As you may be aware the AMBASSADOR FINALS took place this morning, and the winners have been announced!!!!
I am extremely pleased to tell you that I am now speaking as the WINNER of JFS MEDIA AMBASSADOR 2006!!!! I would just like to wish congratulations to my opponent Daniel Cinna... I couldn't have asked for a better opponent!!! We had jokes along the way, that's for sure, and I think we can both say that we have learnt SO much from this experience!!!
I would also like to wish congratulations to all the other finalists; in particular my fellow winners, Charlotte Leigh, Tania Cohen and Simon Conway!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to spending a whole week in Israel with you guys!!!!
Well done to all those who competed in the Ambassador competiton, we are all winners for making the final 40!!!!
Finally I would like to say thank you to everybody who has contributed to the programme. To all those who voted for me and the rest of the winners. To BICOM, UJS and the many others, who have taught me along with my fellow ambassadors' so much. To the JiEP team; Charlotte Goldman, Jamie and Chanania... for all their support, and for putting together such an amazing programme which I urge everbody to try and become a part of! Thank you for taking us to Paris and letting us invade your office on a regular basis... you have to be one of the COOLEST departments at JFS!!! The BIGGEST THANK YOU goes to Charlotte Klein, David Kaplan and all those at TRIBE who have invested so much time and effort in creating such an amazing and inspiring programme, which I hope many others will get the oppourtunity to be a part of!
I can't believe the competition is now over, but this is only the beginning!!!
Keep your eyes open for future updates to this blog... and if you have anything ypu would like me to post please let me know!!!
I AM AN AMBASSADOR FOR ISRAEL... BUT SO ARE ALL OF YOU!!!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The FINAL Countdown...
With the final looming tomorrow, I wanted to take the time to reflect on my experience of the Ambassador Competition…
…I chose to apply for Ambassador because previous to the competition I had minimal knowledge about current affairs in Israel, and Israel as a country in general. I believed that by applying for The Ambassador I would be able to develop my knowledge of Israel so that I would be able to defend Israel in the future.
I can honestly say I have learnt so much from this amazing programme. With each new task I have gained knowledge and skills which I know will be invaluable for the rest of my life.
The very first task involved a simulated Sky News interview, regarding the current situation in the Middle East, for which I had to defend Lebanon, against another Media Ambassador who was defending Israel. From this task I learnt how important it is to be aware of everybody’s views; in this case the views of my opposition. I believe it is important to check out every side of an argument before you can build your response.
The second task was creating an ad campaign promoting Israel. This was my favourite task! Together with Lee Abrahams; another Media Ambassador, I created an advertisement for Israel. The message of our advert was “Why fight when we can reunite?” Below are some samples of ideas we came up with for our ad poster.
From this task I learnt several technical skills, including a new found passion for Adobe Photoshop!
Here is the Image we chose to use for our ad campaign…
We believed this to be the most powerful image as it captures the serenity of Israel, alongside the hope and faith of an innocent Palestinian. We wanted our campaign to appeal to everybody which is why we chose images relating to both Israel and Palestine.
For our third task we had to write an opinion article about a current issue, which has evoked a great deal of anti-Israeli sentiment in the British media. (My article is featured in one of my earlier posts titled “One Woman Can’t Do It Alone.”) This task taught me how important it is to spread our views and put a stop to the increasing anti-Israeli sentiment in the UK. We need to stand up for what we believe in and help a country in need because if we don’t, who will?
After completing my third task, I was truly shocked to receive a position in The Ambassador FINAL, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity. In case you are unaware, the production of this blog, is my final task! I have been asked to create a blog for Israel, which should inform and inspire my audience. I hope that you have found this blog enlightening and stimulating.
Creating this blog has taught me so much! I thoroughly enjoyed filming all the video clips, and I was just like to say thank you to everybody who was involved with the filming. You are all ambassadors for Israel, and you have helped to inspire others!
The Ambassador Programme has instilled a passion for Israel within me, which I have never had before. I am sure this passion will remain with me for the rest of my life, and I hope that it only grows stronger.
Finally I would like to show my gratitude to all those who have created and contributed to developing such a wonderful and life changing programme. I urge those who receive the opportunity to advocate Israel, to grasp it with both hands and begin a life changing journey. My journey is only just beginning…
I AM AN AMBASSADOR FOR ISRAEL
…I chose to apply for Ambassador because previous to the competition I had minimal knowledge about current affairs in Israel, and Israel as a country in general. I believed that by applying for The Ambassador I would be able to develop my knowledge of Israel so that I would be able to defend Israel in the future.
I can honestly say I have learnt so much from this amazing programme. With each new task I have gained knowledge and skills which I know will be invaluable for the rest of my life.
The very first task involved a simulated Sky News interview, regarding the current situation in the Middle East, for which I had to defend Lebanon, against another Media Ambassador who was defending Israel. From this task I learnt how important it is to be aware of everybody’s views; in this case the views of my opposition. I believe it is important to check out every side of an argument before you can build your response.
The second task was creating an ad campaign promoting Israel. This was my favourite task! Together with Lee Abrahams; another Media Ambassador, I created an advertisement for Israel. The message of our advert was “Why fight when we can reunite?” Below are some samples of ideas we came up with for our ad poster.
From this task I learnt several technical skills, including a new found passion for Adobe Photoshop!
Here is the Image we chose to use for our ad campaign…
We believed this to be the most powerful image as it captures the serenity of Israel, alongside the hope and faith of an innocent Palestinian. We wanted our campaign to appeal to everybody which is why we chose images relating to both Israel and Palestine.
