the hldp annual student award ceremony program 2012

Additional exhibit photography generously provided by Pini Dror Photography.

The Holy Land Democracy Project is an initiative of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles in partnershipwith the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Diocese of Orange, the Diocese of Fresno, the Diocese of San Bernadino, Granada Hills Charter High School, the LA Alliance for College Ready Public Schools, The Lighthouse Christian Academy, Oaks Christian School, and Pacifica Christian High School.

THE NINTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 3, 2012PROGRAM

Julie I. BramEric J. DiamondIrwin S. FieldDalia Franco

Abner D. GoldstineDennis A. Gura

Stanley KandelLeslie Kessler

Sharon L. KrischerArlene KupietzkyDr. Daniel LieberLinda Mayman

Alex MillerMarla RosenFaith SchamesMoshe ShmuelTerri SmookeLisa Ullmann

Holy Land Democracy ProjectAdvisory Council

Merrill B. AlpertJoli B. AltshuleMarc Carrel

Allan B. CutrowJesse GabrielDave Rand

Noah StreitSam Yebri

The Jewish Federation’s Community Engagement Committee

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

www.JewishLA.org

Loryn D. ArkowVice Chair

Daniel T. GryczmanChair

Jay SandersonPresident & CEO

S. Alan RosenValley Alliance Chair

Richard V. SandlerChairman of the Board

Leslie E. BiderJonathan Cookler

Vice Chairs

Sharon L. JanksGeneral Campaign Chair

Andrew CushnirExecutive Vice PresidentChief Program Officer

Catherine SchneiderSenior Vice President

Community Engagement

Daniel GoldDirector of Israel Education

and Advocacy

Rabbi Hal GreenwaldAssistant Director

Holy Land Democracy Project

Aliya SlepkovExecutive Secretary

Community Engagement

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Gabrielle Greenstein, Louisville High School (Mary Wilson)

SECOND PRIZEAdam Bistagne, Loyola High School (Tika Lee)

THIRD PRIZEMiranda Reynolds, Bishop Montgomery High School (John Fitzsimons)

HONORABLE MENTIONMackenzie Boyd, Villanova Preparatory School (Brian Grisin); Christine Hanna, Bishop Montgomery High School (John Fitzsimons);

Amanda Marcarelli, Oaks Christian School (Aaron Marcarelli); Rachel McCormick, Oaks Christian School (Aaron Marcarelli);Nicole Morin,Mater Dei High School (Carol Koppenheffer); Steven Perez, Damien High School (Douglas Hoffman);

Nicole Platania, Louisville High School (Mary Wilson); Maxwell Vega, Oaks Christian School (Aaron Marcarelli)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Madeline Ponzio, Rosary High School (Maureen Tunstill)

SECOND PRIZEJoy Hinshilwood, Bishop Montgomery High School (Bernadette St. James)

THIRD PRIZELeah Munoz, Bishop Montgomery High School (Bernadette St. James)

HONORABLE MENTIONChelsea Augustine, Pacifica Christian High School (Scott Comer); Andrea Centeno, St. Monica Catholic High School (Siobhan O'Neill); Jairon Marroquin, St. Genevieve High School (Roxanne Brush); Taylor Mercado, Bishop Montgomery High School (John Fitzsimons); Emily Miller, St. Monica Catholic High School (Siobhan O'Neill); Preston O’Connell, St. Monica Catholic High School (Siobhan O'Neill);

Ross Porter,Mater Dei High School (Carol Koppenheffer); Roxana Reyes, Bishop Conaty High School (Lisa Gabriel)

ART CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Emily Montalvo, Rosary High School (Maureen Tunstill)

SECOND PRIZEEmily Mendoza,Mater Dei High School (Carol Koppenheffer)

THIRD PRIZESerena Stumpf, Louisville High School (Mary Wilson)

HONORABLE MENTIONYasmin Aubry, Bishop Montgomery High School (Bernadette St. James);Kiara Barrett, Bishop Montgomery High School (Bernadette St. James);

Maryann Corea, St. Monica Catholic High School (Siobhan O'Neill); Gladi Han, St. Joseph High School (Allison Ek);Dianna Kim, Bishop Montgomery High School (Bernadette St. James);Taryn Provinchain, Junipero Serra High School (Anunciacion Anderson);

Katie Swinnerton, Rosary High School (Maureen Tunstill); Ali Toia, St. Monica Catholic High School (Siobhan O'Neill)

HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT2012 CREATIVE CONTEST WINNERS

MULTIMEDIA CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Shari Coleman, Granada Hills Charter High School (Annet Kohen)

SECOND PRIZEReilly Cox,Mater Dei High School (Colleen Hall)

THIRD PRIZEMelia Gonzalez, Rosary High School (Maureen Tunstill and Lisa Nollette)

HONORABLE MENTIONAJ Absy, St. Francis High School (Mark Fredette)

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JIM NIELSEN

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and

to walk humbly with your God.”

