This university has a problematic reputation in that anti-Israel student activity is rampant. The Muslim Student Union on campus is perceived as among the most hateful and fanatic in the country with very hostile anti-Israel weeks on campus. On this trip the students will be meeting with politicians, religious figures, professors, businessmen, humanitarians, and citizens of both regions. Dialogue between the groups will take place following the various events planned for the trip.
The primary goal of The Olive Tree Initiative is “to hear perspectives from Israeli and Palestinian academics, community leaders, and activists who have first-hand knowledge of the conflict to gain knowledge beyond what we receive through second hand information and through our mainstream media. We want to speak to individuals living the life of an Israeli and Palestinian and not just to those who claim to represent them.”
Upon the return of the students, they will hold seminars for the UCI student body and local community to discuss and reflect upon their trip. Their events will include open dialogues, debates, and documentary showings of their actual trip and personal experiences.
Well, how could I not help them out. Consequently, I spoke for about 90 minutes, all of it in a question-and-answer format on topics ranging from why I don't use the term "settlements", what was Jabotinsky's real attitude to Arabs in the Jewish state, demography, security, terror, Arab "Palestinian" nationalism, the role of Jordan, etc.
A good time was had by all.
Photographs credit: Ilana B.
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4 comments:
So, if they came with anti-Israel attitudes and a ream of anti-Israel propaganda/media/etc. to support their attitudes, fueled by what they will surely hear from the "other side", how do you perceive your session as benefiting Israel vis-a-vis their response (besides having a "good" time)???
In other words, was it worth your time & effort?????? Was even ONE person convinced, do you think? Is there one righteous person to encourage G-d to save UC-Irvine?
In a word, yes.
And there was a Betari there who received much needed psychological support.
You never know what kind of an impact you will have on people- even when the connection is short and seemingly fleeting.
You (Yisrael) spoke to Hebrew University students in Israel on the overseas program when I was there more than 20 years ago. I spent a Shabbat at your house too and now live not far away in another yishuv in Binyamin.
Keep up the fantastic- and important, work!
Shalom!
I agree with Yisrael and anonymous. We should all have a "no stone unturned" policy when speaking to Jews about Judaism and Israel.
I have an acquaintance who is now religious and living in Israel because someone told him he should "get in touch with his roots". Honestly, one short sentence was the crucial springboard.
It just had to come from the right person. Which could be anyone, depending on who is listening.
Hatzlaha to all!
Hadassa
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