Latest / The Pluralist Podcast - with Orly Erez-Likhovski and Rabbi Josh Weinberg / Seeing Israel for Themselves: Yallah! Israel Teens Reflect on What They Found

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Seeing Israel for Themselves: Yallah! Israel Teens Reflect on What They Found · The Pluralist Podcast - with Orly Erez-Likhovski and Rabbi Josh Weinberg

• Angle 1: Kids: It was a little bit unrealistic, but when I was back in America, I was always picturing Israel as like a disconnected place where everything was like there were so many perfect sights and everyone was super religious and everything. But when I got here, one thing that one of my friends said to me, we were riding from the bus away from the airport, 0028: But when I was back in America, I was always picturing Israel as like a disconnected place where everything was like there were so many perfect sites and everyone was super religious and everything. But when I got here, one thing that one of my friends said to me, we were riding from the bus away from the airport. Angle 1: Kids: and she was like, if this if we didn't just have a sixteen hour flight, you would think look out the window and think this is America. Like it looks the exact same. And I was like, That's really powerful because 0028: And she was like, if this if we didn't just have a sixteen hour flight, you would think look out the window and think this is America. Like it looks the exact same. And I was like, that's really powerful because Angle 1: Kids: It really is just another place where people live and all the people have the same feelings and emotions that we do. And I don't know, I should have thought about that, but I never really occurred to me. 0028: it really is just another place where people live and all the people have the same feelings and emotions that we do. And I don't know, I should have thought about that, but I never really occurred to me. 0025: Welcome back to the Floorless Podcast from both sides of the ocean. I'm Oli Elzdykovsky, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center. Hi, Josh. Hi, Oli. I'm Rabbi Josh Weinberg, the Vice President for Israel and Reformed Zionism for the Union for Reformed Judaism and the Executive Director Artsat. Angle 1: Kids: Welcome back to the Pluralist Podcast from both sides of the ocean. I'm Oli Ozlikovsky, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center. Hi, Josh. Hi, Orley. I'm Rabbi Josh Weinberg, the Vice President for Israel and Reformed Zionism for the Union for Reformed Judaism and the Executive Director of Arts Up. So good to be here together in person. Not through through computers. Usually we're literally on both sides of the ocean, but tonight we are here together at the headquarters of Reformed Judaism in Israel on the HUC campus in the office. 0025: So good to be here together. That's an amazing person. We are finally here. Usually we're literally on both sides of the ocean, but tonight we are here together at the headquarters of Reformed Judaism in Israel on the HUC campus in the offices Angle 1: Kids: Of the Israeli Reform Movement and the Israel Religious Action Center. And we have a very special podcast for you this evening. Today. Today we are joined by amazing teens from Yala Israel. Say hello, everybody. Hello. 0025: of the Israeli Reform Movement and the Israel Religious Action Center. And we have a very special podcast for you this evening. Today. Today we are joined by amazing teens from Yala, Israel. Say hello, everybody. It is really wonderful to be with you. First of all, it's just wonderful to see you here in Israel. Okay? Let's not take that for granted. It's been a rough few years, let's say, and not everyone from abroad is Angle 1: Kids: It is really wonderful to be with you. First of all, it's just wonderful to see you here in Israel. Okay? Let's not take that for granted. It's been a rough few years, let's say, and not everyone from abroad is Is excited to send their their student or their kid or their teenager to Israel. So call a kabood for you guys for being here. How's it going so far? Amazing! Yeah, you've been here a while, you've been here a few weeks, and actually it's your toward the end of 0025: excited to send their their student or their kid or their teenager to Israel. So colour caboat for you guys for being here. How's it going so far? Amazing. Amazing. Okay. Yeah, you've been here a while, you've been here a few weeks, and actually toward the end of Angle 1: Kids: the trip, and it's we're so so so happy that you're here with us to share some of the things you've experienced through this amazing trip and also to hear what do you want to ask 0025: trip and we're so so so happy that you're here with us to share some of the things you've experienced through this amazing trip and also to hear what you want to ask. Angle 1: Kids: us while you know we have this important opportunity. So I'll 0025: So I'll Angle 1: Kids: I'll say it this: the URJ, of course, this is Yala Israel is part of the URJ program, one of our immersive programs that you spend four weeks here in Israel traveling around to the north, to the south, east, and west. Hundreds of kids, right? Hundreds of kids, over 200 kids this this summer. many of you come from different congregations across North America. And we even have two participants who live in Israel with us, Itamar and Hilah. So great for you to be with us as well. and the idea is for you to experience as much as you can 0025: say like this, the URJ, of course, this is Yala Israel is part of the URJ program, one of our immersive programs that you spend four weeks here in Israel traveling around to the north, to the south, east and west. Hundreds of kids, right? Hundreds of kids, over 200 kids this this summer. many of you come from different congregations across North America. And we even have two participants who live in Israel with us, Itamar and Hilah. So great for you to be with us as well. and the idea is for you to experience as much as you can. Angle 1: Kids: here. 0025: Here Angle 1: Kids: Here in Israel, both seeing the land, meeting different kinds of people, and even volunteering to help out and give back 0025: in Israel, both seeing the land, meeting different kinds of people, and even volunteering to help out and give back. Angle 1: Kids: a little bit. And that is really wonderful. And you know, we spend a lot of time thinking about what is the educational message, what kinds of things do you want to take back with you and how you're going to speak about it once you return. And if you weren't aware, okay, there are a lot of people who are, I would say more in our generation, who are, I'm putting us in the same generation, Arlie. 0025: It's really wonderful. And you know, we spend a lot of time thinking about what is the educational message. What kinds of things do you want to take back with you and how you're going to speak about it once you return? And if you weren't aware, okay, there are a lot of people who are, I would say more in our generation, who are, I'm putting us in the same generation, Arlie, is that okay? And Angle 1: Kids: Who are very concerned about the place of Israel, not only in the reform movement, but among young people. 0025: who are very concerned about the place of Israel, not only in the reform movement, but among young people. Angle 1: Kids: So instead of talking about young people, we thought we would talk to and with young people, and then you would have a chance to speak for yourselves and you know share with us your opinions and big questions. So that's what we're doing here, and this is going to be our podcast for for this week. and we're really excited to to jump in. Yeah, and I can't jump in? Yeah, sure. And I you know I want add 0025: So instead of talking about young people, we thought we would talk to and with young people and then you would have a chance to speak for yourselves and you know share with us your opinions and big questions. So that's what we're doing here and this is going to be our podcast for for this week. and we're really excited to to jump in. Yeah. Shall we jump in? Yeah, sure. And I you know I wanna add Angle 1: Kids: That I think really the talking to young people 0025: that I think really the talking to young people Angle 1: Kids: from America, and I'm really happy that we have Israelis here because I think the connection, this connection is super important, and especially at a time when talking about Israel has become so complex. What you're going to take with you when you go back home and whether it has 0025: This connection is super important and especially at a time when talking about Israel has become so complex. it's it's the moment to stop and just talk very honestly with a lot of nuances. Angle 1: Kids: changed. 0025: changed Angle 1: Kids: so I'm Jonathan Hawkhauser 0025: So Jonathan Angle 1: Kids: from Fairhope, Alabama, and I go to Temple Bethel in Pensacola, Florida, and I go to Jacob's camp. And one of the highlights of my trip was on Friday night we went to the cotel. It was my first time being there. It's my first time in Israel as well. And being there with all the other Jewish people, some conservative, reformed, religious, orthodox, and seeing 0025: Jacob's camp. And one of the highlights of my trip was on Friday night we went to the hotel. It was my first time being there, it's my first time in Israel as well. And being there with all the other Jewish people, some conservative, reformed, religious, Orthodox, and seeing Angle 1: Kids: everyone kind of celebrate Judaism in their own way was so special to me and it was like it was the most connected I've ever felt to Judaism and to 0025: everyone kind of celebrate Judaism in their own way was so special to me, and it was like it was the most connected I've ever felt to Judaism and to God. Angle 1: Kids: God and to Israel in general. And have you been to the egalitarian 0026: See Israel in general. And have you been today go there? Angle 1: Kids: prayer plaza at the Qatar? Yes, we have. Yeah. So yeah. And that's where we had Tvila. We had our own Tfila at the Egalitarian Plaza, which you should know, Orley worked very, very hard for many years, many court appearances to make sure that we would have that 0026: That that's where we had Tvila. We had our own Tvila at the Egalitarian Plaza, which you should know, Orley worked very, very hard for many years, many court appearances to make sure that we would have that Angle 1: Kids: area that where we all stood together. And remember we could stand together men and women together as opposed to the other side where we work. But that's such a powerful thing 0026: area that where we all stood together. And remember we could stand, you know, men and women together as opposed to the other side where where we work. But that's such a powerful yeah, and I think that's a really important thing that you said because I think the what the Western Wall is the heart of Jerusalem, which is the heart of Israel and the heart of the Jewish world. And we are fighting that there and in other places we will be able to practice our Judaism, you know, each one according to their own beliefs. And I think that we still have a way to go, right? Because we have a lot of people who are not willing Angle 1: Kids: that you said because I think the with the Western Wall is the heart of Jerusalem, which is the heart of Israel and the heart of the Jewish world. And we are fighting that there and in other places we would be able to practice our Judaism, you know, each one according to their own beliefs. And I think that we still have a way to go, right? Because we have a lot of people who are not willing 0026: to actually share this place and other places with other Jews. And I'm I'm really happy that you actually experienced that you have a place there and that it is open to all Jews. But this is something that is sometimes a challenge for us. Angle 1: Kids: to actually share this place and other places with other Jews and I'm I'm really happy that you actually experienced that you have a place there and that it is open to all Jews. But this is something that is sometimes a challenge for us. I'm Jay Nash. I live in Tampa, Florida, and I go to Congregation ShareZedek and Camp Coleman. My favorite moment here was like swimming in a lat. 0026: Okay. It's it's your first time in Israel? Yes. Yes. Angle 1: Kids: It's it's your first time in Israel? Yes. Yes. 0026: So my name is Jonah Siegel. I went to Ashuri and I went to Congregation Emmanuel in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Waukasha, Wisconsin, So one of the most meaningful places to me was definitely this one I'm not sure exactly if it was a summer camp, but some sort of it was a program that Angle 1: Kids: So my name is Jonah Siegel. I went to Ashrui and I went to Congregation Emmanuel in Waukesha. Waukasha, Wisconsin, So one of the most meaningful places to me was definitely this one I'm not sure exactly if it was a summer camp, but some sort of it was a program that really got young people from both the Jewish communities and the Arab communities to 0026: the Jewish communities and the Arab communities to Angle 1: Kids: coexist because as you know with a segregated, self segregated education system is just a an amazing opportunity and to hear from a variety of people for the first time during the trip was incredibly powerful. 