Well, what is the most divisive issue in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? Checkpoints? The wall? Security? Terrorism? It all adds up to one thing – the Israeli Defense Force.  It is the IDF that controls the checkpoints, patrols the walls, probes for terrorists and does all these things for the security of Israel.

I had the opportunity to experience just how divisive the IDF is.  My first official facilitation was not an easy one, that’s for certain, as four eleventh graders nearing the end of their Kids4Peace time came together to discuss the issue as the 2 Jews prepare for their entry in to the Army.

It is clearly not a topic that is often discussed and certainly not one discussed across the boundary of identity.  Kids4Peace is such a young organization, this is the first time they have had youth go through the program to reach this point in their lives, and I felt truly honored to be trusted as the first facilitator of the topic.

As can only be expected, the 2 Jews and the 2 Palestinians were miles apart in their opinions, and it was the fact that they are all friends and have worked together for years that allowed a respectful space for discussion.  Nonetheless, the conversation got heated at times and we can only hope that they went home without being pushed apart further.

The first meeting was only an hour of discussion, but they truly opened up and discussed issues that are very close to their hearts, sharing personal stories of pain and pride alike; stories of their family members’ service and stories of their family members’ being discriminated.  The beginning actually saw some level of agreement when discussing violence in general, but once it was brought to the context of the Conflict, it changed.  Obviously, I don’t feel comfortable telling specifics of what was discussed, but it was a fascinating experience and I look forward to a second meeting at the end of the month where the youth will have the opportunity to elaborate on their feelings and thoughts regarding justifying violence, nationalism, the realities of the IDF and the types of soldiers that the Jewish youth will be among other topics.

Happy Pesach to all… in retrospect.

Pesach in Jerusalem was an interesting eight days I can honestly say I hope never to experience again.  Three of the eight days are national holidays, meaning that the entire city shuts down, nothing is open, there is no public transportation and nobody works – it is simply not the most exciting time, not to mention that throughout the eight-day period it is illegal to buy or sell any product with bread!!

It seems to me that must really hurt some businesses that are forced to close down – places that sell bagels, falafal, schwarma, pizza, sandwiches, baked goods, etc… but such is life.

Anyway, I did have the luck to experience a new and interesting seder.  The only ones I have gone to in my life have been with my own Reform family which means let’s get through, mostly in English, so we can enjoy each other’s company and Papa’s amazing food!

I went to the home of the family of my supervisor – a nuclear family that feels like a Twilight Zone version of my own (four sisters vs. three brothers; very liberal vs. very conservative; father obsessive over the dog compared to mother; the siblings are similar to my brothers and i but in a reverse order; and craziest of all – largely vegetarian vs. meat eaters!). Included in the celebration was extended family from Sweden and America as well as another future Kids4Peace intern from Ireland.

The seder was certainly different from what I am used to – a long, 5 hour affair that was conducted thoroughly from the Passover Haggadah to the point that every single word was written and all instructions were followed in order (and almost entirely in Hebrew).  Thankfully, that meant stopping after 3 hours for dinner!

The Four Questions were by far the most fascinating section as the whole troupe worked together in reciting them in as many different languages as possible – Hebrew, Yiddish, English, Arabic, Swedish, Irish, French, and Russian! It was quite impressive.

But for the most part, it was truly just an affair of the big Jewish family like I am so used to. I walked in to the home and was told to poor myself a screwdriver. The siblings kept yelling at each other and getting exhausted of having to sit at the long event.  Everyone fussed over the baby.  It is enjoyable to be in the Twilight Zone because in this case, at least it brings me back to my own home on the holidays in a way and allowed me the opportunity to share with everyone our own customs – the similarities and differences (and of course I was so nice as to say their food was better…. sometimes you just have to tell a little white lie – nothing would have been so nice as to be home for Papa’s brisket and matzoh ball soup!)

Next year in Jerusalem – well, hopefully not in the literal sense personally, but it is nice that the Jewish people have a home to celebrate in.