9/23 | AIPAC in Jerusalem and a Shabbaton in the Kfar

There are some things that are too good to pass up.  When I found out about an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) sponsored program called "Engaging Washington from Abroad" at the Saban Leadership Seminar this past summer, I knew I had to get involved.  For American students studying in Israel, this is an opportunity to correspond with decision makers back home, acting as their eyes and ears in a country that needs their support now more than ever.  For politicians that have always supported Israel, Engaging Washington from Abroad shows them that their constituents continue to care about this issue.  For politicians that may not favor Israel as much, Engaging Washington from Abroad serves as a strong message: reform your stance on this issue.

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to go to an AIPAC conference in Jerusalem to meet with representatives from AIPAC.  I brought along two friends--Esther and Steven--to help get AIPAC's message out to a larger range of people.  It was a fascinating event; however, it was billed as a closed meeting so I cannot repeat exactly what was said.  All I can say is that it was split in two parts: a news brief about the Palestinian unilateral declaration of independence in the United Nations followed by a detailed explanation of what we as students should be doing to influence decision makers in Washington.  It was remarkable how many students showed up and what is even greater is that anybody can take part.  Even at home, students can continue to correspond with their Senators and Representatives to urge them to support the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Esther and Steven walking to the AIPAC conference in downtown Jerusalem.

As representatives of Hebrew University, we were given about 300 of these cards to hand out to students.

After the AIPAC event, the three of us decided to walk to the Kotel in the Old City, which was not too far away from where we were.  As we were walking, we got a text message from the Rothberg International School that said:

Due to a heightened security alerts in Jerusalem, students are advised to avoid the Old City and unfamiliar neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, as well as any crowds or demonstrations.

Of course, whenever someone tells you not to do something, that usually means you will do it anyway.  So, not being deterred, we carried forward through the Old City (avoiding the Muslim quarter shortcut) to the Kotel.  All over the city, the police presence was high.  Cops were stationed in every open space to ensure the security of all citizens, tourists, and worshippers.

Outside the main entrance to the Western Wall plaza, police had set up what looked like a command station.

Notice two things: 1.) It is hard to see, but there is a security blimp in the top left corner of the picture.  This was used to monitor Jerusalem from up high.  If people started congregating in one area, the IDF would know where to go to break up a protest before it got violent.  2.) There were more than 30 emergency vehicles stationed right next to the Kotel.  I'm not sure what their purpose was, but the IDF seemed ready for anything.

At the Western Wall, everything was as normal as ever.

After we got back to the Student Village, or Kfar HaStudentim, there were only a few hours until the beginning of the shabbaton in the kfar.  I had volunteered to help set up, so the rabbi sent me on a mission to find tables and chairs.  We were originally scheduled to do everything outside, but the threat of rain forced us inside.  After setting up the room and putting out the food, we started with a Friday evening service outside, since the rain had not yet started.  What an experience!  Praying with our eyes, literally, towards the Temple Mount, we danced--rakadenu--and sang--sharnu--in celebration of our being in the Holy Land.  We even did a few hora circles, albeit separately from the women so as not to offend those who prefer a more orthodox setting.  


After the service, we went inside and had a dinner of chicken, couscous, and peas.  For dessert, we had a number of baked goods from the famous Marzipan bakery.  In between dinner and desert, everyone sat in a circle to sit and reflect.  We even sang a few niguns, which are tunes sung without lyrics.  They consist of "bum-bum-bums" and "lai-lai-lais" that are meant to get people to focus on the spirituality of the music.  It was a great end to a long week and a nice event to have right before our final ulpan exams. Tomorrow, the shabbaton continues and I couldn't be more excited.