0026: coexist because as you know with a segregated, self-segregated education system is just a an amazing opportunity and to hear from a variety of people for the first time during the trip was incredibly powerful. Angle 1: Kids: So you did that in the village of Tanrod? I believe that's what it was. Yeah. And you just yeah, you you met like both Jewish and Arab teens and both Jewish and Arab teens and guest speakers. We got to eat lunch with them. It was a really incredible experience. 0026: You that in the village of Tanrah? I believe that's what it was. Yeah. And you just yeah, you you met like both Jewish and Arab teens? Yeah, both Jewish and Arab teens and guest speakers. We got to eat lunch with them. It was a really incredible experience. Angle 1: Kids: Did you find that you had what in common with them? Yeah, you did, since they were all there for their own summer programs as well, whether it was music focused or arts focused in addition to coexistence. So important. 0026: Did you find that you had what in common with them? Yeah, you did, since they were all there for your own summer programs as well, whether it's music focused or arts focused in addition to coexistence. So cool. It's super important. Angle 1: Kids: I'm Shira Halloran. 0026: Sure, Alaric. Angle 1: Kids: I'm from Illinois. I go to Temple Battikvah and I also go to URJ Osuri camp. for me the highlight of the trip was just seeing all the different communities that live in Israel. we met with the Druze community as well as the Bedouins. we also the Arab teens. So it was really interesting to see 0026: the air of teens. So it was really interesting to see Angle 1: Kids: how all of them live in Israel. and today we also experienced 0026: Experienced a church in Israel as well as we were by Amos. So I think it was very interesting to see all the different cultures that are in the Angle 1: Kids: a church in Israel as well as we were by a mosque. So I think it was very interesting to see all the different cultures that are in Israel and like that live here. For the full range of ethnic diversity and yeah yeah amazing and the different religions. 0026: full range of ethnic diversity and yeah yeah amazing different religions. Angle 1: Kids: My name is Milo Crane, I'm from Little Rock, Arkansas. I go to Temple Benay, Israel, and Jacobs Camp. And like a big highlight of this trip for me was Yam Li Yam, or like C to C. Even though we didn't actually do the C to C course, it was still a great way to connect with nature and sleeping under the stars and with a a bunch of other groups from America. It just was like a really rewarding experience, especially for someone like me who loves hiking. Amazing. 0026: My name is Mel O'Crane, I'm from Little Rock, Arkansas. I go to Temple Benay Israel and Jacobs Camp. And like a big highlight of this trip for me was Yam Le Yong, or like C2C. Even though we didn't actually do the C to C course, it was still a great way to connect with nature and sleeping under the stars and with a bunch of other groups from America. It just was like really rewarding experience, especially for someone like me who loves hiking. Angle 1: Kids: I'm Noah from Brooklyn, New York, and I go to Congregation Beth Elohim and Osroe camp. I think one of my favorite things was the big Route 0026: favorite things was the big root one. Angle 1: Kids: One event because it brought together all the Jewish teens from all around the world and I think it was just like really cool to see five thousand other teens that were like also like me, that were also like came for the same reason as me and 0026: really cool to see five thousand other teams that were like also like me, that were also like came for the same reason as me and Angle 1: Kids: like wanted to have similar experiences and it's just like I do live in a place where there are Jews, but it's just like cool to see that there are so many who have similar views 0026: experiences and it's just like I do live in a place where there are Jews, but it's just like cool to see that there are so many who have similar views. Angle 1: Kids: as me. Amazing. my name is Ito Marbrash, I'm from Ramata Sharon here in Israel. I'd say also the highlight for my experience from the trip was also the Route One event. just I didn't I didn't understand like how how big this movement is and I'd even like after the Iran war and all and all the strikes and everything and just seeing that five thousand people from all around from North America like came to Israel and were there at 0027: As well with that. Angle 1: Kids: that moment that was like shocking to me. I know that for some of you this is your first trip to Israel. and I especially for you but also for others. I want to ask you what what surprised you about Israel? 0027: know that for some of you this is your first trip to Israel. and I especially for you but also for others. I want to ask you what what surprised you about Israel? Angle 1: Kids: Something that you didn't think about before. it could be for the positive or the negative, but something that we're really, really surprised to discover. something that surprised me was like how like all these like different religions like live in this one country 'cause we know like like Israel is the Jewish homeland 0027: Jewish home. Angle 1: Kids: and like how like like open we are with like our land, like w how we have Muslims and Christians and like the Druze one thing that was really surprising was the amount of security, especially. I think it was a really powerful moment going to just a regular upscale neighborhood and seeing a giant wall between seriously, between the neighborhood and I assume a zone A section of the West Bank. I think that was really powerful and just the amount of barbed wire fences everywhere between IDF bases and stuff. 0027: one thing that was really surprising was the amount of security, especially I think it was a really powerful moment going to just a regular upscale neighborhood and seeing a giant wall between seriously, between the neighborhood and I assume a zone A section of the West Bank. I think that was really powerful and just the amount of barbed wire fences everywhere between IDF bases and stuff. Angle 1: Kids: You know, I should tell you that 0027: No, yeah. Angle 1: Kids: when I was your age, I was part of a mission of 0027: Mission. Angle 1: Kids: the Israeli foreign ministry. And the mission was to send Israeli teenagers to American high 0027: Mission was to send Israeli teenagers to American Angle 1: Kids: schools and to talk to American students, not only Jewish students, about Israel. And what people be it was a long time ago, it was in nineteen eighty five. Can you believe it? Yeah. So what people used to think about Israel, yeah, you see you're impressed, is that Israel is like desert with camels, right? I mean this is what people had in mind. 0027: students not only Jewish students about Israel and what people back it was a long time ago, it was in nineteen eighty five. Can you believe it? Yeah. So what people used to think about Israel, yeah, press, is that Israel is like desert with camels, right? And this is what people had in mind. Angle 1: Kids: like no we're like a modern country blah blah blah so it's interesting to think about what you know what do you think about Israel and 0027: So it's interesting to think about what, you know, what do you think about Israel? Angle 1: Kids: then what's what you found out when you're when you're actually here. No and also I think you touched on something I think you touched on something that is a staunch difference between life in Israel and life elsewhere. In some Jewish communities in in Europe let's say they do have serious security but it's not like everywhere. 0027: I and also I think you touched on something I think you touched on something that is a staunch difference between life in Israel and life elsewhere. In some Jewish communities in in Europe, let's say, they do have serious security, but it's not like everywhere. Angle 1: Kids: And you know and that's that's unfortunate certainly part of the Israeli psyche is that when you walk into a store or 0027: really psyche is that when you walk into a store or a mall, right, you have to show your bag, you have to do a little semi- Angle 1: Kids: mall right have to show your bag and to do this I remember when I went to America I just automatically opened my bag at the shopping mall and be like what are you doing you know and and you know in terms of how that like and I think you know because many of you were not here in the pre-October 7th world 0027: Because many of you were not here in the pre October seventh road. Angle 1: Kids: I mean Hila and Itamaran and Shai were but there's a heightened sense of awareness and I think even trauma about the security situation so so so you're picking up on that I 0027: There's a heightened sense of awareness, I think, even trauma, about the security situation. So so you're picking up on that. Angle 1: Kids: think that's that's important. I just think that it was really cool to see the Judaism just in regular day 0027: I just think that it was really cool to see the Judaism just in regular day Angle 1: Kids: to day life. For me I don't have a ton of Jewish people in my area, so I only really encounter Jewish things at temple or at camp. So when we went to a mall and I saw Tefillin, like just sitting there for people to use, I think it was really cool for me to see because I don't see that unless I go somewhere specifically Jewish, so to see just people in the street wearing 0027: see that unless I go somewhere specifically Jewish so to see just people in the street wearing their kibas or praying. Angle 1: Kids: keepas or praying. It was really cool as a someone who doesn't live in an area with a lot of Jews. just how everyone is still able to live or most people are still able 0027: just how everyone is still able to live, or most people are still able. Angle 1: Kids: to live a regular life after everything that's happened here in Israel. like we went to I believe it was like Ifakim and y we saw the people there and we talked with 0027: To I believe it was like Ifakim. Fakim? Of and we saw the people there and we talked with with someone and it really surprised me how the people there are still able to lead regular lives after everything that Angle 1: Kids: with someone and it really surprised me how the people there are still able to lead regular lives after everything that has happened to them and after everything that's happened to the whole state of Israel. 