Mikah 6:8

In Memory

We all lost a friend and teacher with Jim Nielsen’s passing this year. We mourn this loss deeply and miss

him greatly.

Jim was a man who personified the passage from Mikah.Those of us at the Jewish Federation first came to know himin 2009, when he interviewed for the Holy Land DemocracyProject. Our traditions teach us that one cannot hope to

approach God absent a humble heart. Jim came to us, as I suspect he came to mosteveryone, with a deeply touching and instructive humility. I recall him thanking ussincerely simply for reading his application. Those who traveled to Israel with himsaw his extraordinary appreciation for every single moment in the Land.

He told us that the journey through Israel truly transformed him. We believe thatfor students and adults alike, interactions with Jim transformed all who tarried justlong enough to understand his goodness. After his return from Israel, we remainedconnected to Jim through the multiple emails and phone calls he placed to me eachyear, all carrying the simple message: “Hal, please tell The Jewish Federation howthankful I am for Israel.”

Today, please share memories of Jim that you have. Most of all, let us live livesdeeply informed by his example. Let us reach out to the living, act justly, love mercy,and walk humbly with our God.

Zichrono L’veracha – may the memory of James Nielsen be a blessing for his wonderful family, his Santa Margarita students, his church community and us all.

–Rabbi Hal Greenwald

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THE JEWISH FEDERATION’SHOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT

NINTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONYJune 3, 2012

PROGRAM PRESENTER

WELCOME Sister Angela HallahanSecondary School Religion CoordinatorArchdiocese of Los Angeles

“IMAGE”-INING ISRAEL ! Through the Looking Glass of Israel – 5 Ways

REMARKS FROM Catherine SchneiderTHE JEWISH FEDERATION Senior Vice President for Community Engagement

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

THE HOLY LAND Dr. Daniel LieberDEMOCRACY PROJECT Chair

The Holy Land Democracy Project

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Maureen Tunstill, RosaryStudent Award Madeline Ponzio

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Mary Wilson, LouisvilleStudent Award Gabrielle Greenstein

ART PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Maureen Tunstill, RosaryStudent Award Emily Montalvo

MUTIMEDIA PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Annet Kohen, Granada HillsStudent Award Shari Coleman

CAPERNAUM TO THE CLASSROOM… Scott ComerAND BACK TO CAPERNAUM: Pacifica Christian

A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

L’hitraot!

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William Klein Marymount High SchoolAnnet Kohen Granada Hills Charter High SchoolCarol Koppenheffer Mater Dei High SchoolRon Korb Granada Hills Charter High SchoolHoward Lappin Principal, Environmental Science and Technology High SchoolMaggie Lauder Servite High SchoolClaude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical InstituteTika Lee Loyola High SchoolCindy Lee-Moon Notre Dame High SchoolMichael Letton Stern Math & Science High SchoolMaureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolMichel Madruga Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High SchoolCynthia Madsen St. Joseph High SchoolAaron Marcarelli Oaks Christian SchoolDean Marolla College-Ready Academy High School #5Mary Marsella Garces Memorial High SchoolChalio Medrano Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High SchoolSonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High SchoolConan Moats Heritage College-Ready Academy High SchoolKathy Morgan St. Monica Catholic High School Rita Morgan St. Monica Catholic High SchoolDenis Munoz St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolAllicen Naal Pomona Catholic High SchoolFatima Nicdao St. Monica Catholic High SchoolJames Nielsen Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolLisa Nollette Rosary High SchoolRay Nolte Damien High SchoolMarc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High SchoolNate Nylander Oaks Christian SchoolSiobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High SchoolKristina Ortega Chaminade College Preparatory Robert Pambello Heritage College-Ready Academy High SchoolJason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolKumar Parthepan Gertz-Ressler High SchoolJeanette Pascua Notre Dame High School Gary Pate Oaks Christian SchoolMonique Pena Environmental Science and Technology High SchoolWilliam Perales Mary Star of the SeaElisa Perez Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolLinda Petrich St. Joseph High School Michelle Purghart Holy Family High School College PreparatoryTomas Renna Bishop Montgomery High SchoolApril Risteff Chaminade College Preparatory Alma Rivas San Gabriel Mission High School Roberto Rivas Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School Susan Rizo Garces Memorial High SchoolVanessa Sandoval College-Ready Academy High School #5David Savage Notre Dame High SchoolStephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolMichael Sifter Alverno High SchoolTom Silva Pacifica Christian High School Craig Smith Santa Margarita High School Bernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High SchoolJoe Swoboda Servite High SchoolMaureen Tunstill Rosary High SchoolSteve Viau Mater Dei High SchoolMelea Walden Jserra Catholic High SchoolChris Weir Servite High SchoolSteve Wickson St. Monica Catholic High School Josh Wilson Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson Louisville High SchoolRobin Winkler Granada Hills Charter High SchoolTheresa Yugar Sacred Heart High SchoolDennis Yumul St Genevieve High SchoolLisa Zabaglo Chaminade College Prep High School