For our third task we had to write an opinion article about a current issue, which has evoked a great deal of anti-Israeli sentiment in the British media. (My article is featured in one of my earlier posts titled “One Woman Can’t Do It Alone.”) This task taught me how important it is to spread our views and put a stop to the increasing anti-Israeli sentiment in the UK. We need to stand up for what we believe in and help a country in need because if we don’t, who will?
After completing my third task, I was truly shocked to receive a position in The Ambassador FINAL, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity. In case you are unaware, the production of this blog, is my final task! I have been asked to create a blog for Israel, which should inform and inspire my audience. I hope that you have found this blog enlightening and stimulating.
Creating this blog has taught me so much! I thoroughly enjoyed filming all the video clips, and I was just like to say thank you to everybody who was involved with the filming. You are all ambassadors for Israel, and you have helped to inspire others!
The Ambassador Programme has instilled a passion for Israel within me, which I have never had before. I am sure this passion will remain with me for the rest of my life, and I hope that it only grows stronger.
Finally I would like to show my gratitude to all those who have created and contributed to developing such a wonderful and life changing programme. I urge those who receive the opportunity to advocate Israel, to grasp it with both hands and begin a life changing journey. My journey is only just beginning…
I AM AN AMBASSADOR FOR ISRAEL
The Wonders Of Israel
1) The Kotel (Western Wall)
The Kotel is part of the remains of the second temple in Jerusalem. Jews from all over the world go to the Kotel and post messages of their hopes and prayers, which the place in cracks in the wall. The Kotel bares significance to many Jews; some may say it’s the most spiritual place in the world.
One of my most memorable moments in Israel is having Friday night dinner, facing the Kotel. This moment was so special, because it was my first time in Israel, and I was able to watch thousands of Jews from all walks of life come together to celebrate the Sabbath. This was the first time that I felt spiritually connected to Israel, and it made me feel proud to be part of such an amazing community.
2) Tsfat
Tsfat is considered as one of the “4 holiest cities” in Israel. Tsfat is a picturesque neighborhood of narrow alleys and cobblestone streets where synagogues dating from the 16th century are still in use, sheltering the prayer, Torah study and Shabbat celebrations of many Jews. These streets clinging to the side of the mountain, connected by stone staircases and navigable only by foot possess a serene quality rarely found in today's world.
For me visiting the city of Tsfat was a magical experience! I felt like I had been transported back into Israel’s history. Tsfat is truly a city of mysticism! There is a candle shop in Tsfat which is UNREAL!!! They have candles shaped like super heroes, Noah’s Ark and other innovative creations. If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing city I recommend you pay it a visit.
3) The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and the largest Natural Spa in the world!
Visiting the Dead Sea for me was a very surreal experience! The fact that you are floating in the middle of an ocean is very strange, but very cool! The Dead Sea does absolute wonders for the skin! I don’t think my skin has ever been so smooth!
4) Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city in the southern district of Israel. Eilat holds various attractions, such as the Coral World Underwater Observatory, the Coral Reserve which is the most northerly coral reef in the world, "What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat, an IMAX theatre and scuba diving at Dolphin Reef. Many Israelis and tourists come to Eilat to relax.
I really enjoyed my time in Eilat. I can definitely admit that Eilat has to be one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. I particularly enjoyed scuba diving at Dolphin Reef, and visiting Eilat’s amazing market!
5) Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust established in 1953 through the Memorial Law passed by the Knesset, Israel's parliament. The origin of the name is from a Biblical verse: "And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name … that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah, chapter 56, verse 5) In Hebrew, "a memorial and a name" translates as yad va-shem. A literal translation would be "hand and name." Located in Jerusalem, it consists of a memorial chamber, a historical museum, an art gallery, a Hall of Names, an archive, the "Valley of the Destroyed Communities", and an educational centre. As well, non-Jews who saved Jews during the Holocaust, often at great personal risk, are honored by Yad Vashem as the "Righteous Among the Nations".
For me, my first visit to Yad Vashem was one of the most moving experiences of my life. It really does hit you the fact that six million Jews perished due to one megalomaniac leader. One particular feature of Yad Vashem, which really hit home was the Hall of Mirrors; a memorial to the one and a half million children who perished in the Holocaust. I believe that places like Yad Vashem are so important because they help to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Never Again!
The Kotel is part of the remains of the second temple in Jerusalem. Jews from all over the world go to the Kotel and post messages of their hopes and prayers, which the place in cracks in the wall. The Kotel bares significance to many Jews; some may say it’s the most spiritual place in the world.
One of my most memorable moments in Israel is having Friday night dinner, facing the Kotel. This moment was so special, because it was my first time in Israel, and I was able to watch thousands of Jews from all walks of life come together to celebrate the Sabbath. This was the first time that I felt spiritually connected to Israel, and it made me feel proud to be part of such an amazing community.
2) Tsfat
Tsfat is considered as one of the “4 holiest cities” in Israel. Tsfat is a picturesque neighborhood of narrow alleys and cobblestone streets where synagogues dating from the 16th century are still in use, sheltering the prayer, Torah study and Shabbat celebrations of many Jews. These streets clinging to the side of the mountain, connected by stone staircases and navigable only by foot possess a serene quality rarely found in today's world.
For me visiting the city of Tsfat was a magical experience! I felt like I had been transported back into Israel’s history. Tsfat is truly a city of mysticism! There is a candle shop in Tsfat which is UNREAL!!! They have candles shaped like super heroes, Noah’s Ark and other innovative creations. If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing city I recommend you pay it a visit.
