history. They have beenpersecuted and exiled from other places. No wonder they wantedtheir own country! I would have done the same thing. I would wanta safe place in which we are able to be protected from the peoplethat hurt us. It is called in Spanish, “una querencia,” meaning a placeyou feel safe and you can be yourself. That is what Israel is for theJewish people.

Being my age in Israel is really hard, I would say. I worry about whatuniversity I will get accepted to, where I am going to go (this is thehardest one for me: my heart says one thing but my friends say the other)and what my major will be. Someone my age in Israel has to worry aboutgoing to the military and to war. We have the option to go to themilitary, but in Israel … they feel it is a duty to help... As I said, Israel haschanged in my eyes. I now know all the struggles and all the great thingsIsrael has to offer. I would love to go visit Israel one day and meet peoplewho live there.

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Andrew Evans, St. FrancisMark Fredette, Instructor

Excerpt

Throughout history, the world has seen few words as powerful, ascontroversial or as meaningful as Israel. This single word, originally

God’s chosen name for his people, has been used in so many ways,and interpreted in so many different contexts, that one couldunderstand it to be an all-encompassing word. This grouping ofletters - a symbol of various, seemingly random topics, such as faith,hope, persecution, Providence and survival. This word has, like thepeople it represents, many faces, ranging from the battle-hardenedgrimace of a soldier, to the bright smile of a rescued Ethiopian childgiven another chance at life by this significant word: Israel. This singleword, with its complex history and people, is both the face of a nationand the name of a small, yet vital outpost for democracy. The manyfaces that Israel represents are united by these humble, yet potent, sixletters, and in their unity they represent the ideals of a people blessedby God.

Israel is a mosaic of different parts melding with one another tocreate one complete picture. As an oppressed people now blessedwith their reward, as a small presence of democracy in a hostile land,as a united people in harmony, Israel is many faces in one. Israel is theface of change, the face of a modern paradigm shift, the face of acampaign to reclaim the land lost so long ago. Israel is the greatreward that God entitled the Jews, the great reward for all that theyhave suffered. Israel is a truly blessed nation to have so many uniquecustoms and races, yet to have peace among its people. The face ofeach Israeli citizen joins millions more that all represent one word:Israel. From the Ethiopian refugee, to the young soldier, to the smilingstudent, to the prayerful Rabbi, each Israeli’s face depicts the hope ofthe nation rooted in faith. The faces of Israel are truly the linksbetween this blessed nation and the massive, multi-billion personnation of God.

First Prize Essay Mack Macke, ServiteJoe Swoboda, Instructor

Excerpt

When “The Holy Land Democracy Project” was first introduced in classandwewere toldwewould be discussing Israel and theMiddle East,

I was not thrilled. If there is one area I have not wanted to think moreabout it, is the Middle East. To me, the Middle East brings to mind conflict.I pictured selfish people who want to force their way of thinking on therest of the World. It meant a group of people who are so jealous ofAmericans that they have become blind with hatred. The Middle Eastbrings to mind a dry barren desert, filled with people who are stuck in atime warp, who eat bad food and have nothing to look forward to so theystrike out and take what others have.

When I thought of the Middle East, I did not think of Israel. Israel, inmy mind, was in the unlucky position of being right in the middle of theconflict because of its geography and because it is the highly soughtafter “holy land.” Israel is a place my parents talked about forvacations so we could trace the steps of Jesus, but always decidedagainst because [they] didn’t think it was safe enough. Israel was just afar off place that I really didn’t know or think much about.

After learning about this project, my overall opinion of the MiddleEast has not changed but my impressions of Israel have. I wassurprised to learn that Israel is a democracy! I am embarrassed toadmit I thought they were governed by a ruler, like other surroundingMiddle East countries. Israel has sixteen or more different politicalparties, and seats in parliament are picked based on the number ofvotes for each of the political parties. Parliamentary elections are heldabout every 4 years. These political systems are very much like ours. Itis hard to believe that this tiny country that is surrounded byunfriendly, undemocratic countries has been able to survive and comeso far as a democratic society.

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Victoria Chayes, MarymountWilliam M. Klein, Instructor

Excerpt

The day the letter for the draft came in began as fairly normal.Now it stared at me, unopened in my hand as I held it, trembling. Oh,

it was all fine in the abstract: to protect our country, to protect ourfreedom. Everyone serves in the army. Yet here, now, it was all too real. Icould go off and never come back, never see this darling little old houseagain, never pray my Sabbath prayers with Grandpa, or eat Grandma’smeticulously cooked meals. Panic began rising in my chest, and mybreathing came in short, sharp gasps. I didn’t want to go away from home.I didn’t want to die.