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Poetry

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We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstanding schools whohave partnered with us in building bridges between our communities andsharing the miracle of Israel with over 27,000 students in Los Angeles,

Orange County, San Bernardino, Fresno and Bakersfield.

Meredith Adams Health Services Academy High SchoolHilary Aguirre-Yribarren Cathedral High SchoolJanice Allen Oaks Christian High SchoolAnunciacion Anderson Junipero Serra High SchoolVictoria Anderson Norte Vista High School Maria Andrade-Johnson Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolVictor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolRandy Aust Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolCarla Bacon Granada Hills Charter High SchoolJustin Bailey Pacifica Christian High School Joe Banfield St. Anthony High SchoolMaggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High SchoolKelly Brooks Alliance College-Ready Academy #5Roxanne Brush St. Genevieve High SchoolJudy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public SchoolsMichelle Butorac St. Matthias High SchoolEric Cadena Chaminade College Preparatory Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolJennifer Campbell St. Anthony High SchoolRaul Carranza College-Ready Academy High School #7Karen Chambers Verbum Dei High SchoolEdward Clark Damien High SchoolJohn Collins Pomona Catholic High SchoolScott Comer Pacifica Christian High School Kat Cook Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolNancy Coonis Notre Dame AcademyGinny Cronomiz St. Joseph High SchoolPeter Czer Lighthouse SchoolVera De Artola Notre Dame High SchoolKathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolRoger DeSilva Notre Dame High SchoolJeffrey Dewey Oaks Christian High SchoolKarina Diaz Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science SchoolJeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High SchoolAllison Ek St Joseph High School Stephen Felkner Junipero Serra High SchoolJohn Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMark Fredette St. Francis High SchoolLisa Gabriel Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High SchoolShannon Gavin Rosary High SchoolBlair Gillam Oaks Christian High SchoolMarcos Gonzalez San Gabriel Mission HS Margaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolBrian Grisin Villanova Preparatory SchoolApril Gutierrez Sacred Heart High SchoolStephen Hagberg Oaks Christian High SchoolColleen Hall Mater Dei High SchoolHolly Haynes Mater Dei High SchoolKevin Hernandez Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High SchoolMonique Hernandez Alliance College-Ready Academy #7Rodolfo Hernandez Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolMichael Herrera St. Bonaventure High SchoolDouglas Hoffman Damien High School Stephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High SchoolChristopher James Leuzinger High SchoolShane Johnson Villanova Preparatory SchoolMary Killmond Bishop Alemany High SchoolJoe Kim Holy Family High School College Prep

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Madeline Ponzio, Rosary High SchoolMs. Tunstill, Instructor

First Prize Poetry

While crystal clear waves lap atThe sandy shore

A beach full of faces, The faces of Israel,

Gaze at the land of their fathers.

Their land is scarredFrom battles, from bombs, from blood.

Craters carve a painful pattern in the earthPowdered ash, the dust of a dangerous snow

Blankets the land of their fathers

But the waves behind them, Waves of the future,

Wash over the land, and clean awayThe pain, the dirt, the debrisFrom the land of their fathers.