3) The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and the largest Natural Spa in the world!
Visiting the Dead Sea for me was a very surreal experience! The fact that you are floating in the middle of an ocean is very strange, but very cool! The Dead Sea does absolute wonders for the skin! I don’t think my skin has ever been so smooth!
4) Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city in the southern district of Israel. Eilat holds various attractions, such as the Coral World Underwater Observatory, the Coral Reserve which is the most northerly coral reef in the world, "What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat, an IMAX theatre and scuba diving at Dolphin Reef. Many Israelis and tourists come to Eilat to relax.
I really enjoyed my time in Eilat. I can definitely admit that Eilat has to be one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. I particularly enjoyed scuba diving at Dolphin Reef, and visiting Eilat’s amazing market!
5) Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust established in 1953 through the Memorial Law passed by the Knesset, Israel's parliament. The origin of the name is from a Biblical verse: "And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name … that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah, chapter 56, verse 5) In Hebrew, "a memorial and a name" translates as yad va-shem. A literal translation would be "hand and name." Located in Jerusalem, it consists of a memorial chamber, a historical museum, an art gallery, a Hall of Names, an archive, the "Valley of the Destroyed Communities", and an educational centre. As well, non-Jews who saved Jews during the Holocaust, often at great personal risk, are honored by Yad Vashem as the "Righteous Among the Nations".
For me, my first visit to Yad Vashem was one of the most moving experiences of my life. It really does hit you the fact that six million Jews perished due to one megalomaniac leader. One particular feature of Yad Vashem, which really hit home was the Hall of Mirrors; a memorial to the one and a half million children who perished in the Holocaust. I believe that places like Yad Vashem are so important because they help to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Never Again!
Quotes of Today
Here are some interesting quotes from government officials which have appeared in todays papers:
PM Blair speaks to British and UAE businessmen in Dubai
“We must recognise the strategic threat the government of Iran poses…They seek to pin us back in Lebanon, in Iraq and in Palestine. Our response should be to expose what they are doing, build the alliances to prevent it and pin them back across the whole of the region."
(From the BBC online 20/12)
Palestinian leaders call for calm following continuing violence
"I emphasise that dialogue is the only way to achieve our national goals."
(PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas; From the Guardian 20/12)
"I am calling on everyone to calm down and ease the tensions and end the armed displays that worsen tensions."
(PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh; From the Guardian 20/12)
(With Reference to BICOM)
PM Blair speaks to British and UAE businessmen in Dubai
“We must recognise the strategic threat the government of Iran poses…They seek to pin us back in Lebanon, in Iraq and in Palestine. Our response should be to expose what they are doing, build the alliances to prevent it and pin them back across the whole of the region."
(From the BBC online 20/12)
Palestinian leaders call for calm following continuing violence
"I emphasise that dialogue is the only way to achieve our national goals."
(PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas; From the Guardian 20/12)
"I am calling on everyone to calm down and ease the tensions and end the armed displays that worsen tensions."
(PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh; From the Guardian 20/12)
(With Reference to BICOM)
Former US President Attacks Israel!
As some of you may be aware of former US President Jimmy Carter is back on the talk-show circuit and has been heavily demonising Israel in pursuit of "peace"!
Mr Carter has been making allegations such as;
Israel is the primary obstacle to peace in the region
UN Resolution 242 demands that Israel return to Palestinians all land up to the 1967 borders
The West Bank is Palestine
Israel is an apartheid state
The PLO has never advocated the annihilation of Israel
Voices from Israel dominate in the U.S. media
Israel is responsible for the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land
Comments like Carter's help de-legitimize the State of Israel by making it look like a stubborn obstacle to peace without an legal basis for taking defensive action against terrorists. Former President Carter is weakening Israel in the eyes of Americans and peace-loving people worldwide.
We need to fight against the inaccuracies and distortions! It's people like Carter who shape the negative opinions of others! We all need to stand up for a country in turmoil and provide the world with the REAL facts about Israel!
Help defend a country in need... We are all ambassadors for Israel!
Mr Carter has been making allegations such as;
Israel is the primary obstacle to peace in the region
UN Resolution 242 demands that Israel return to Palestinians all land up to the 1967 borders
The West Bank is Palestine
Israel is an apartheid state
The PLO has never advocated the annihilation of Israel
Voices from Israel dominate in the U.S. media
Israel is responsible for the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land
Comments like Carter's help de-legitimize the State of Israel by making it look like a stubborn obstacle to peace without an legal basis for taking defensive action against terrorists. Former President Carter is weakening Israel in the eyes of Americans and peace-loving people worldwide.
We need to fight against the inaccuracies and distortions! It's people like Carter who shape the negative opinions of others! We all need to stand up for a country in turmoil and provide the world with the REAL facts about Israel!
Help defend a country in need... We are all ambassadors for Israel!
Hava Nagila... Like You've Never Seen it Before!!!
Many Jews will famously associate Hava Nagila with weddings, bar-matizvahs, the hora, the wailing wall in Jerusalem, and events which involve any form of Israeli dancing; but who would have thought our very own Hava Negila would be a hit in Thailand???
CHECK THIS OUT...
Just a little something, i hope has made you laugh!I certainly did!
CHECK THIS OUT...
Just a little something, i hope has made you laugh!I certainly did!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Ambassadors on Tour
As you may know, last weekend, JFS in conjunction with TRIBE, took 26 of the Ambassadors to Paris for the weekend!
I think we can all admit that we had the most amazing weekend... and we have learn't so much from this whole experience.