0027: Yeah, I think that's something that's it was also astonishing for us, right, to understand that people get used to everything. I mean Angle 1: Kids: Yeah, I think that's something that's it was also astonishing for us, right, to understand that people get used to everything. I mean during the war, you know, we had sirens all the time and we just got used to a reality where we have to run to you know the shelter a few times a day and I actually that drove me crazy because I said we have, you know, there are some things we can't get used to, right? Because if a if a reality is crazy, we need to try to change it. So there are some things that are troubling, but it's true. I mean you get used to, you know, this kind of reality and thank God 0027: And we just got used to a reality where we had to run to the shelter a few times a day and I actually that drove me crazy because I said we have, you know, there are some things we can't get used to, right? Because if if if a reality is crazy, we need to try to change it. So there are some things that are troubling, but it's true. I mean we get used to, you know, this kind of reality and thank God Angle 1: Kids: now we have a ceasefire. I I hope it remains a ceasefire. But it is sort of living between sort of between traumas and between crises, 0027: sort of living big dreams sort of between traumas and between crisis. Angle 1: Kids: completely. It was a little bit unrealistic, but when I was back in America, I was always picturing Israel as like a disconnected place where everything was like there were so many perfect sights and everyone was super religious and everything. But when I got here, one thing that one of my friends said to me, we were riding from the bus away from the airport, 0028: But when I was back in America, I was always picturing Israel as like a disconnected place where everything was like there were so many perfect sites and everyone was super religious and everything. But when I got here, one thing that one of my friends said to me, we were riding from the bus away from the airport. Angle 1: Kids: and she was like, if this if we didn't just have a sixteen hour flight, you would think look out the window and think this is America. Like it looks the exact same. And I was like, That's really powerful because 0028: And she was like, if this if we didn't just have a sixteen hour flight, you would think look out the window and think this is America. Like it looks the exact same. And I was like, that's really powerful because Angle 1: Kids: It really is just another place where people live and all the people have the same feelings and emotions that we do. And I don't know, I should have thought about that, but I never really occurred to me. It's like a Western country, so in the sense it's very, very similar to the Yeah, and listen, you Ben Gurion's dream, you know, the first prime minister and you know 0028: it really is just another place where people live and all the people have the same feelings and emotions that we do. And I don't know, I should have thought about that, but I never really occurred to me. It's like a West End country, so in this sense it's very, very similar to the Yeah, and listen, you know, Bengorian's dream, you know, the first prime minister, you know Angle 1: Kids: the one who declared the establishment of the state was that Israel was going to be a normal country. 0028: establishment of the state was that Israel was going to be a normal country. Angle 1: Kids: I I don't know what a normal country is, but that he he dreamed of seeing Israel, you know, as an advanced 0028: is but that he he dreamed of seeing Israel you know as an advanced Angle 1: Kids: industrial democracy just like other you know big cities in Europe or in America and there's a question about like okay it was he right that he achieved that if you look at some of the skyscrapers in Tel Aviv and Haifa you know and and around the city and even you're in Jerusalem and then sometimes there's still elements of you're in the Middle East as well. You can go from the skyscraper to the Bedouin tent 0028: industrial democracy just like other you know big cities in Europe or in America and there's a question about like okay it was he right that he achieved that if you look at some of the skyscrapers in Tel Aviv and Haifa you know and and around the city and even here in Jerusalem and then sometimes there's still elements of you're in the Middle East as well right you can go from the skyscraper to the Bedouin tent Angle 1: Kids: in an hour drive okay and you have those sort of staunch just juxtapositions that sort of 0028: in an hour drive, okay, and they have those sort of staunch jux juxtapositions that sort of highlight those the the you know the current reality's also very different between Jer Tel Avi and Jerusalem. So Tel Aviv really feels sort of like this Western bubble in Jerusalem has its you know complexities and beauties and strange things that we see that is very, very different. So I think and I think for for many, many years Israel's like looked for America for inspiration and tried to be Angle 1: Kids: highlight those the the you know the current reality yeah and I think it's also very different between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. So Tel Aviv really feels sort of like this Western bubble and Jerusalem has its you know complexities and beauties and strange things that we're seeing that is very, very different. So I think and I think for for many many years Israel's like looked for America for inspiration and tried to be more like America and in many, many ways, you know, we live s in some sense similar ways of life but you know 0028: some sense similar ways of life, but you know, Angle 1: Kids: as we've talked about the security situation, some things are very, very different. And I'm curious to ask, how many of you have been have you you know been discussing sort of current events as they are and how has that been presented to you and and how you know what are some of the different opinions or perspectives that you've heard? Right? You you know you've heard someone who lives in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank or in Judean Samaria and you met Israeli Arabs or Palestinian 0028: as we talk about the security situation, some things are very, very different. I'm curious to ask how many of you have been have you you know been discussing sort of current events as they are and how has that been presented to you and and how you know what are some of the different opinions or perspectives that you've heard. Right? You you know you heard someone who lives in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank or in Judean Samaria and you met Israeli Arab republican Palestinian Israelis and you met you know a whole slew of you know Israeli and Badwins and your own Israeli friends. Angle 1: Kids: Israelis and you met you know a whole slew of you know Israeli and Bedouins and your own Israeli friends So I'd love to hear more about that in terms of like what what does this being here at this exact moment mean, which is a there's a lot of tension in the air in in Israel and how how does that feel to you and how have you been processing that a bit? 0028: So I'd love to hear more about that in terms of like what what is this being here at this exact moment mean, which is a there's a lot of tension in the air in in Israel and how how does that feel to you and how have you been processing that a bit? Angle 1: Kids: it feels powerful because as much as the media portrays one way that nobody gets along, the reality is is is that people still live their regular lives. In the Bedouin community, the high school for a minute just looked like a regular American high school. It didn't even feel like you were in Israel. It's it's just very disconnected. 0028: it feels powerful because as much as the media portrays one way that nobody gets along, the reality is that people still live their regular lives. In the Bedouin community, the high school for a minute just looked like a regular American high school. It didn't even feel like you were in Israel. It's it's just very disconnected. Yeah, I yeah, I should tell you that part of the things that we're doing. Angle 1: Kids: I I yeah, I should tell you that part of the things that we're doing and at Iraq we're working for many, many, many issues trying to promote equality for all Israelis, 0028: issues trying to promote equality for all Israelis. Angle 1: Kids: both Jews and non-Jews, and one of the things that we are troubled with is really Bedouins living in unrecognized villages. I don't know wha which place you visited specifically. 0028: we are troubled with is really that it is living in unrecognized villages. I don't know what which place you've visited specifically Angle 1: Kids: and right now specifically with the elections approaching, you know, we have elections at the end 0028: specifically with the elections approaching, you know we have elections then Angle 1: Kids: of October, we are troubled by the fact that the Bedouins are the only sector in Israel who do not have ballot boxes. 0028: fact that the veterans are the only sector in Israel who do not have ballot boxes Angle 1: Kids: Very close to their homes. And you know, we have actually to go in person and need to put the ballot in the ballot box. And they have to drive a few hours, and that's why not a lot of them are are voting. And so we are trying to change this. That's just an example of the things we're doing because there are some differences among different sectors in Israel. And we demand from a Jewish perspective that all Israelis would be treated the same 0028: very close to their homes and you know we have actually to go in person and we need to put the ballot in the ballot box and they have to drive a few hours and that's why not a lot of them are are voting and so we are trying to change this that's just an example of the things we're doing because there are some differences among different sectors in Israel and we demand from a Jewish perspective that all these ways would be treated the same Angle 1: Kids: and because all of us were created in the image of God. So that's just one example of some things that seem you know normal but some. 0028: just one example of some things that seem, you know, normal but sometimes Angle 1: Kids: Sometimes there are disparities which require our attention 0028: there are disparities which require our attention. Angle 1: Kids: and our work to change this. I remember we were at Kivat Khaviva and we met these Israeli Arabs and they were talking about like how each one of them they don't really know how to identify themselves. Mm-hmm. And also there was this Israeli woman who like very different 0029: So there was this Israeli woman who like very different Angle 1: Kids: from like where I come from, she like really agreed with them on a lot of on a lot of topics, even about like with like the situation with October seventh and that really surprised me. living in Israel, I like me myself, I'm like very curious about the situation and everything. So I like to go to the West Bank. 0029: think Angle 1: Kids: And I like to like meet the people and and see how it is. And I think 0029: and I like to like meet the people and and see how it is and I and I Angle 1: Kids: that it's like a great honor for me to live in this country and be able to go and meet with each one of these people and to assess my own opinion. Because in two years I can I can vote and also I am going to the military. And I want to go there and know what I'm doing and know that I'm doing it because I want it and not because this is like something coming from above or this is what like the norm is. So as an Israeli teenager, I think like each and every one of us should at least be curious about where we. Yeah, I think that's super important and I think it really applies to all of you that a lot of time people are speaking about Israel, but un until you come here and see it with with your own eyes and actually get to meet so many people and see so many things, it could really make a difference, right? Because Israel is not like this distant picture, but it's actually an experience you've just you know had through many, many different you know meetings and and and sessions, and I think that's as you said, it's like the most important thing to actually come and see with your own eyes 0029: Yeah, I think that's super important and I think it really applies to all of you that a lot of times people are speaking about Israel but un until you come here and see through with your own eyes and actually get to meet so many people and see so many things, it could really make a difference, right? Because Israel is not like this distant picture but it's actually an experience you've just, you know, had through many, many different, you know, meetings and and and sessions and I think that's as you said, it's like the most important thing to actually come and see with your own eyes. Angle 1: Kids: what's actually going on. Anyone else want to come? 0029: Anyone else want comment Angle 1: Kids: Just about current events and any topics that you've discussed in terms of whether it's like the war or you know post October seventh and how that's playing out. You guys went down to see the Nova sites, right? And Tkumah and the Kibutzim. 