Am Yisrael (עם ישראל)

When I hear the term, Am Yisrael, I think of Judaism and Jewish people. The continuation of Am Yisrael to some sects of Judaism is creating more babies and keeping the Jewish blood alive while others think differently. More secular Jews think that the continuation of Am Yisrael is about having a place for them by serving in the IDF. However, both of those things are very important to the continuation of the Jewish people because without a Jewish land there is no people and vice versa.

I think that I am an important part of Am Yisrael. Since I am the new Membership Vice President of my NFTY Region, I am able to advocate for Israel during events and talk about it with my friends. Not only at NFTY events but also at school I can bring up the topic of Israel with my friends and see their side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict if they have one. Since being in Israel, I think that my part of being a part of Am Yisrael has only grown. 

Rabbi Callie

Back at home in California, one of my favorite Rabbi's is leaving my temple, Peninsula Temple Beth-El. Her name is Rabbi Callie Schulman. This is a big event to me not only because this is the 2nd time one of my favorite Rabbi's is leaving, but a huge and important person in our community is leaving. Rabbi Callie is very special to me because she has made a big impact on me as a person. She has helped me mature through out my high school and helped me find my Jewish identity. Rabbi Callie is the person in charge of the teen youth at my temple. She has helped out with some of our TYG events and with our Wednesday Night Program (WNP). I believe that without Rabbi Callie there, the whole WNP will change but then again whenever there is something new, things change. I am excited to see the new change that will happen at my temple and can't wait to be apart of it. However, I am sad because Rabbi Callie won't be able to help and see me finish off my high school career. Rabbi Callie is an amazing person and Rabbi and any congregation that gets her will be lucky.

Yam Le'Yam

Yam Le'Yam was a definitely interesting and fun trip. I really enjoyed the camping and seeing the beautiful landscape of Israel. It was interesting to learn the skills that we would need to help ourselves stay alive. We learned how to find north and I also learned some tricks from my teammates. This trip really pushed me to my limits. I was able to learn more about myself. I learned how I am with others especially in this type of situation. I was able to have and create friendships with the others in my team. My team I think was the best team. Even though we didn't finish first in some challenges, we worked really well together surprisingly. The trip overall of the long trips we have done, is my favorite. It really reminded me of California and camping back at home. I can now say that Israel is my home.

Mezrachi Jews

A few weeks ago, in class we were talking about refugees. During the time after the 6 Day war, not only were there Arab refugees but there we also Jewish refugees from Arab countries like Iran and Iraq. These refugees were called Mezrachi Jews. My family on my dad's side are Mezrachi Jews. They immigrated from Iran and Iraq and played a big part in the Jews leaving. My great grandfather was the man to go to. He was able to forge passports and papers for the Jews to leave those countries which I think is pretty cool. During the trek from the Arab countries to Israel, the Jews weren't allowed to keep any property. When they left their homes they left everything behind. When the Mezrachi Jews came to Israel they were sorta thought of as second hand citizens who weren't as important as Ashkenazi Jews. Mezrachi Jews have had to deal with many hardships and still do today. Statistically, Mezrachi Jews are less educated and more likely to not go to University unlike Ashkenazi Jews. For myself, I grew up in a mixed household of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews so I never knew of this problem that Sephardic/Mezrachi Jews faced. I think that Mezrachi and Ashkenazi Jews are different because of culture but the same as Jews and people and Mezrachi Jews should have more of a voice in the society.