Here is a video of what we got up to... Enjoy!
I think we can all admit that we had the most amazing weekend... and we have learn't so much from this whole experience.
Here is a video of what we got up to... Enjoy!
Ambassadors... The Next Generation
Who better to give you their views on the AMBASSADOR programme, than the Ambassadors themselves...
I would also just like to wish all the Ambassadors who are in tomorrows final... GOOD LUCK!
I would also just like to wish all the Ambassadors who are in tomorrows final... GOOD LUCK!
Israel Is Not an Apartheid State
When I researched the meaning of the word APARTHEID in a dictionary I found the following:
Apartheid
1. An official policy of racial segregation formerly practiced in the Republic of South Africa, involving political, legal, and economic discrimination against nonwhites.
2. A policy or practice of separating or segregating groups.
3. The condition of being separated from others; segregation.
…Even before the State of Israel was established in 1948, Jewish leaders consciously sought to avoid the situation that prevailed in South Africa. As David Ben-Gurion told Palestinian nationalist Musa Alami in 1934:
“We do not want to create a situation like that which exists in South Africa, where the whites are the owners and rulers, and the blacks are the workers. If we do not do all kinds of work, easy and hard, skilled and unskilled, if we become merely landlords, then this will not be our homeland.”
People need to realise that today, within Israel, Jews are a majority, but the Arab minority are full citizens with voting rights and representation in the government. Under apartheid black South Africans could not vote and were not citizens of the country in which they are the overwhelming majority of the population.
The situation of Palestinians in the territories—won by Israel in a defensive war forced upon it by its neighbours—is different. The security requirements of the nation, and a violent uprising in the territories, have forced Israel to impose restrictions on Arab residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that are not necessary inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders. The Palestinians in the territories, typically, dispute Israel’s right to exist whereas blacks did not seek the destruction of South Africa, only the apartheid regime.
If Israel were to give Palestinians full citizenship, it would mean the territories had been annexed. No Israeli government has been prepared to take that step.
Individuals do not realise that Palestinians from the territories are allowed to work in Israel and receive similar pay and benefits to their Jewish counterparts. They are allowed to attend schools and universities. Palestinians have been given opportunities to run many of their own affairs. None of this was true for South African blacks.
If there were to be a boycott of Israel, would people really be satisfied? Many do not realise what the extent of a full boycott of Israel would mean; No mobile phones (as these were invented by Israeli scientists), no MSN, no Jaffa Oranges, no “pill cams” the list is endless !!!
People need to realise that Israel does not segregate its inhabitants. Israel does not demonstrate any form of political, legal or economic segregation; as the definition of apartheid states. Israel believes in democracy and freedom of speech. Israel is not simply a Jewish state there is a wealth of culture within its lands, it’s simply a nation which is misunderstood.
Israel is not an apartheid state!
Apartheid
1. An official policy of racial segregation formerly practiced in the Republic of South Africa, involving political, legal, and economic discrimination against nonwhites.
2. A policy or practice of separating or segregating groups.
3. The condition of being separated from others; segregation.
…Even before the State of Israel was established in 1948, Jewish leaders consciously sought to avoid the situation that prevailed in South Africa. As David Ben-Gurion told Palestinian nationalist Musa Alami in 1934:
“We do not want to create a situation like that which exists in South Africa, where the whites are the owners and rulers, and the blacks are the workers. If we do not do all kinds of work, easy and hard, skilled and unskilled, if we become merely landlords, then this will not be our homeland.”
People need to realise that today, within Israel, Jews are a majority, but the Arab minority are full citizens with voting rights and representation in the government. Under apartheid black South Africans could not vote and were not citizens of the country in which they are the overwhelming majority of the population.
The situation of Palestinians in the territories—won by Israel in a defensive war forced upon it by its neighbours—is different. The security requirements of the nation, and a violent uprising in the territories, have forced Israel to impose restrictions on Arab residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that are not necessary inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders. The Palestinians in the territories, typically, dispute Israel’s right to exist whereas blacks did not seek the destruction of South Africa, only the apartheid regime.
If Israel were to give Palestinians full citizenship, it would mean the territories had been annexed. No Israeli government has been prepared to take that step.
Individuals do not realise that Palestinians from the territories are allowed to work in Israel and receive similar pay and benefits to their Jewish counterparts. They are allowed to attend schools and universities. Palestinians have been given opportunities to run many of their own affairs. None of this was true for South African blacks.
If there were to be a boycott of Israel, would people really be satisfied? Many do not realise what the extent of a full boycott of Israel would mean; No mobile phones (as these were invented by Israeli scientists), no MSN, no Jaffa Oranges, no “pill cams” the list is endless !!!
People need to realise that Israel does not segregate its inhabitants. Israel does not demonstrate any form of political, legal or economic segregation; as the definition of apartheid states. Israel believes in democracy and freedom of speech. Israel is not simply a Jewish state there is a wealth of culture within its lands, it’s simply a nation which is misunderstood.
Israel is not an apartheid state!
Did You Know????
Did you know that... Israeli scientists from Motorola Israel developed the cell phone?
Did you know that... four young Israeli programmers developed the technology behind AOL's Instant Messenger. Would we have MSN if Israel didn’t exist?
Did you know that... Intel's new high-speed Centrino chip - which doubles battery life on laptops - was developed entirely in Israel? While watching a DVD for hours on your Centrino laptop, thank Israel for the extra battery life.
Did you know that... in the field of medicine, Israel is saving your heart and making innovations in early cancer detection. Did you know that researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with congestive heart failure?