0029: just about current events and any topics that you've discussed in terms of whether it's like the war or, you know, post October seventh and how that's playing out. You guys went down to see the Nova sites, right? And Tkuma and the Kibutzim. Angle 1: Kids: that must have been did you ask the Israelis that were traveling, did you ask them about their political opinions at all? Or sort of? 0029: did you ask the Israelis that were traveling to you ask them about their political opinions at all? Or sort of? Was it well? Was Angle 1: Kids: But that's part of the what I love about Israel is that you could open the phone book randomly at two in the morning and just call any one person and have an hour long argument about politics, okay? Especially with a taxi driver, okay? And then and then and then but we still you you know we see each other as family. So the you know we can really 0029: it type of that's part of the what I love about Israel is that you could open the phone book randomly at two in the morning and just call any one person and have an hour long argument about politics, okay? Especially with a taxi driver, okay? And then and then and then but we still you you know we see each other as family. So the you know, we can really Angle 1: Kids: get into it and argue. Do you get any any discussions that you guys have had about you know politics or current events or anything like that? I can share 0029: Get into it and argue. Did you guys any any discussions that you guys have had about you know politics or current events or anything like that? I can share. Angle 1: Kids: one. We had a talk with I forgot her name, but her brother wrote a book. So Morinon? Yes. Brother Mao. Together with Azina. I think it's just like an important one to share with because we had 0029: Yeah, yeah. I think it's just like an important one to share with because we have Angle 1: Kids: like a really interesting experience with it. Like I think from what I got from she was very leftist and she shared her she shared her story about her parents getting killed on October 0029: think from what I got from she was very leftist and she shared her she shared her story about her parents getting killed on Angle 1: Kids: 7th. Which was very horrible. we heard a lot of different like arguments and like she was basically saying we had to humanize everybody and he was saying, Well, what about 0029: She was basically saying we had to humanize everybody, and he was saying, Well, what about Angle 1: Kids: the people like that killed the Jews and she like wasn't able to answer these questions and we all had like we wanted to agree with her and we wanted to like hear her perspective and we all thought it was important to hear her's perspective but 0029: and she like wasn't able to answer these questions and we all had like we wanted to agree with her and we wanted to like hear her perspective and we all thought it was important to hear her's perspective but we wanted but she couldn't answer our questions and like I think we all had trouble with Angle 1: Kids: We wanted but she couldn't answer our questions and like I think we all had trouble with that and I think that's an important thing to like bring up here because like we wanna hear many perspectives and her perspective she had a lot of right ideas but we couldn't hear it in the right way. I'm Sammy Van Wall, I'm from 0029: Say it in one. Angle 1: Kids: Madison, Wisconsin, and I go to Temple Bethel and I also go to Osari in the summer. 0029: In the summer. Angle 1: Kids: to add on to what Noah was speaking about, I think a lot of us 0029: What Noah was speaking about. I think a lot of us Angle 1: Kids: Have kind of just heard a lot of like assumptions about Israel just like growing up and like in our Jewish communities at home and stuff. But I think that actually like hearing it firsthand and hearing all the different opinions, it's like we don't even know like what to not necessarily believe, but we don't know like what we agree with, what we don't agree 0029: have kind of just heard a lot of like assumptions about Israel just like growing up and like in our Jewish communities at home and stuff. But I think that actually like hearing it firsthand and hearing all the different opinions, it's like we don't even know like what to not necessarily believe, but we don't know like what we agree with, but we don't agree. Angle 1: Kids: with, what's right, what's wrong, because it's such like a deep conversation that has always been going on and probably still has a 0029: a deep conversation that has always been going on and probably still has a long way to go. And so I think just hearing all of like the current events and Angle 1: Kids: long way to go. And so I think just hearing all of like the current events and other people's opinions is just like really meaningful for all of us because it's just like deepening our perspective and our opinions and like I think it's just shaping our beliefs as well. 0030: Other people's opinions is just like really meaningful for all of us because it's just like deepening our perspective and our opinions, and like I think it's just shaping our beliefs as well. Angle 1: Kids: I 0030: I I also wanted to ask that you, you know, obviously like another thing we have in common in both our countries is the major attack on the democratic system. Angle 1: Kids: I also wanted to ask that you you know, obviously like another thing we have in common in both our countries is the major attack on the democratic system. I don't know if this is something that has been you know, that you you sort of talked about during during the this past four weeks, the fact that we have governments and administrations who are really trying to attack the very basic of both Israeli 0030: sort of talked about during during the this past four weeks, the fact that we have governments and administrations were really trying to attack the very basic of both Israeli Angle 1: Kids: and American democracy. And in this sense we have a lot of similarities in the challenges we face and in trying to actually you know protect 0030: challenges we face and in trying to actually, you know, protect our democracy because we know that, I mean, especially as Jews, we know how important Angle 1: Kids: democracies because we know that I mean especially as Jews we know how important it is to have minorities protected but of course all of us. So I don't know if this is something that hasn't been talked about at all during your trip I think we've talked about how we can in like educate ourselves and also we've 0030: We can like educate ourselves and also we Angle 1: Kids: worked to listen to different opinions and we've seen so many different communities and also they talk about how the different communities in Israel impact them and how they're impacted by the government, by society, 0030: They talk about how the different communities in Israel impact them and how they're impacted by the government, by society. Angle 1: Kids: by like their living. And I think because each group is so unique, it's it's different for all of them and like it's important to respect each 0030: I think because each group is so unique, it's it's different for all of them and like it's important to respect each. Angle 1: Kids: group and I think we talked about that and learning and educating yourself 0030: And educating Angle 1: Kids: can help you be better at that. 0030: questions. Angle 1: Kids: discuss questions. Have you you know encountered that in terms of like what is it like is it different than what you might be used to? And even the you know words and terms that we use sometimes when you vet Israelis and like what what what is it? What does it all mean? Yeah? And then and then we got the other. I think it's definitely different, like, 'cause in America you definitely do not see like people praying in the streets and like with like you do see some orthodox depending on where you live. 0030: You see some Orthodox depending on the Jews, yeah. Yeah. Angle 1: Kids: Depending where you live, but it's different. Yeah, yeah, yeah. 0030: It's different. For the there's a Jewish public culture that's all around. Yeah. Angle 1: Kids: it seems like it's all or none. either you have the se I would determine be secular 0030: it seems like it's all or none. I you have the se I would the terminology be secular. Angle 1: Kids: or or just not as religious where maybe you follow s a few of the traditions, maybe you light candles on Hanukkah or something like that, but you're otherwise your everyday life is just like, yeah, I'm Jewish 'cause I'm in Israel and that's just how I am. Yeah. Or there's on the other hand you have what you were talking about, the Black Hatters. Yeah, but that's that's what that's what we reference to that as well. Doing to fill in 0030: just whatever maybe you follow s a few of the traditions, maybe you light candles on Hanukkah or something like that, but your otherwise your everyday life is just like, yeah, I'm Jewish because I'm in Israel and that's just how I am. Yeah. Or there's on the other hand you have what you were talking about, the Black Hatters. Orthodox. That's that's what that's what we were referenced to that as well. Doing to fill in Angle 1: Kids: Playing pr praying at the Western Wall, super Orthodox, or as much or following as much Orthodox as possible. So it's really all or nothing. And then this reform movement is growing, but it's still not really the major, a major thing here. It's all or nothing. So yeah, I think it's really interesting because there was used to be a saying that the synagogue most Israelists don't go to is Orthodox, 0030: playing pr praying at the Western Wall super Orthodox or as mu or following as much Orthodox as possible. So it's really all or nothing. And then this reform movement is growing, but it's still not really the major, a major thing here. It's all or nothing. So yeah, I think it's very really interesting because there was used to be a saying that the synagogue most Israelist don't go to Israel Orthodox. Angle 1: Kids: right? Because most Israelists are not observant, but when they think 0030: Most Israelis are not observant, but when they thought Angle 1: Kids: thought about the synagogue synagogue they had in an Orthodox synagogue, well this has changed, especially if you go to secular Israelis, which is most of the Israelis, they would now think of a reform or a conservative synagogue as an option for them to go for the high 0030: about the synagogue they had in an Orthodox synagogue, well this has changed, especially if you go to secular Israelis, which is most of the Israelis, they would now think of a reform or a conservative synagogue as an option