All my life I had been pretending that everything was normal, thateverything was okay. I couldn’t ignore it now. My mother had beenmurdered, and as much as I wished the world was perfect, it wasn’t.And I wasn’t the center of it.

There were other mothers out there, with children, babies. Therewere other people out there who could somehow rationalize killingsuch innocents.

That letter on that table said that I had the honor of standingbetween my brothers and sisters and those who would kill them. Myhand was trembling when I opened the letter for the draft that day.However, I did not tremble in fear, or anger. I was trembling with pride.

Second Prize EssaySavannah Luschei, JserraMeleaWalden, Instructor

Excerpt

To an outsider, the Middle East might as well be lumped into onecountry. The first impressions people get of the region are what

the media often proposes: parched desert, dehydration, war andbrutally oppressed women. While this visual is true for many countriesin the Middle East, this portrait often overshadows the Westernized,democratic nation of Israel. It sounds like a paradox to the averageWesterner: Could a Middle Eastern nation remotely resemble Europeor America? Don’t they live in adobe houses and ride tanks armedwith machine guns? Unfortunately, this type of ignorance is rampantamong people who know little-to-nothing about Israel, other thanwhat they hear in the daily news. This program helped me dispelthese beliefs, which I admittedly shared. Learning about Israel helpedme understand the people’s lifestyle and realize that, although thereare differences, Americans share many traits with Israelis.

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Steven Kezian, LoyolaTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Hillary Clinton said, “Israel is not only our ally; it is a beacon of whatdemocracy can and should mean… If the people of the Middle East are

not sure what democracy means, let them look to Israel.”Our two nations are bonded together in struggle for freedom, human rightsand democracy. America boasts a proud tradition of independence andpolitical achievement, a tradition that is only strengthened by our affiliationand alliance with Israel. There are many similarities between the nation ofIsrael and the United States of America that make Israel a “beacon of hope”for democracy, including its struggle to maintain independence and supportfreedom, its status as an asylum of cultural and religious toleration and itspursuit of democracy and human rights.

Just like the United States, Israel is the home to a surfeit of differentcultures, religions and traditions. The Diaspora dispersed Jews all overthe globe and exposed them to various cultures and customs. While stillmaintaining their Hebrew identity and traditions, they began to adoptthese cultures and customs. After the establishment of the modern stateof Israel, which opened its arms as a refuge for any Jew, many Jewishpeople from around the world flocked to Israel, bringing their variouscultures and customs with them. Like America, Israel became animmigrant nation and a melting pot of cultures. The nation of Israelembraces these multicultural influences and allows them to flourish in asupporting environment, establishing itself as a haven of cultural andreligious freedom.

It never occurred to me how similar the nations of Israel and theUnited States really are. We Americans have always prided ourselves onour pursuit of freedom and democracy, a tradition that carries on in oursupport of Israel. Israel remains the best hope for democracy in a regionfilled with tyrants, fanatics and failed states. In almost 62 years, thisnation has already transformed a land of little-to-no natural resourcesinto a nation which has a stronger educational system, higher lifeexpectancy, and more freedom for both its Jewish and non-Jewishcitizens than any of its surrounding countries. I have no doubt that thenation of Israel has a long and prosperous future ahead of itself, and wecan only look forward to the great things to come.

Third Prize Essay In Yeong Kim, Bishop MontgomeryJohn Fitzsimons, Instructor

Excerpt

Before I had a lesson about the Holy Land Democracy Project, I did notknow about Jews. I am an international school student from South

Korea. In Korea, I did not learn about Jewish history deeply.Even though we learn about World History, I only knew that Jews werevictims of World War II. As a Christian, I thought Jews were persecutorsof Jesus. I also thought they are blessed people because they are placedin high positions in the United States. That was my opinion about Jews.I never compared Jews and Koreans before this project …

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Gabriel Ning, Bishop MontgomeryJohn Fitzsimons, Instructor

Excerpt

I’ve learned a lot about Israel in the past few weeks that opened meup to what kind of country Israel really was. There were many

surprising things that I learned about Israel that I didn’t know before,but the top three were: the different ethnicities that make up Israel,the conflict between Israel and its neighbors and the lifestyle of theIsraeli people.