Did you know that... Israeli scientists also developed the first fully computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer. Israel's Given Imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill to help doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders; this is best known as the “pill cam!”
Did you know that... Israel has more engineers and scientists per capita than any other country? It also produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation. But Israeli heroes of medicine and science don't just stay in the lab; they rush into the fray and save people, not only in Israel, but around the world: When the U.S. Embassy in Kenya was bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the scene within a day - and saved three victims from the rubble. A year later they were on the ground in Turkey rescuing earthquake victims.
Did you know that... Israeli tennis player Anna Smashnova is the 15th ranked female player in the world?
Did you know that…Israel's Maccabi basketball team won the European championships in 2001, and Europe's SuproLeague MVP was Israeli center Nate Huffman?
Did you know that… actress Natalie Portman was actually born in Jerusalem?
Did you know that… The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers show was developed by Haim Saban, an Israeli whose family fled Egypt.
Did you know that… this month, the rap group Wu-Tang Clan will visit Israel on a solidarity music tour? Wu-Tang member Cappadonna said, "No one thinks that a Hebrew-speaking country has anything do with hip-hop, but hip-hop is alive in Israel."
Did you know that… during the 1991 Gulf War, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert wearing gas masks as scud missiles fired by Saddam fell on Tel Aviv?
Did you know that… Israel has more museums per capita than any other country, and Israel has the world's second highest per capita output of new books?
Did you know that... four young Israeli programmers developed the technology behind AOL's Instant Messenger. Would we have MSN if Israel didn’t exist?
Did you know that... Intel's new high-speed Centrino chip - which doubles battery life on laptops - was developed entirely in Israel? While watching a DVD for hours on your Centrino laptop, thank Israel for the extra battery life.
Did you know that... in the field of medicine, Israel is saving your heart and making innovations in early cancer detection. Did you know that researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with congestive heart failure?
Did you know that... Israeli scientists also developed the first fully computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer. Israel's Given Imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill to help doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders; this is best known as the “pill cam!”
Did you know that... Israel has more engineers and scientists per capita than any other country? It also produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation. But Israeli heroes of medicine and science don't just stay in the lab; they rush into the fray and save people, not only in Israel, but around the world: When the U.S. Embassy in Kenya was bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the scene within a day - and saved three victims from the rubble. A year later they were on the ground in Turkey rescuing earthquake victims.
Did you know that... Israeli tennis player Anna Smashnova is the 15th ranked female player in the world?
Did you know that…Israel's Maccabi basketball team won the European championships in 2001, and Europe's SuproLeague MVP was Israeli center Nate Huffman?
Did you know that… actress Natalie Portman was actually born in Jerusalem?
Did you know that… The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers show was developed by Haim Saban, an Israeli whose family fled Egypt.
Did you know that… this month, the rap group Wu-Tang Clan will visit Israel on a solidarity music tour? Wu-Tang member Cappadonna said, "No one thinks that a Hebrew-speaking country has anything do with hip-hop, but hip-hop is alive in Israel."
Did you know that… during the 1991 Gulf War, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert wearing gas masks as scud missiles fired by Saddam fell on Tel Aviv?
Did you know that… Israel has more museums per capita than any other country, and Israel has the world's second highest per capita output of new books?
Happy Chanukah!
I would just like to say to thank you to everybody who has taken the time to visit my blog. I hope you have enjoyed watching all the videos and reading the articles... there is still MORE to come!!!
I would also like to wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHANUKAH...
I would also like to wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHANUKAH...
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Future's Bright.. The Future's Israel
For many year 13 students, the demands of A-Levels and deciding upon their future, is a stressful and exhausting process. The path that we follow shapes the direction that our lives will take, colours our decisions and affects the views and the way in which we express ourselves.
When deciding what to do with the rest of my life, I found myself in a dilemma. Do I go to university and get on with my life? Or… do I put my life on hold and take a year out to discover myself?
I found myself torn between, a life at uni; lectures, bars, cooking, cleaning, studying – HARD WORK; or, a life in Israel; Exploring, discovering, volunteering – GIVING BACK TO ISRAEL.
All of a sudden the prospect of taking a year out in Israel seemed extremely appealing. I believe that by participating in a gap year programme, be it with FZY, Legacy, BA or any other youth movement, teenagers are given an amazing chance to develop their Jewish identity and support Israel. I believe that by taking a year out in Israel I will grow as an individual, and be more prepared to stand on my own two feet, and face uni life.
Admittedly, at the moment I am very dependant on my parents, and very fortunate that they do so much for me. I hope that by going on year course, I will gain a sense of independence and take responsibility for myself. I am also hoping that I will develop a less materialistic outlook on life, and learn to appreciate what life has to offer.
I believe it’s important for teenagers to take a year out in Israel, because it gives us a chance to learn about the “REAL” Israel, and discover our heritage. All teenagers should stand strong for Israel; by spending a year there we are showing solidarity and love for our homeland.
The futures bright… the future’s ISRAEL
When deciding what to do with the rest of my life, I found myself in a dilemma. Do I go to university and get on with my life? Or… do I put my life on hold and take a year out to discover myself?
I found myself torn between, a life at uni; lectures, bars, cooking, cleaning, studying – HARD WORK; or, a life in Israel; Exploring, discovering, volunteering – GIVING BACK TO ISRAEL.
