Israel Engagement Week schedule featuring Zeev ben Shachar
Published April 20, 2017
Thursday, April 27
SPINNING THROUGH ISRAEL
4:30-5:30pm @ Wash U. New Athletic Center
A fun 45-minute session combining stationary bike cycling with Israel learning. Ride your bike while you watch inspiring videos and pictures of Israel, and of course get into the groove with fast-beat music from Israel and beyond. No indoor cycling experience needed. In Partnership with Wash U. Students for Israel RSVP to Paul Felder 813.220.0746 | [email protected] (This event is for Wash U students only.)
STAND UP FOR ISRAEL with Sushi Dinner
6:00-8:30pm @ United Hebrew Congregation
A compilation of comical moments and insights I gathered over the last decade while teaching about Israel. Turns out that a mixture of Israeli history, current affairs and personal anecdotes, spiced up with Israeli humor and occasional bluntness, can actually make Israel advocacy fun and exciting. In partnership with CJL and YPC. Please RSVP to your Youth group leader, Cyndee Levy @ 314-442-3754 or bit.ly/yomha69,
Friday, April 28
UNDERSTANDING THE PALESTINIAN NARRATIVE: HISTORY, REALITY AND POSSIBILITY
10:15-11:30am @ Yeshivat Kadimah
The establishment of Israel in 1948 has shown us that when inspiration and commitment are present, anything – or almost anything – is possible for the Jewish People – that only “if you will it, it is no dream.” The evolution of Israel over the last 70 years, from starting nation to startup nation, has only reinforced this understanding. Then how is it that when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, little to no progress has been made over the last century? Is it time to accept – perhaps even embrace – the current situation? Or can the Zionist enterprise, in the realm of endless possibility, overcome one of its most pressing challenges?
THE BDS MOVEMENT: WHAT’S WRONG IN THE BATTLE FOR RIGHTS?
12:00-1:00 @ JFed Building
The last two decades have seen an increase in anti-Israel activity on college campuses and beyond. Responses to this challenge have considerably altered over the years, so much so that supporters of Israel even debate the accurate terminology to articulate their approach (advocacy, education, literacy or engagement?). In this session, we will use the BDS campaign as an instructive case study for understanding the threats, and look at relevant responses for countering them.
Oneg Shabbat Location and Topic TBD 9:45-11:00pm
Shabbat, April 29
“ASHAMNU, BAGADNU”: THE WAY WE TALK ABOUT THE JEWISH STATE
12:00-1:00pm @ JFed Building Kol Rinah Congregation
Discussions about Israel have become increasingly divisive in Jewish communities around the world. What is it about Jewish sovereignty – perhaps even Jewish strength – that makes so many of us uncomfortable? Why even in our most festive times do we seek to remind ourselves of our current shortcomings and past miseries? A presentation about preoccupation, power and possibility. This program is co-sponsored by Kol Rinah.
JERUSALEM – UNITED FOR 50 YEARS?
6:05-7:05pm @ Young Israel Congregation
The 1967 Arab-Israeli war dramatically transformed the geopolitical reality in the Middle East. In six days of ferocious battle, Israel defeated three Arab armies, captured massive territory and reclaimed control of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. 50 years later, this momentous event is a source of great pride – but also much controversy – in the Jewish world and beyond. A conversation about complexities, possibilities and pride. This program is co-sponsored by NCSY
Sunday, April 30
REUNIFICATION OF JERUSALEM: WHERE WE ARE AFTER 50 YEARS
10:00-11:30am @ The Holocaust Museum
The 1967 Arab-Israeli war dramatically transformed the geopolitical reality in the Middle East. In six days of ferocious battle, Israel defeated three Arab armies, captured massive territory and reclaimed control of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. 50 years later, this momentous event is a source of great pride – but also much controversy – in the Jewish world and beyond. A conversation about complexities, possibilities and pride. This event is co-sponsored by the CJL, HMLC and the Brodsky Library
THE BDS MOVEMENT: WHAT’S WRONG IN THE BATTLE FOR RIGHTS?
1:00-3:00 @ JFed Building
The last two decades have seen an increase in anti-Israel activity on college campuses and beyond. Responses to this challenge have considerably altered over the years, so much so that supporters of Israel even debate the accurate terminology to articulate their approach (advocacy, education, literacy or engagement?). In this session, we will use the BDS campaign as an instructive case study for understanding the threats, and look at relevant responses for countering them. This program is co-sponsored by CJL.