for them to go for them. Angle 1: Kids: holidays, to have a bar mitzvah for the sun, to have reform or conservative weddings. So this has changed and it 0030: So this has changed and Angle 1: Kids: took a lot of effort by us and by many others to actually create this alternative as a viable and accessible alternative for Israelis because for many years people were just educated 0030: Create this alternative as a viable and accessible alternative for Israelites because for many years people were just educated Angle 1: Kids: To understand this is what you have, like you said, either being secular or orthodox. And we're telling Israelis you can be a Jew and a liberal. You don't have to choose between those, because with this choice, some would say, then I don't want to do anything with Judaism. And we're telling them, you don't have to choose, you have another option. So it's really we think that Judaism teaches liberal 0030: to understand this is what you have, like you said, either being secular or orthodox. And we're telling Israelis you can be a Jew and a liberal, you don't have to choose between those because with this choice, some would say, Then I don't want to do anything with Judaism. And we're telling them you don't have to choose, you have another option. So it's and in fact, actually, we think that Judaism teaches liberal. Angle 1: Kids: values. Completely. And that democracy is actually a Jewish value. and we say that if we if our Jewish state doesn't have it isn't a democracy, that therefore 0030: Right and that democracy is actually a Jewish value. and we say that if we if our Jewish state doesn't have i isn't a democracy, it therefore can't Angle 1: Kids: Can't be Jewish also. Yeah, and I w I would say that all of our struggle for in in the courts and in the Knesset for the values that we believe in are done from a Jewish perspective. So we are fighting against racism, against Arabs, saying this is not our Judaism because we believe that all of us are 0030: be Jewish also. I would say that all of our struggle for in the in the courts and in the knesset for the values that we believe in are done from a Jewish perspective. So we are fighting against racism, against Arabs saying that this is not our Jewish and because we believe that all of us are Angle 1: Kids: should be given equal rights. And when we fight, you know, violation of women's rights, we're saying again, everybody should be equal. So we are doing this really from the perspective of Jewish values, and more and more Israelis are looking for that. Like you said, it's it is growing and people are looking for something else. And I think that's 0031: Right, we're saying again, everybody should be equal. So we are doing this really from the perspective of Jewish values, and more and more Israelis are looking for that. Like you said, is it is growing and people are looking for something else. And I think Angle 1: Kids: Really good news. something that I really noticed about Judaism in Israel compared to Judaism in America is that Judaism in America really it's Judaism may shape a small community or a 0031: that's a really good news. something that I really noticed about Judaism in Israel compared to Judaism in America is that Judaism in America really is Judaism may shape a small community or It's synagogue. But in Israel, Judaism kind of shapes the whole population. which I thought was really interesting to see the effects of it on the different areas and the different Angle 1: Kids: synagogue, but in Israel Judaism kind of shapes the whole population. which I thought was really interesting to see the effects of it on the different areas and the different cultures. 0031: cultures in Israel that aren't per se Jewish. Yeah, that's really interesting. The tension between Jews and non-Jews, but also between observant Jews and non-observant Jews, right? So it makes sure that no religion is coerced upon you, right? If you don't want to so that's also really interesting. Angle 1: Kids: Yeah, that's really interesting. The tension between Jews and non Jews, but also between observant Jews and non observant Jews, right? So it makes sure that no religion is coerced upon you, right, if you don't want to. So that's also really interesting, sort of having those lines drawn. more on like the spiritual side, if that makes sense, I think just being Jewish here just feels so much different. I think since it's such a big part of Israel and its culture, it just like it just feels so special to be Jewish here versus in America. It's not 0031: more on like the spiritual side if that makes sense. I think just being Jewish here just feels so much different. I think since it's such a big part of Israel and its culture, it just like it just feels so special to be Jewish here versus in America, it's not part of it's not really part of like America's like core, you know, like not that Angle 1: Kids: part of it's not really part of like America's like core, you know, like not that many people are Jewish in America. It's not you don't see Jewish people on the street really. Like there's very small communities, especially where I live, there's not very many Jewish people. So being able to be Jewish here where a majority of 0031: Jewish in America. It's not you don't see Jewish people on the street really. Like there's very small communities, especially where I live, there's not very many Jewish people. So being able to be Jewish here where a majority Angle 1: Kids: the population is also Jewish, it just feels so natural and it I feel like it brings 0031: It just feels so natural and it I feel like it brings Angle 1: Kids: out like more of the religion side, at least for me, I just feel more connected and more like in tune with the religious side and it's just easier to feel that way. That's wonderful. The whole concept of majority versus minority culture. I mean you you really you really feel it just being here. Yeah. Amazing. 0031: side, at least for me, I just feel more connected and more like in tune with the religious side and it's just easier to feel that way. Yeah, the whole concept of majority versus minority culture, I mean you you really you really feel it just being here, yeah. Angle 1: Kids: I'm Hila. I live in Jerusalem. I go to Osuru in the summer and I go to Harel in Jerusalem. as a Reform Israeli Jew who lives in Israel, it's weird because here I'm not Jewish enough often. People say, you're Reform? What does that even mean? You're basically secular. But then when I go to America, I'm the most r religious person in the room. So it's so odd. 0031: It's weird because here I'm not Jewish enough often. People say, you're reformed, what does that even mean? You're basically secular. But then when I go to America, I'm the most r religious person in the room. So it's so odd. Angle 1: Kids: Like I don't keep Shabbat, but I do all the prayers. So people are confused. So what are you? Uh-huh. They don't understand that it's another option. And it's weird this change between when I'm in Israel and then when I go to America, it's like I'm two different people, 0031: Shabbat but I do all the prayers. So people are confused. So what are you? They don't understand that it's another option. And it's weird this change between when I'm in Israel and then when I go to America, it's like I'm two different people. Angle 1: Kids: but it and how religious I am, but I'm just the same. Have you ever experienced any people giving you a hard time for being a reform Jew in Israel? 0031: Have you ever experienced any people giving you a hard time for being a reform to in Israel? Very often. People don't know what it is and they're like Angle 1: Kids: Very often. People don't know what it is and they're like, So why don't you just go to synagogue? And I say, I do go to synagogue And they say But you're together? That's not a real synagogue. Men and women together? That's not a real synagogue. 0031: They say But you're together? That's not a real synagogue. Men and women together? That's not a real synagogue. Angle 1: Kids: What do you mean? still have a long way to go. We're working on it. We're working on this on social media and we're you know teaching Israelites that there 0031: We're working on this on social media and we're, you know, teaching Israelis with the Angle 1: Kids: is more than one way to be Jewish in the Jewish state. a big difference between being Jewish in America and being Jewish in Israel is like and 0031: big difference between being Jewish in America and being Jewish in Israel is like Angle 1: Kids: one reason why like a lot of Israelis are secular is because in America if you wanna be Jewish you have to like try and act on it. Like you're not just Jewish in your day to 0031: Like you're not just Jewish in your data. Angle 1: Kids: day life, you have to go to your synagogue you have to make an effort, do Shabbat, do the prayers, which is why I think more people are reformer, more people are conservative. And I think that's like a really interesting thing, whereas like here every like not everybody, 0031: And I think that's like a really interesting thing whereas like here every like not every Angle 1: Kids: there are many different religions, but like most people are Jewish, so you don't have to act on it. You don't have to show it. You don't have to like ha like everybody is and 0031: so you don't have to act on it, you don't have to show it, you don't have to like like everybody is. Angle 1: Kids: I think that's a very interesting thing. I'm Shai. I'm from Pardeshana in Israel and 0031: I'm Shai. I'm from Palestana in Israel and Angle 1: Kids: I'm a Madricha of this amazing group. I would say that this month I felt the most Jewish I ever felt. 0031: I would say that this month I felt the most Jewish I ever felt. Really. Like usually the thing that makes me really feel Jewish is doing kiddush and shishi with my family and like holidays. But this month every day I did something that made me feel Jewish. And I think it's very special about America. Also, when I've been in summer camp, I felt that. All the prayers, even doing the katamazon, I was also responsible for Angle 1: Kids: Really. Like usually the thing that makes me really feel Jewish is doing kiddosh in shishi with my family and like holidays. But this month every day I did something that made me feel Jewish and I think it's very special about America. Also when I've been in summer camp I felt that. So 0032: And to be left. So it made me really connected and to appreciate the food and eating and everything. I felt really connected this month. Wow. Angle 1: Kids: It made me really connected and to appreciate the food I'm eating and everything. I felt really connected this month. 