The water washes the scars away, butMemories remain, as bright burning starsIn the eyes of the many faces of Israel. Faces look forward, but eyes turn backSome forgiving, none forgetting

What it took to turn the land of their fathers, Into their own land.

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The Jewish Federation’s Holy Land Democracy

Project educates non-Jewish high school

students throughout Los Angeles about

modern Israel by sending their teachers

there. The result is a cadre of educators at

Catholic, Protestant and Charter high schools

who have shared powerful, first-hand experiences with more than 27,000

diverse students. Educators study the history and diversity of the Jewish

people, the democracy of Israel, as well as the challenges and complexities

of Arab/Israeli relations. The program includes teacher training, a curriculum

called The Many Faces of Israel, and a contest showcasing students’ essays,

poetry and art depicting what they learned about the only democracy in

the Middle East. The resulting understanding of Israel creates a new

perspective on Jewish life around the world. Since the program’s

inception in 2004, more than 50 schools have participated and more than

100 educators have made this perspective-changing journey and returned

to share their experience with their students.

Tikkun olam, a Hebrew expression which means

“repair the world,” is a historic and core Jewish

value – and why reaching out to address the needs

of the entire community is one of the goals of

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Based on Jewish values, The Jewish Federation of

Greater Los Angeles convenes and leads the community and leverages its

resources to assure the continuity of the Jewish people, support a secure

State of Israel, care for Jews in need here and abroad, and mobilize on

issues of concern to the local community, all with our local, national, and

international partners.

6

Second Prize PoetryJoy Hinshilwood, Bishop Montgomery High School

Ms. St. James, Instructor

He was young and boldA budding entityShe loved him

She sheltered him

He grew older and more daringHe fought and wonShe loved him

She carried him on her shoulders

He left and roamed the worldMissing herShe loved himShe waited

He grew olderWith much pain and suffering

She felt himShe crumbled

He returnedSearching for home

She rejoicedThough only a wall stood

He is stronger Protecting that which he loves

She lovesShe stands as a testament

Two loversTorn apart and reunitedMade for each other

Perfect despite the imperfectionsJerusalem and her people.

Shari Coleman, Granada Hills Charter High School Ms. Kohen, Instructor

First Prize Multi-Media

Reilly Cox, Mater Dei High School Ms. Hall, Instructor

Second Prize Multi-Media

Melia Gonzalez, Rosary High School Ms. Tunstill and Ms. Nollette, Instructors

Third Prize Multi-Media

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Leah Munoz, Bishop Montgomery High School Ms. St. James, Instructor

Third Prize Poetry

A flower grows by a chain link fenceSmall, but easily spotted

Threatened by the surrounding weedsA long struggle

Strong in a barren landThe courage to grow and stand tall

To be differentIn the best way possible

Centuries oldBut still modern and new

An everyday sightBut something much more extraordinary

Serena Stumpf, Louisville High School Ms. Wilson, Instructor

Third Prize Art

My watercolor painting answers the first question of religious observance in

Israel. In the foreground there is a Jewish family together because on the

Sabbath families often spend time with each other. They have candles, since they

cannot use electricity on the Lord’s day of rest, and there is a “closed” sign in

their shop as all businesses are closed for this one day of rest. The bread on the

table is Challah, which is customarily eaten on the Sabbath. Through this family’s

window, the old city of Jerusalem can be seen in the distance. The people in

the background are blurred to show the mixture of the many different religions.

They are mostly Jewish, as they are worshipping at the Wailing Wall, but there

are also Muslims on their way to the the Dome of the Rock. If you were to walk

around that city, these are some of the traditional customs you would see people

practicing on the Sabbath.

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8

Chelsea Augustine, Pacifica Christian High SchoolMr. Comer, Instructor

Honorable Mention Poetry

Standing in a busy street in Tel AvivI hear the gasp

Of a little girl as she looks upAnd admires the female IDF unit as they walk by. I see the sparkle in her eyesAs she hopes to be one of them. She hopes to fight for

And honor her people.

This little girl does not have the heart to chooseWho

She fights for:She would fight for the beautiful big-eyed EthiopianFor the old, orthodox Jew who is excited as he shares his discoveries.This little girl has the heart to save them allBecause to her, their heart beats for the same thing.For the love of Hashem and Haaretz.

She knows ha’artez is worth fighting for.From Hashem saving them from the oppression By the EgyptiansTo the Shoah and the Nazis. Because for her, she will never forget

And it will never happen again.