All of a sudden the prospect of taking a year out in Israel seemed extremely appealing. I believe that by participating in a gap year programme, be it with FZY, Legacy, BA or any other youth movement, teenagers are given an amazing chance to develop their Jewish identity and support Israel. I believe that by taking a year out in Israel I will grow as an individual, and be more prepared to stand on my own two feet, and face uni life.
Admittedly, at the moment I am very dependant on my parents, and very fortunate that they do so much for me. I hope that by going on year course, I will gain a sense of independence and take responsibility for myself. I am also hoping that I will develop a less materialistic outlook on life, and learn to appreciate what life has to offer.
I believe it’s important for teenagers to take a year out in Israel, because it gives us a chance to learn about the “REAL” Israel, and discover our heritage. All teenagers should stand strong for Israel; by spending a year there we are showing solidarity and love for our homeland.
The futures bright… the future’s ISRAEL
Did Six Million Jews Die In Vain?
After reading last weeks front page article of the JC, about the Orthodox Jewish Sect Neturei Karta’s involvement in the holocaust denial conference in Tehran, I was appalled.
I have no objection to the Neturei Karta’s being anti-Zionist, as everybody is entitled to their own opinions, however I cannot comprehend how they can deny the most catastrophic historical event in the history of the Jewish people.
As Rabbi Yehudah Brodie states in the JC article… “Rabbi Aaron Cohen… is considered to have crossed the threshold which divides rational viewpoints, from fanaticism… and desecrates all that Judaism stands for.”
I agree wholeheartedly with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Chairman; Dr Steven Smith, who stated; “If you deny history, you are perpetuating an insult to that memory.”
Having met, spoken and listened to Holocaust survivors, and visited the places where the atrocities took place, I cannot grasp, how any Jewish person, could denounce such a notorious even in Jewish history.
(With reference to: The Jewish Chronicle No. 7182, 15th of December 2006, Front page)
I have no objection to the Neturei Karta’s being anti-Zionist, as everybody is entitled to their own opinions, however I cannot comprehend how they can deny the most catastrophic historical event in the history of the Jewish people.
As Rabbi Yehudah Brodie states in the JC article… “Rabbi Aaron Cohen… is considered to have crossed the threshold which divides rational viewpoints, from fanaticism… and desecrates all that Judaism stands for.”
I agree wholeheartedly with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Chairman; Dr Steven Smith, who stated; “If you deny history, you are perpetuating an insult to that memory.”
Having met, spoken and listened to Holocaust survivors, and visited the places where the atrocities took place, I cannot grasp, how any Jewish person, could denounce such a notorious even in Jewish history.
(With reference to: The Jewish Chronicle No. 7182, 15th of December 2006, Front page)
Sticks and Stones can Break our Bones; But Words Will NEVER Hurt Us!
Are events in Israel fuelling anti-Semitic opinions, and causing British Jews to be attacked? Reports from the latest political enquiry are suggesting that current affairs in Israel have led to growing anti-Israeli sentiment in the UK.
From an enquiry led by former European Minister; Denis Macshane, it was found that around the months of July and August 2006, when violence in Lebanon and Israel reached an all time high, attacks on Jews in the UK rose.
I found these results shocking. Why should Jews in the UK suffer as a result of the conflict in the Middle East? Why is it that people feel all Jews is are responsible for the increasing conflict in Israel?
According to the Community Security Trust, there were 455 anti-Semitic incidents in the past year. This is the highest figure since 1984.
In my opinion, I feel that many leaders in the UK target Israel as an excuse in order to antagonise the Jewish community. George Galloway allegedly slates Israel and their ideologies on a weekly basis on Talk Sport Radio. Leaders such as Galloway do not realise that they are breeding a new form of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism; “anti-Israelism”.
Certain organisations, such as the BBC, need to realise how much power they have over public opinions of Israel. The media in particular, need to realise that there are many narrow minded individuals, who refer to them as a direct source of information which, in some cases, is infested with anti-Israeli sentiment.
I feel it is important, as a Jew, that we put a stop to the increasing anti-Israeli sentiment that is spreading across the worlds and the UK in particular. I feel it’s important that we stand by organisations like BICOM and defend a country that desperately needs our help.
We need to make sure that the anti-Israeli sentiment does not defeat us. The media’s negative views on Israel should only make us stronger.
Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us.
From an enquiry led by former European Minister; Denis Macshane, it was found that around the months of July and August 2006, when violence in Lebanon and Israel reached an all time high, attacks on Jews in the UK rose.
I found these results shocking. Why should Jews in the UK suffer as a result of the conflict in the Middle East? Why is it that people feel all Jews is are responsible for the increasing conflict in Israel?
According to the Community Security Trust, there were 455 anti-Semitic incidents in the past year. This is the highest figure since 1984.
In my opinion, I feel that many leaders in the UK target Israel as an excuse in order to antagonise the Jewish community. George Galloway allegedly slates Israel and their ideologies on a weekly basis on Talk Sport Radio. Leaders such as Galloway do not realise that they are breeding a new form of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism; “anti-Israelism”.
Certain organisations, such as the BBC, need to realise how much power they have over public opinions of Israel. The media in particular, need to realise that there are many narrow minded individuals, who refer to them as a direct source of information which, in some cases, is infested with anti-Israeli sentiment.
I feel it is important, as a Jew, that we put a stop to the increasing anti-Israeli sentiment that is spreading across the worlds and the UK in particular. I feel it’s important that we stand by organisations like BICOM and defend a country that desperately needs our help.
We need to make sure that the anti-Israeli sentiment does not defeat us. The media’s negative views on Israel should only make us stronger.
Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us.