0032: And I I think a lot of Israelis have this experience when they go to North America, to camp, or to and suddenly they discover a different kind of Judaism and they go back and they discover we have this amazing kind of Judaism here in Israel, and then they they connect to her from Judaism which is about ten minutes left and I want you to know Angle 1: Kids: And I I think a lot of Israelis have this experience when they go to North America to camp or who and suddenly they discover a different kind of Judaism and they go back and they discover we have this amazing kind of Judaism here in Israel and then they they connect to her from Judaism which is right, so we have about ten minutes left and I just want you to know I i in case you're you weren't aware of who you're sitting with here. Orly is a sought-after speaker for every group that comes to Israel and people bring her to America to speak in their synagogues. So I want you to make the most of the opportunity to you can ask Orly any question. I'm here too. But especially if it has to do with the government or legal stuff, you know, Orley has argued over a hundred cases in front of the Israeli Supreme Court. Okay, it's a really big deal. and I'll just say one else, one thing else that you should know 0032: sought-after speaker for every group that comes to Israel and people bring her to America to speak in their synagogues. So I want you to make the most of the opportunity to you can ask Orly any question. I'm here too. But especially if it has to do with the government or legal stuff. You Orly has argued over a hundred cases in front of the Israeli Supreme Court. Okay, it's a really big deal. And I'll just say one else, one thing else that you should know. Angle 1: Kids: is that you may have heard that there are some 0032: is that you may have heard that there are some Angle 1: Kids: Politicians and ministers who we would call racist 0032: politicians and ministers who we would call racist. Angle 1: Kids: in the government. Okay? If it weren't for Orley, there would be more. Okay? Because in 2019 she argued this case in which the Knesset barred three potential candidates or three candidates from running for Knesset because they broke the laws of racism in the country. Okay? That's a really big deal, and it's something that we in the reform movements 0032: Okay. Because in twenty nineteen she argued this case in which the Knesset barred three potential candidate or three candidates from running for Knesset because they broke the laws of racism in the country. Okay? That's a really big deal and it's something that we in in the reform of Angle 1: Kids: in America are really proud of. Okay? So you have an opportunity for. 0032: So you have the opportunity for the next few minutes to ask or the Angle 1: Kids: The next few minutes to ask or leave you know me, but yeah, any questions. And thank you for that. And really anything that's on your mind that is sort of really bugging your like I wanna understand this. This is like something that I I'm still need to figure out. 0032: this. This is like something that I I still need to figure out. Angle 1: Kids: how do you think us teenagers should deal with like the hate towards Israel and anti Semitism? 0033: should deal with like the hate towards Israel and anti Semitic Angle 1: Kids: Great question. 0033: Great question. I think that the answer to that is really to tell people that the reality is more nuanced than. Angle 1: Kids: I think that the answer to that is really to tell people that the r reality is more nuanced and complex than what people think. And I think that we have a lot of problems now in Israel which are focused around our government. But what it's important to stress is that Israeli people are not the same as the Israeli government. So we have the government which is very extreme and racist and homophobic and against women and against our democracy, but we have a majority of Israelis who are against it. 0033: very extreme and racist and homophobic and against women and against our democracy, but we have a majority of Israelis who are against us Angle 1: Kids: And who are actually looking 0033: and who are actually looking Angle 1: Kids: for a better future and who believe in liberal values. And in this sense, we need to sort of tell people there are so many good people in Israel 0033: sense we need to sort of tell people there are so many good people in Israel. Angle 1: Kids: who are trying to make Israel a better place. And I spoke before about the different, the same, you know, similar challenges that we have. I think we have some similar problems in America. I mean, we have a very problematic president, American president, that a lot of people don't agree with what he's doing, but they're not giving up on America. They're like, okay, we're gonna fight and change and make America better. 0033: spoke before about the different the same you know similar challenges that we have. I think we have some similar process in America. I mean we have a very problematic president, American president, but a lot of people don't agree with what he's doing, but they're not giving up on America. They're like, okay we're gonna fight and change and make America better. Angle 1: Kids: I don't I wouldn't say great again, 0033: I don't I wouldn't say great again. Angle 1: Kids: but but so so really differentiate between like who the person who is in power and what the people really are. And I think what you saw from this trip is that there are so many people, so many opinions and so many views, and we have to learn that. Obviously that's hard to express in a you know short conversation, but like I would say that's sort of the matter. I would just build on that to say so first of all, I think it's important to call it out. 0033: So to really differentiate between like with a person who is in power and what the people really are. And I think what you saw on this trip is that there are so many people, so many opinions and so many views and we have to learn that obviously that's hard to express in a you know short conversation, but like I would say that's sort of Yeah, I I would I would just build on that to say so first of all, I think it's important to call it out. Angle 1: Kids: If someone paints a swastika in your locker, like 0033: Now if someone paints a swastika in your locker, like Angle 1: Kids: That's pretty clearly anti-Semitic. But if someone says like, hey, I don't understand why there should be a Jewish state to begin with, and you say, well, wait a second, I want you to understand how that, how I hear that. And I was actually just there this summer. and you can, as Rolly said, you can disagree with the policies of the Jewish state, but it's different than saying that the Jewish state has a right to exist. And it's also important to know whom you're standing before. 0033: that's pretty clearly anti-Semitic. But if someone says like, hey, I don't understand why there should be a Jewish state to begin with, and you say, well wa wait a second, I I want you to understand how that how I hear that. And I was actually just there this summer. and you can it's really saying you can disagree with the policies of the Jewish state, but it's different than saying that the Jewish state has a right to exist. and it's also important to know whom you're standing before. Angle 1: Kids: Okay. Is it possible to have a conversation with them? Or is it someone to say, you 0033: Okay, is it possible to have a conversation with them or is it someone to say, you know, hey, let we gotta Angle 1: Kids: know, hey, let we gotta get out of here. Okay. 0033: What is it in that, but let's get more questions. Angle 1: Kids: Thank you, 'cause I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that like when I told people that I was coming here, they were like, Really? Right now? 0033: Really, right now? I really want to say that it's amazing that we chose to come right now at this really troubling Angle 1: Kids: really want to say that it's amazing that you chose to come right now at this really troubling and not so simple moment. like you said, to see it with your own eyes, to actually understand what's happening in order for you to be able to be more knowledgeable and to be able to answer such questions, which I'm sure all you are encountering. And I know it's not 0033: In order for you to be able to be more knowledgeable and to be able to answer such questions which I'm sure all you are encountering and I know it's not Angle 1: Kids: easy. Like I'm that's why I really appreciate you're here. from my understanding you've been working at just rights and equality for a really long time. How do you still like feel motivated to keep going after it's so hard to just like that's a great question. Yeah, really? A great question. Well, first of all, meeting you people make me hopeful. looking at at at you know the future. And I want to tell you 0033: feel motivated to keep going after it's so hard to just like that's a great question. Yeah really well first of all meeting you people make me hopeful. looking at at at you know the future and I wanna tell you Angle 1: Kids: that first of all, I do it because first of all, I have an amazing staff, right? We have here Tal who's taking the photos and the videos, and we have Noam, our producer, and we have so many good people here in our staff who are communicating. 0033: The photos and the videos, and we have no producer, and we have so many good people here in our staff who are committed Angle 1: Kids: And dedicated to make things better. And we have many, many, many Israelis who share our views. And every time I went to a protest in the streets for the last four years, and you can imagine it's been dozens and hundreds of times, I saw that you know the fact that I was surrounded by so many people gave me a lot of energy and you know made me understand I'm not alone. And not only do I feel surrounded by a lot of 0033: and dedicated to make things better. And we have many, many, many Israelis who share our views. And every time I went to a protest in the streets for the last four years, and you can imagine, it's been dozens and hundreds of times. I saw that you know the fact that I was surrounded by so many people gave me a lot of energy and you know made me understand I'm not alone. And not only do I feel surrounded by a lot of Angle 1: Kids: Israelis, but I know that over the ocean, across the ocean, we have Josh. And no, and we have all of you and really so many people who care about Israel. 0033: We have Josh and no and we have all of you and really so many people who care about Israel Angle 1: Kids: and help us make this place a better place and I think this realization that we actually have the power 0033: and help us make this place a better place and I think this realization that we actually have the power Angle 1: Kids: and we have the power to change. Okay, we are not helpless. Sometimes it's really hard against force evil forces that are in power to feel you know that we have actually w that we can actually change things. But I think that looking back, for instance in our struggle to release the hostages, okay, we have been in the streets for years, right? Three years to actually demand 0033: evil forces that are in power to feel you know that we have actually that we can actually change things but I think that looking back for instance in our struggle to release the hostages okay we have been in the streets for years right three years to actually demand Angle 1: Kids: the release of the hostages as by the way a Jewish command and the the hostages came back. Unfortunately not all of them, but they did come back. And I I truly believe that the public pressure 0033: the release of the hostages as by the way a Jewish command and then the hostages came back. Unfortunately not all of them but they did come back and I I truly believe that the public Angle 1: Kids: mattered. And so I think that even when we feel we don't have power, we have so much more power than we understand. And this realization makes me, you know, gives me energy to continue, especially that we're now facing elections and we're at the very very close to a point where we would be able to bring about real political change. 