I have a friend from Tel Aviv, Israel who is an Ashkenazi Jew. Hedefied all stereotypes about Jewish people; he looked like an averageperson you couldn’t really tell was Jewish until you asked him. BeforeI met him I thought that a person from Israel was religious, but myfriend wasn’t very religious. He did celebrate Passover though, andafter I met him, my understanding for the different types of Jewishpeople grew. He was also a typical teenager: he played basketballafter school, listened to all the latest music, played video games andattempted and succeeded in getting good grades… What set himapart was that, since he was an Israeli citizen, he would have to jointhe military at the age of 18. He talked about going to the military inan honorable fashion. These past two weeks on Israel opened up mymind to the “many faces of Israel” and changed my mind on how Iview Israel as a country. I’ve learned that Israel is a very moderndemocracy… and the Jewish people of Israel have a very long historyin [the land of] Israel.

Fourth Prize EssayBrett Homer, St. FrancisMark Fredette, Instructor

Excerpt

Today in the Middle East, Israel is the only real democracy! Most ofthe governments in the Middle East do not have the type of

religious and personal freedoms Israel has. Israel is an oasis of hopeand freedom compared to its surrounding Arab neighbors. Israel’sgovernment is so fair, just and inclusive that there are three differentArab political parties in the Knesset that are for the demolition ofIsrael. Israel is also a modern country, not an archaic desert country.Israel is the birthplace of the cell phone and voicemail technology. [Itis] a smart and very industrious country in the Middle East that doesnot rely on oil. Unlike its surrounding Arab neighbors, there isincredible tolerance in Israel for all the different cultures. 82.5% ofIsrael’s population consists of Jews who come from all over the world.Some of these Jews came from Germany and Russia during theHolocaust; others came from Arab countries, Ethiopia and America,all with one thing in common …

This is the homeland of the Jews, the same homeland promised toAbraham and Moses by God three to four thousand years ago. Israel isthe one place in the world with a Jewish majority, so they don’t haveto live as a minority. Israel is the “United States” of the Middle East …

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Lauren Golem, Mary Star of the SeaWilliam Perales, Instructor

Excerpt

Before this project, most of my class assumed that Israeli life wascompletely centered on religious affairs, but to our surprise, their

lifestyles are very diverse and distinct. For example, I did not knowthat their government is a parliamentary representative democraticrepublic. Also, stemming from my ignorance, I believed that all ofIsraeli citizens had a distinct, Middle Eastern look: dark hair, dark skin,dark eyes. But to my surprise, the Holy Land is filled with racialdiversity. Perhaps that is what gives the country its rich culture andinteresting back-story. Just as the United States has its own detailedhistory, so does Israel.

Walking away from this project, I have learned so much about Israel,and I am proud to now have this knowledge as my own, not formedfrom someone else’s opinion. When living life in ignorance, you miss somuch special knowledge and interesting detail. Learning about adifferent country on a different continent, we discover that everyoneoffers something unique and different to our world. When you adddifferent cultures together, a more abundant and diversified communityis created. Knowledge is a wonderful gift, so blessed are people who usetheir minds to grow and learn about others and their world.

Honorable Mention Essays Eliza Graumlich, VillanovaBrian Grisin, Instructor

In Full

When I think of the Middle East, I envision miles upon miles ofendless desert. I see the color yellow. Yellow is for the sun (it’s

always hot there) and for the sand. I see people, too. I assume theirlifestyle is nothing like mine. Maybe the youth go to school, but I can’timagine them watching television or going shopping at the mall.These people eat unfamiliar food. The way they dress is different, too.I imagine the women and men donning long dark robes. How canthey bear the hot weather? The Middle East also seems to be plaguedby conflict and violence. When the region is televised on the eveningnews, I see frightening images: soldiers crouch with ugly weapons,civilians cry, bombs explode. These brief clips on the evening news arethe only glimpse I have had of life in this far-off land.

This project has really opened my eyes to the reality of the MiddleEast and of Israel, in particular. Indeed, Israel can be an area ofconflict, but for good reason: it’s the holy land for three differentreligious groups, all with deeply-rooted reasons to want the area forthemselves. Much like America, Israel is run by a democracy and thegovernment is divided into three branches. I also learned more aboutwhat being Jewish means. All in all, I’ve learned that the Middle Eastisn’t really that different from America. Whether we live in Americaor in Israel, we’re all human.