One Woman Can't Do It Alone
For my last task, I had to compose an opinion piece on a current issue, which has evoked an increasing amount of anti-Israeli sentiment in the UK press. Below is a copy of the article I produced...
"Too much death has been seen in the current Middle East conflict, too many parents have lost their children, too many women have lost their husbands, and too many children have lost their parents. The question is: what are we doing to prevent lives of innocent Israelis
being lost?
As Karnit Goldwasser marks the first anniversary of her marriage to captured soldier Ehud Goldwasser, saddened and alone, we find ourselves asking the question; why? Why are the international community not more involved? Why are we not fighting for the release of Ehud and the others who have been taken?
Hezbollah captured Ehud, 31 from Nahariya, along with fellow soldier Elad Regev, 26 from Kiryat Motzkin, just south of the border of Lebanon on the 12th of July 2006. Ehud and Elad now join the long list of names, of those innocent Israelis who have been kidnapped in Israel. With the list of names forever increasing, surely something needs to be done to prevent it escalating even further. The day Ehud was captured was his last day of service. At the time of his capture Ehud was on reserve duty; “He had a life. He is just 31 years old and had a life waiting for him,” Karnit told reporters on her arrival to the United Kingdom.
Karnit is a wife on her own fighting for a valid cause. “We need proof that he is alive. We need proof that he is not injured or, if he is, they are taking care of him,” Karnit told Sky News. “Once I told him I would bring him the moon. Now I am trying to bring the moon for him.” Karnit is passionately rallying for her cause, the return of her doting husband, and many alike him, but it is needless to say that it is going to take more than the voice of a lonely, heartbroken young woman, to bring these innocent and heroic soldiers home and put an end to this ongoing battle which has spellbound the Middle East.
The Goldwasser family have gone to great lengths to ensure there son remains in the public eye and is never forgotten. They themselves are trying to put pressure on the Israeli government and the world community by organising a rally in memory of Ehud and the many others who have been wrongly kidnapped. Nevertheless Karnit and the rest of the Goldwasser family can’t do it alone. They need our help. They have held intense and emotional meetings with Israel’s top government officials, including Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, but even Olmert himself could not provide them with answers. “He represents Israeli action and we still have no answers as to Ehud’s condition or even whether he is still alive. It’s his responsibility to give us these answers.” Surely this is a cry for help. If Olmert can’t give the Goldwassers the answers they need maybe we can. We need to help them and others alike.
We need to support the safe return of these innocent Israelis who have been cruelly captured. In doing so we will be showing our support for democracy amongst nations. We will be showing our support against the deadly Hezbollah, a terrorist organisation who are not only capturing the lives of innocent Israelis but are capturing an entire nation. These are innocent lives they are ruining, lives that are being fooled around with like dolls in a doll’s house.
Israel herself is not doing enough to help those who have been captured. Their withdrawal from Lebanon without the return of the captives to safety is very disappointing. The fact that Hezbollah is consistently trying to cover up these kidnappings provides us with even more reason to fight against them and make these kidnappings public knowledge. Why it is that kidnapped Iraq soldiers barely make the papers?
Israel is currently facing a nightmare situation: they need international support on all levels. Instead of fighting a one front war in Gaza in order to try and free their kidnapped victims, like Ehud, Israel have now found themselves fighting a two front war. In addition, instead of fighting a war against Gaza’s Hamas militants alone, Israel is now also fighting against Hezbollah and its sponsors: Syria and Iran. Surely this new development should be putting vast pressure on the global community to resolve this crisis as soon as possible. The longer we stand on the sidelines doing nothing, the longer these troublesome times will drag on, and the more likely matters are going to escalate beyond Israel, and the rest of the world’s control.
We as a country need to realise that one woman cannot fight this conflict alone. We cannot expect Israel to fight this ongoing battle single-handed; they need our help. They are a country under the attack of a brutal terror organisation; they need the support globally to bring home their soldiers, to prevent the lives of innocent civilians being lost. Political leaders in this country should be using their influence and power to prevent future attacks, to prevent Hezbollah spreading its poison, and to prevent like Karnit facing a
lifetime of solitude and heartbreak."
"Too much death has been seen in the current Middle East conflict, too many parents have lost their children, too many women have lost their husbands, and too many children have lost their parents. The question is: what are we doing to prevent lives of innocent Israelis
being lost?
As Karnit Goldwasser marks the first anniversary of her marriage to captured soldier Ehud Goldwasser, saddened and alone, we find ourselves asking the question; why? Why are the international community not more involved? Why are we not fighting for the release of Ehud and the others who have been taken?
Hezbollah captured Ehud, 31 from Nahariya, along with fellow soldier Elad Regev, 26 from Kiryat Motzkin, just south of the border of Lebanon on the 12th of July 2006. Ehud and Elad now join the long list of names, of those innocent Israelis who have been kidnapped in Israel. With the list of names forever increasing, surely something needs to be done to prevent it escalating even further. The day Ehud was captured was his last day of service. At the time of his capture Ehud was on reserve duty; “He had a life. He is just 31 years old and had a life waiting for him,” Karnit told reporters on her arrival to the United Kingdom.
Karnit is a wife on her own fighting for a valid cause. “We need proof that he is alive. We need proof that he is not injured or, if he is, they are taking care of him,” Karnit told Sky News. “Once I told him I would bring him the moon. Now I am trying to bring the moon for him.” Karnit is passionately rallying for her cause, the return of her doting husband, and many alike him, but it is needless to say that it is going to take more than the voice of a lonely, heartbroken young woman, to bring these innocent and heroic soldiers home and put an end to this ongoing battle which has spellbound the Middle East.
