12/8 | Air Raid Siren and a Reception for NCSJ

Today, after Hebrew class, an air raid siren (WOOOOOOOOOOOO) went off in Jerusalem.  We were not warned of it in advance, however, so it came as a total surprise to all of us American students that have never experienced something like that before.  Of course, my first thought was, "Is the country under attack?"  This might be one of the most frightening questions one could ever ask oneself.  With all the talk of war in the media lately--war with Iran, war with Hamas, war with Hezbollah, even war with Egypt--it is easy to assume the worst.  Fortunately, after the siren, Hebrew University sent out a message that said:

The siren that was heard is part of the homefront command exercise.  Another siren might be heard later on today.

They were clearly too late in warning everyone, but is nice to know that it was all a drill.  It really makes me appreciate the work of the Israeli Defense Forces.

I wish I had read this in advance.

After a long day of classes, I had the opportunity to go to a reception hosted by NCSJ, where I interned over the summer, to honor "Former Refuseniks and Prisoners of Zion."  The event was held at a hall across from the King David Hotel in a very upscale part of Jerusalem.  The keynote speaker was Yuli Edelstein, the Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, and the guest of honor was Rabbi David Hill, NCSJ Vice President and founder of Operation Lifeline.  Lesley Weiss, NCSJ Director of Community Services and Cultural Affairs, was there, as was Mark Levin, NCSJ Executive Director.  It was so good to see them as I worked closely with both over the course of the summer.  How amazing it is to be thousands of miles away from home and still see people I know!

 Israel's finest: the King David Hotel (in the rain).

 A huge wedding taking place inside the King David.

The floor of the King David lobby was tiled with the signatures of famous people who have stayed there.  Here you can see the very distinctive signature of Metallica, not far from those of Dick Cheney and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

There was a packed house across the street from the King David Hotel at the NCSJ reception.  Approximately 80 people showed up.  Many were actual refuseniks from the Soviet-era.  It was very intimidating to think of all that these people have experienced in their lives.

 Presenting a Chagall print to Rabbi David Hill.  The five men in the front from left to right: Yuli Edelstein, Rabbi David Hill, unsure, Richard Stone (the chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations), and Mark Levin.

Rabbi David Hill led a round of "Am Yisrael Chai," which literally translates to "The Nation of Israel Lives."  It is used as a rallying cry: "Long Live Israel!"

My summer internship at NCSJ!  Mark Levin is to the left, Lesley Weiss is to the right.