0033: so much more power than we understand. And this realization makes me, you know, gives me energy to continue, especially that we're it's now facing elections and we're at the very, very close to a point where we will be able to bring about real political change and Angle 1: Kids: And I believe this is possible and hopefully it will really steer Israel into the right direction. But thank you for that. Our dream, by the way, is for early 0033: I believe this is possible and hopefully it will really steer Israel into the right direction. And our dr our dream by the way is for Orley to be unemployed. Angle 1: Kids: as Jews in America and as teens, like what do you think we can do 0034: What do you think we can do? Angle 1: Kids: as tech? Help like this issue and to help like make peace, I guess. Like we can obviously talk about it, 0034: make peace I guess. Like we can obviously talk about it. Angle 1: Kids: inform people, but like what do you think you you would do? Great question. So that's that's the first thing that you said. I think really sort of spread the message around about what's actually going on. And 0034: So that's that's the first thing that you said. I think really sort of spread the message around about what's actually going on and Angle 1: Kids: you're asking how can I do that? Well, first of all, this podcast, right, is a great idea to start with, the pluralist. Really tell people about that 0034: First of all, this podcast, right? So there's a good start with the pluralist. Really tell people about that. Angle 1: Kids: because I think a lot of people are actually looking for like a deep understanding. Of what's actually happening. There's so many things going around, so much fake news, and I think that's a really good opportunity. You should also follow IRAC on Facebook and on Instagram and you know understand what we're doing, what we're dealing with, what we're fighting, what actually is happening. I have also have a weekly newsletter. Probably 0034: so many things going around, so much fake news, and I think that's a really good opportunity. You should also follow IRA on Facebook and on Instagram and you know understand what we're doing what we're dealing with, what we're fighting, what actually is happening. I have I also have a weekly newsletter probably Angle 1: Kids: most young people don't really read weekly newsletter, but maybe your parents want to. That's another way for me to sort of tell people this is what happened this week and this is what we're 0034: Want to that's another way for me to sort of tell people this is what happened this week and this is what we've Angle 1: Kids: We've been doing around that. So I would say really get people to know what's going on and ask people to be engaged. And you know, this means that sometimes you know we ask people, they ask for Jews to help us and write emails, right? I don't know if you heard about this crazy law that this government wanted to pass, and thank God they didn't do it. a law that would criminal 0034: been doing around that. So I would say really get people to know what's going on and ask people to be engaged. And you know, this means that sometimes you know we ask people, they ask for our Jews to help us and write emails, right? I don't know if you heard about this crazy law that this government wanted to pass, and thank God they didn't do it. A lot of it with criminal. Angle 1: Kids: egalitarian prayer at the cotel, up to seven years in prison. What we did on Friday night. You could go to jail for doing that thing if this law were to pass. Yeah, thank God it didn't pass, but we asked. 0034: Like what we did on Friday night, you could go to jail for doing that thing if this law were to pass. Angle 1: Kids: All liberal Jews outside of Israel send emails, both to Israeli embassies and consulates, send emails to our prime minister and tell him I am a Jew, Israel is my homeland too. You can't criminalize 0034: to our Prime Minister and tell him I am a Jew, Israel is my homeland too, you can't prove Angle 1: Kids: the way I think and behave and pray. So sometimes we really ask you to be, you know, to you know be engaged and involved, and I think that's a really good way also to sort of help us in our work. I I think of a few other things as well, to build on that. As early said, education, you have to follow along with 0034: So sometimes we really ask you to be, you know, to you know, be engaged and involved, and I think that's a really good way also to sort of help us in our work. I I think of a few other things as well to build on that, as Rolly said, education. You have to follow along with what's going on and to be able to explain it in an articulate way, that's really important because whether you like it or not, people are gonna look to you now. Angle 1: Kids: going on and to be able to explain it in an articulate way. That's really important because whether you like it or not, people are going to look to you now for answers. Sammy, you were just an info. Tell us what it's like. Is it true like what we're reading on Instagram or TikTok or we're seeing the news? You know, is that true? Was that your experience? And you can't say, it was amazing. Okay, you have to give a little bit more. The second thing I want you to do is I want you to go back to your congregations and raise questions. Say, hey, are we supporting 0034: Sammy, you were just in Israel. Tell us what it's like. Is it true like what we're reading on Instagram or TikTok or we're seeing in the news? You know, is that true? Was that your experience? And you can't say, it was amazing. Okay, you have to give a little bit more. The second thing I want you to do is I want you to go back to your congregations and raise questions. Say, hey, are we supporting our Israeli reform movement? Are we getting involved with Iraq? Do we have a partnership congregation? How can we do more? How can we go back to Israel? Angle 1: Kids: our Israeli reform movement? Are we getting involved with Iraq? Do we have a partnership congregation? How can we do more? How can we go back to Israel? And the last thing is like, in two years, you guys are going to be able to vote. 0034: thing is like in two years you guys are gonna be able to vote. Okay, Angle 1: Kids: Okay, you're gonna be able to vote 0034: you're gonna be able to vote Angle 1: Kids: in in your districts, you know, in in in your local areas in America, and in just a few short years you'll be able to vote in the World Zionist Congress as well. Okay, and that's really important. We we just came from a meeting with the head of Kakal, 0034: And in just a few short years you'll be able to vote in the World Zionist Congress as well. Okay? And that's really important. We we just came from a meeting with the head of Kakal. Angle 1: Kids: the Jewish National Fund, okay, that we helped get there because your family members and friends voted. and that that makes a huge impact, actually. So there are tons of 0034: That we helped get there because your family members and friends voted. and that that makes a huge impact actually. So there are tons of things Angle 1: Kids: things that you can do. Think about your youth groups. Can you bring a program? Can you bring a program to camp? Okay? And talk about the experiences that you've had here as well. So it's a really good question and there is a lot 0034: that you can do. think about your youth groups. Can you bring a program? Can you bring a program to camp? Okay, and talk about the experiences that you've had here as well. so it's a really good question, and there is a lot. Angle 1: Kids: to do. Talking about like the government and like the post seventh of October government and now that we're coming up to the elections. who who are you going to vote for? And also like a lot of people are now positive that we're finally gonna have a change in the government 'cause a lot of people's opinions since the seventh of October about the government have changed. And when 0034: Changed and when Angle 1: Kids: I hope like the new government will come in place, what is like the first steps and the first things that need to be done right now? Yeah, heavy question. Well, I'm not gonna say who I'm gonna vote for because we're 0034: Yeah, heavy question. Well I'm not gonna say who I'm gonna vote for because we're a nonpartisan movement, but you can imagine I'm not voting for this government. Angle 1: Kids: nonpartisan movement but you can imagine I'm not voting for this government which is really the the most destructive government we've ever seen I think I I really hope that according to polls there is a real opportunity for change I think Israelis want a different government 0034: I think I I really hope that according to Poles there is a real opportunity for change. I think Israelis want a different government. Angle 1: Kids: and I think the problem is that there are so many things we need to fix and heal and reverse that the big question is what are the priorities, right? Because there are a lot of things both to protect our democracies, both on issues of religious pluralism, on fighting racism, on education 0034: There are so many things we need to fix and heal and reverse that the big question is what are the priorities, right? Because there are a lot of things, both to protect our democracies, both on issues of religious pluralism, on fighting racism, on educating Angle 1: Kids: Educating to democratic values, like huge, huge questions, investigating what happened in October 7th, really a zillion, you know, tons of questions. And I believe this a lot of things are gonna change. Relationship 0034: the democratic values, like huge, huge questions. investigating what happened in October 7th, really a zillion, you know, tons of questions. And I believe this this thing, a lot of things are gonna change. religion Angle 1: Kids: with the Haredi community here, right? Getting them going to the army, getting them, you know, conditioning funding on the fact that we'll actually study in their schools the core subject of math and English and science. So there are a lot of things, and I think in many of them, there's going to be change. We are going to work very hard with an 0034: getting them you know conditioning funding on the fact that we'll actually study in their schools the core subject of math and English and science. So there are a lot of things and I think in many of them there's going to be change. We are going to work very hard with an Angle 1: Kids: new government to demand change w once once there will be a government we can work with to actually not only reverse what you know the damage that this government has been doing but also to try to bring it bring about dramatic changes that would maybe 0035: maybe ensure Angle 1: Kids: ensure that these things could not happen again. 0035: that these things could not happen again. Angle 1: Kids: Other questions we have, maybe that one. I'm also planning to fly in to vote in October. I'll be voting for the good guys. and but we're also trying to encourage there's no absentee ballot from 0035: planning to fly in to vote in October. I'll be voting for the good guys. and but we're also trying to encourage you there's no absentee ballot Angle 1: Kids: for Israel. You have to be in person to vote. Okay, which is different than the United States. So we're trying to encourage as many Israeli citizens who are living abroad to come back and vote, especially if they vote for the 0035: Different than the United States. So we're trying to encourage as many Israeli citizens who are living abroad to come back and vote, especially if they vote for. Angle 1: Kids: good guys. You're right? Yeah. how do you think people like in your generation, because we might like us teens, we might understand how people in our generation view Judaism and Israel, but how do people in your generation 0035: think people like in your generation, because we might like us teens we might understand how people in our generation view Judaism Israel, but how do people in your generation Angle 1: Kids: view like view Israel and the conflict and just everything 0035: You Israel and the conflicts and just everything Angle 1: Kids: that's been happening lately? It's a good question. you're asking sp specifically about Israelis. Or not Israelis, like not Jewish people or Christians. specifically about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I think that unfortunately speaking about peace has become very rare in Israel, and especially post October seventh, people have become very distrustful of or and hard to believe that there would be a solution in the near future. at the same time, I think that a lot of people understand that 0035: Question. you're asking specifically about Israelis. I don't know Israelis, like Jewish people or Christians. specifically about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I think that unfortunately speaking about peace has become very rare in Israel, and especially post-October 7th, people have become very distrustful of or and hard to believe