The Goldwasser family have gone to great lengths to ensure there son remains in the public eye and is never forgotten. They themselves are trying to put pressure on the Israeli government and the world community by organising a rally in memory of Ehud and the many others who have been wrongly kidnapped. Nevertheless Karnit and the rest of the Goldwasser family can’t do it alone. They need our help. They have held intense and emotional meetings with Israel’s top government officials, including Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, but even Olmert himself could not provide them with answers. “He represents Israeli action and we still have no answers as to Ehud’s condition or even whether he is still alive. It’s his responsibility to give us these answers.” Surely this is a cry for help. If Olmert can’t give the Goldwassers the answers they need maybe we can. We need to help them and others alike.
We need to support the safe return of these innocent Israelis who have been cruelly captured. In doing so we will be showing our support for democracy amongst nations. We will be showing our support against the deadly Hezbollah, a terrorist organisation who are not only capturing the lives of innocent Israelis but are capturing an entire nation. These are innocent lives they are ruining, lives that are being fooled around with like dolls in a doll’s house.
Israel herself is not doing enough to help those who have been captured. Their withdrawal from Lebanon without the return of the captives to safety is very disappointing. The fact that Hezbollah is consistently trying to cover up these kidnappings provides us with even more reason to fight against them and make these kidnappings public knowledge. Why it is that kidnapped Iraq soldiers barely make the papers?
Israel is currently facing a nightmare situation: they need international support on all levels. Instead of fighting a one front war in Gaza in order to try and free their kidnapped victims, like Ehud, Israel have now found themselves fighting a two front war. In addition, instead of fighting a war against Gaza’s Hamas militants alone, Israel is now also fighting against Hezbollah and its sponsors: Syria and Iran. Surely this new development should be putting vast pressure on the global community to resolve this crisis as soon as possible. The longer we stand on the sidelines doing nothing, the longer these troublesome times will drag on, and the more likely matters are going to escalate beyond Israel, and the rest of the world’s control.
We as a country need to realise that one woman cannot fight this conflict alone. We cannot expect Israel to fight this ongoing battle single-handed; they need our help. They are a country under the attack of a brutal terror organisation; they need the support globally to bring home their soldiers, to prevent the lives of innocent civilians being lost. Political leaders in this country should be using their influence and power to prevent future attacks, to prevent Hezbollah spreading its poison, and to prevent like Karnit facing a
lifetime of solitude and heartbreak."
Football's Coming Home
On the 24th of March 2007, Israel will face England in the 2008 European Championships qualifier…
…The question is who will you be supporting???
I went and asked some JFS sixth form pupils who they will be supporting…
(If you cannot see this video visit: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4072651336017408837 )
For more information on the match visit: http://www.soccerway.com/match/european-championships/israel/england/354121/
…The question is who will you be supporting???
I went and asked some JFS sixth form pupils who they will be supporting…
(If you cannot see this video visit: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4072651336017408837 )
For more information on the match visit: http://www.soccerway.com/match/european-championships/israel/england/354121/
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Israel's For Life... Not Just For Christmas : Chapter 1
(If you cannot see the video visit: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5916648331854906713)
Have you ever noticed that when the majority of teenagers speak about Israel they always refer to Israel, as “Tour,” “Year Course,” or “Eilat at Christmas”. It is sad, but true, that most teenagers living outside Israel do not feel connected to the country.
Israel is the land which G-d promised to the Jews. Israel is the Jewish Homeland. Yet today’s teenagers see Israel as a Holiday destination.
I too can admit that when I think of Israel I immediately reminisce of the holidays I have spent there. It may be because I have only been there twice, that I do not feel so connected; however I do feel it’s important to share a connection with Israel. I believe that through participating in the Ambassador programme I have built an attachment with Israel which I never had previously.
I feel it’s important for today’s teen’s to “get connected.”
Israel’s for life… not just for (Eilat at) Christmas!!!
Israel's For Life... Not Just For Christmas : Chapter 2
(If you cannot see this video visit: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=609147947003521145 )
What do today’s teenagers really think of Israel? When asked what the word Israel means to them, why do very few teenagers mention the conflict that has captured an innocent nation, and conjured up so much media attention?
The fact is today’s teenagers do not know enough about Israel, and the ongoing battle they are facing, against so many, who wish to diminish or thwart Israel of being a Jewish state.
Adults need to make sure, that today’s youth receive “Israel Education”. We as teenagers need to make sure we are informed, and up-to-date with the forever changing circumstances in the Middle-East. We need to defend a country in need.
Israel's For Life... Not Just For Christmas : Chapter 3
(If you cannot see this video visit: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6519259669339795685 )
It has become clear to me that today’s teenagers do feel that it’s important we stand up for Israel, because as so many have replied, when being interviewed, “If we don’t who will?”
My fear is that not all teenagers hold this view. As I asked the question “Do you think it’s important for today’s youth to defend Israel?” I realised that I am only asking Jewish teenagers, Jewish teenagers in a Jewish environment. If I were to go to a non-Jewish school and ask this question would I get the same response? Would I receive the same views if I asked the same question to a non-Jew?
I believe that it is equally important for ALL teenagers to be defending Israel, not just Jewish teenagers, from Jewish schools. I hope that if I were to ask this question in a non-Jewish environment I would receive the same response, but with the escalating anti-Israeli sentiment in the UK my fear is that not all teenagers will uphold this view.
We as teenagers need to realise that our voice, and our views, can make a difference.
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