Despite vilification attempts by everyone from USAC representatives to people who actually matter, Israel has much to offer as a cultural and historical hub.
By: Lydia Mazuryk -- Publisher
At UCLA, students take up causes and are surrounded by efforts to spread diversity, increase dialogue between campus groups, effect change through awareness, make the world a better place. In short, we all work towards empathy. If only one group could hear and understand the other, we could at least be civil and all get along. Whether or not these efforts actually bring about real moral action, or DOING what is right, is not the scope of my article. But I will attempt to reach all groups touched by one topic: Israel. In true Bruin spirit, consider this my effort to jump on the Empathy Train and share a few personal experiences.
This summer I had the opportunity to participate in the Anti-Defamation League’s Campus Leaders Study Mission to Israel. My time in Israel, I imagine, is similar to that of many others who travel to the land of milk and honey. It is an incredible experience that opens your mind to a culture and country that is often talked about with assumed authority by many who have never stepped foot on its shores.
Israel is a modern nation like any other Western civilization. Simultaneously, Israel has an ancient and unique history that has influenced its exceptionally tumultuous path to nationhood and still influences its foreign policy today. Israel is a nation of Jews, both culturally and religiously, as stated in its constitution. And even today where over 65% of the nation considers itself secular, one of the central issues precluding peace between Israel and the Palestinians is determining how to govern Jerusalem, the Holy City for multiple faiths.
I never dreamed I would see the Holy City first hand and will always be humbled by the experience. Seeing pictures of the Wailing Wall and the Temple Mount cannot be compared to actually standing in the vicinity of these historic locations. And standing next to the Wailing Wall cannot be compared to actually touching it. The Wall seemed to come alive with all the prayers and emotions that it has absorbed into its cracks over the centuries. Similarly, walking down the Mt. of Olives in Christ’s footsteps and through the Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa reminds you of an omnipresent God whose existence is broader than any religious definition and sets this city apart from any other.
With even the most “touristy” of attractions, camel riding, our tour guide was able to show us the merging of history and modernity. We were taught about the ancient and small, but significant, Bedouin culture residing outside the Old City. Camel rides are a form of livelihood for this ancient Israeli people. And like the United States, Israelis for the most part have struck a balance of tolerance and coexistence among its many different cultures. It is no wonder that the United States and Israel have such strong ties and remain close allies.
During this trip, as has happened to me in the past, I expected to be questioned by foreigners I met abroad about American life and culture. In Israel, however, having meals with Israelis from various walks of life, I found them to be open and excited to share about their lives and culture. Whether discussing their military service or their opinions about recent social or political events taking place in Israel, there was a profound pride and eagerness to share their success as a nation with others. To listen to Israeli soldiers, some of them barely 21 years old, who have already experienced combat talk about their future plans puts into perspective how much an Israeli youth is expected to accomplish at a young age versus Americans of the same age. Without the need to prove anything, Israelis are simply proud to share their own stories of overcoming adversity and the constant external threat that exists from their regional neighbors, while maintaining and improving their democracy.
Having Shabbat dinner with host families also illuminated daily life in Israel for me. This geographically small nation is built on intimate and closely knit families and neighborhoods. Throughout the service with the Yaar Ramot congregation, it was clear how close the congregants were and that their shared religious beliefs and culture sealed their connection. Not only did my fellow mission participants and I receive a gracious invitation to dinner after Temple, but we were immediately welcomed as part of their families. Coupled with the homey atmosphere that characterizes families in Israel is their eagerness to talk politics. The father of the host family I visited with, a scientist working in dentistry technology, relayed his observations of Israeli tolerance and their willingness to share innovations with neighboring Arab nations. But to his lament, non-Israelis who benefit from this generosity go to great lengths to erase connections to Israel. Countries like Egypt will buy Israeli medical goods and technology and release it for Egyptian public use or export it only after repackaging and stripping any references to the Israeli origin of the product. The obvious goal is to deny recognition of the top-quality of Israel’s technology and manufacturing industry, as well as to negate Israel’s very existence.
Another more serious effect this trip had on me is my understanding of anti-Semitism. With leaders like Iranian President Ahmadinejad openly calling for the death of Jews and destruction of Israel it is clear that anti-Semitism is not a relic of Hitler’s Germany. Anti-Semitism has morphed and manifested itself in new ways. Whether it is Wall Street Protestors, politicians, or comedians reinforcing age-old stereotypes, like that Jews are rich and tight with their money, or students making light of the Holocaust with Anne Frank jokes, I aim to counter such derogatory comments with a more respectful approach to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel.
Lydia Mazuryk is a fourth-year history major. She can be reached at thebruinstandard@gmail.com
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