that there would be a solution in the near future. at the same time, I think that a lot of people understand that. Angle 1: Kids: a million 0035: military Angle 1: Kids: Military solution is not something that will solve our problems and that actually trying to ignore the conflict is not going to solve our problems because this is what this government has been doing and it literally exploded in our face. So I think it could go to either direction, and I think we are really depending on brave leadership, both Israeli and Palestinian, in order to get us on track and at least to try to envision a different future. I think one of the problems is that nobody speaks about peace, nobody speaks about where we should be going, 0035: solution is not something that will solve our problems and that actually trying to ignore the conflict is not going to solve our problems because this is what this government has been doing and it literally exploded in our face. So I think it could go to either direction and I think we are really depending on brave leadership, both Israeli and Palestinian, in order to get us on track and at least to try to envision a different future. I think one of the problems is that nobody speaks about peace, nobody speaks about where we should be going. Angle 1: Kids: and even if 0035: And even if Angle 1: Kids: It's a very long road, you need to have something you're aspiring to reach. and we need that from our leaders. We don't see it with most of our leaders because politically it's not considered like something that is helpful to be elected in Israel to talk about that, but I definitely think this is something that we should talk about in order to change this reality of living on our sword forever. This is not something that we should be adjusting to. Actually 0035: it's a very long road, you need to have something you're aspiring to reach. and we need that from our leaders. We don't see it with most of our leaders because politically it's not considered like something that is helpful to be elected in Israel to talk about that, but I definitely think this is something that we should talk about in order to change this reality of living on our sword forever. This is not something that we should be adjusting to. Angle 1: Kids: Early and I discussed this on our very first episode. 0035: Actually Oli and I discussed this on our very first episode Angle 1: Kids: of the podcast several months ago. And I'll just say that you know when I was in 10th grade, I watched on live TV the handshake on the White House lawn between President Clinton, Yasser Arafad, and Prime Minister Yuzak Rabbi. It was on my honeymoon, I think. I told you already. Yes, yeah, yes. I watched it on my honeymoon, yeah. And then I went through you know the rest of high school and college in the 90s and 0035: of the podcast several months ago. And I'll just say that you when I was in tenth grade, I watched on live TV the handshake on the White House lawn between President Clinton, Yasser Arafat, and Prime Minister Yitzlaq Ravi. It was on my honeymoon, I think. Is that your honeymoon? Yes, yeah, yes. I watched it on my honeymoon. and then I went through you know the rest of high school and college in the nineties and Angle 1: Kids: you know just a year and a half l after that 0035: just a year and a half li after that, Angle 1: Kids: I guess I was in twelfth grade already 0035: I guess I was in twelfth grade already. Angle 1: Kids: when when Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated and it left a huge 0035: assassinated and it left a huge Angle 1: Kids: ripple effect that was devastating. but I remained hopeful during that whole process in the 90s that there was gonna be peace. That it was actually gonna happen. And when I came here in the summer of 2000 after I graduated 0035: devastating. But I remained hopeful during that whole process in the 90s that there was going to be peace. It was actually going to happen. And I came here in the summer of 2000 after I got Angle 1: Kids: college and I was still very hopeful, and that that's when it started to all fall apart. 0035: Still very hopeful and that that's when it starts to all fall apart. Angle 1: Kids: For the last 26 years, we haven't been able to get back on track in terms of any real negotiations for peace. There was a little you know bit in 2008 and 2009 between Prime Minister Omer and 0035: Last 26 years we haven't been able to get back on track in terms of any real negotiations for peace. There was a little, you know, bit in 2008 and 2009 between Prime Minister Omer Omert and Angle 1: Kids: and and and Abu Mazdin. but it didn't result in anything. And then and then October 7th came. And so what I think ended up happening, at least amongst my generation, and and and not just my 0035: And so what I think ended up happening, at least amongst my generation, and and not generation Angle 1: Kids: generation, but when I think about North American Jews, is a deep sense of polarization. and that there are some who are sort of more in the left wing 0035: Is a deep sense of polarization. And that there are some who are sort of more in the left-wing Keith camp, I would say, and those who are saying, wait, actually, we have to prioritize human rights, and we have to prioritize a sense of democracy, and we have to prioritize actually a separation between two two peoples, whether you call that a two-state solution or not. Angle 1: Kids: Camp, I would say, and those who are saying, wait, actually, we have to we have to prioritize human rights, and we have to prioritize you know the a sense of democracy, and we have to prioritize actually a separation between two two peoples, whether you call that a two-state solution or not. And there are some who are saying, look, look what's happened over the past 26 years. Okay. 0035: And there are some who are saying, look, look what's happened over the past 26 years. Okay. Okay? Angle 1: Kids: Th there are no prospects for peace. Okay? And those are very, very difficult, tension filled discussions. And each one there is elements of truth to both of those. Okay? And sometimes I find myself saying, like, you know, th it's really hard to keep to keep to our guns. And so I think there are those who have lost faith, and there are those who have 0035: And those are very, very difficult, tension-filled discussions. And each one, there is elements of truth to both of those. Okay? And sometimes I find myself saying, like, you know, it it's really hard to keep to keep to our guns. And so I think there are those who have lost faith, and there are those who have Angle 1: Kids: magnetized to one pole over over the other. And what we're trying to do is to try to maintain that centerground and says, Well, actually no, we can be 0035: magnetized to one pole over over the other. And what we're trying to do is to try to maintain that centerground that says, well actually no we can be both Angle 1: Kids: both liberals and and Zionists and say that we care deeply for the state of Israel, the people of Israel. And 0035: liberals and and Zionists and say that we care deeply for the state of Israel, the people of Israel. And and Right. We also want to stay true to our values. Right. And we think that actually Zionism and social justice go hand in hand and aren't opposites actually. But it's it's not easy. Angle 1: Kids: we also want to stay true to our values. And we think that actually Zionism and social justice go hand in hand and aren't opposites, actually. But it's not easy. And it's a really good question. 0036: I Angle 1: Kids: Yeah. I think our time is coming to an end. Yes. This has been just a really wonderful conversation, and we really appreciate you bringing yourselves, your thoughts, and your questions. and we hope that you stay in touch not only with us, within the URJ and Arts when you go back, but also with the Israeli reform movement and the Iraq. And and I think if I can speak for orally, I think I hope that this was just the beginning of the time that 0036: think our time is coming to an end. Yes. This has been just a really wonderful conversation, and we really appreciate you bringing yourselves, your thoughts, and your questions. And we hope that you stay in touch not only with us, within the URJ and Arts when you go back, but also with the Israeli reform movement and the IRA. And and I think if I can speak for orally, I think I hope that this was just the beginning of the time. Angle 1: Kids: you spent in Israel and that you come back. 0036: spent in Israel and that you come back Angle 1: Kids: Beginning of some wonderful friendship. Wonderful friendship and connection. And I hope that you come back for a semester and then for a year and then even more. Because I didn't say to you, JD, JD. JD, yeah. It's like you can actually come and live in Israel. Okay, your parents won't like me saying that. well yours will. it it actually there are people who have actually made Aliyah and come. 0036: whether it's for semester. Wonderful friendship wonderful friendship and connection. And I hope that you come back for a semester and then for a year and then even more because I didn't say to you Jay Lee Jay? Jay yeah it's like you can actually come and live in Israel. Okay your parents won't like me saying that. Well yours will. But one of them but like it it actually there are people who have actually made Aliyah and come and live here Angle 1: Kids: Here and contribute to Israeli society and be part of it. And 0036: society and be part of it and Angle 1: Kids: you know, I'm I'm I'm just putting it out there. Thank you guys so much. It's really been a pleasure. Thank you for coming here 0036: Thank you guys so much. It's really been a pleasure. Thank you for having me. Angle 1: Kids: and talking honestly. And we really appreciate having you over. And conversations like this are exactly why we started this podcast. This podcast exists because we believe Israel can be better for all 0036: This are exactly why we started this podcast. This podcast exists because we believe Israel can be better for all. Angle 1: Kids: who live here and for all who care about it from afar, like you. But that takes honest conversation and it takes partnership. So if the s this conversation 0036: It takes honest conversation and it takes partnership. So if thus these conversations Angle 1: Kids: Are important for you, please share this episode and help us keep this conversation going. To stay up to date, subscribe on YouTube wherever you listen to podcasts. If you want to help us grow, make an engaging post on social media. You could even say something like, Well, I was worried about the future, but now I'm not anymore 0036: are important for you, please share this episode and help us keep this conversation going. To stay up to date, subscribe on YouTube wherever you listen to podcasts. If you want to help us grow, make an engaging post on social media. You could even say something like, Well, I was worried about the future, but now I'm not anymore. Angle 1: Kids: because I listened to this wonderful group of teens come and talk. You don't have to use that verbatim, but something like that. And join us here on the Pluralist Podcast. Make sure to give a five-step 0036: As I listen to this wonderful group of teens come and talk. You don't have to use that verbatim, but something like that. And join us here on the Pluralist Podcast. Make sure to give a five-star Angle 1: Kids: review and if you'd like to sponsor an episode of the pluralist podcast please make sure to do so it's a great way to celebrate a birthday an anniversary maybe a holiday and to support the kind of work that we're doing here thank you very much thank you so much bye bye 0036: review. And if you'd like to sponsor an episode of the Pluralist Podcast, please make sure to do so. It's a great way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, maybe a holiday, and to support the kind of work that we're doing here. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.