I have learned from all of these people How closeOf a familyIsrael is.And hopefully this little girl will not have to fight likeDavid against GoliathTo keep this family together

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Emily Mendoza, Mater Dei High School

Ms. Koppenheffer, Instructor

Second Prize Art

Why is there a need fora Jewish homeland?

Without a homeland, theywould have no place to go.Everyone deserves a placeto call HOME. I drew theflag to resemble unity between all Jews, to resem-ble their pride and spirit. Idecided to put barbed wireon the side of the flag to re-member the hardship thatthey went through duringthe Holocaust. After theHolocaust, they hadnowhere to go. For theirsacrifices and hardship, Israel was created to givethem a place to call home. Ialso drew two people hold-ing hands to resemble unity in their hard times in the Holocaust, to represent thatthey were in it all together. The necklace stands for their beliefs in God. God hasbeen and will be with them forever. They are God’s people and Israel is their Holyland, also known as their HOME. The city and the building are included to resembletheir places of worship and also their everyday lives. I included the prayer wallwhere all of the Jews come to pray. I placed a sun and a moon because they shouldhave a home that they can permanently stay in for the rest of their lives, night and day. These people have gone through so much – and all for a simple place to call HOME.

9


Suffering, persecution and discrimination, Now these problems would seem distant from this current open-minded nation.

Separation, sadness and despair, No one felt like it was fair.

They wanted a place where they could be free, A place significantly close to the Sea of Galilee. No one to tell them how to act or what to say,

No one to tell them what to believe in or what to pray. This place, would be for all Jews to bond together big and small, Acting justly and selflessly so that freedom would reign over all.

A homeland that would be more than just a place to go, It would be a place where everyone was welcomed, not one of them a foe.

People of different faiths, of different lifestyles, and moreWere welcomed into Israel to expand their lives and explore.

Israel gave the people the opportunity to express themselves and freely roam, But most of all it gave them a place to bond, a place to call home.

Andrea Centeno, St. Monica Catholic High SchoolMs. O’Neill, Instructor

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Emily Montalvo, Rosary High School Ms. Tunstill, Instructor

First Prize Art

For centuries the Jewish people have suffered and been persecuted, even intheir own land. Here in these letters is a brief history of the challenges that

Israel has faced in its struggle for a land free of persecution and peace with itsArab neighbors.

S: The ancient history of Israel and its beginning, from the twelve tribes of Israel and theExodus from Egypt.

H: Shows the persecution of the Jewish people in ancient and modern times: the destructionof the Temple of Solomon, the Diaspora and search for a homeland, the occupation of theArabs in Israel, the Holocaust and the genocide of millions of Jewish people, the persecutionof Jews in Ethiopia, and the current destruction caused by bombs.

A: Depicts the surrounding countries that have oppressed the Jewish people for thousandsof years. It also has pictures of the Israeli army, in which the Israeli people, from a youngage, offer their lives in order to protect their land.

L: Shows when Israel becomes an independent nation, the first step to finding a land all theirown. An excerpt from the Israeli Declaration of Independence surrounds the Israeli emblem.

O: Displays the numerous peace talks that Israel and its neighbors have attended. Thesepeace talks occur because all the Israeli people want is peace. Lines from the Israeli-Egyptianpeace treaty surround the O.

M: Shows the future of Israel: a nation free of persecution; a place where the Jewish peoplecan live in harmony with their Arab neighbors.

The background for the letters is a section of the Western Wall, the only remnants of theTemple. It shows the deep history that the Jewish people have in the land of Israel.

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Israel is considered to be “the Holy Land,”A place that has peace and war at hand

A country that had to make difficult decisions,And people who believe in different religions.

But it doesn’t matter because it’s what they believe.A country so beautiful you don’t want to leave.Whatever religion, they’re at their God’s mercy.Living in a country the size of New Jersey.A place where Jews can live as brothers.And men could love their sacred mothers.A country whose government is democratic,

They study many subjects and are really good at it.And people come from everywhere,

To learn the history that has been there.They have fought with the people next door,

But they all just want to end this war.They’ve been to Hollywood and to the moon,

Israel’s a place you want to visit soon.But people want to know what is real

We all just want to go to Israel.

Honorable Mention PoetryJairon Marroquin, St. Genevieve High School

Ms. Brush, Instructor

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Art

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__Oh Mother__

A mother cries As she watches her children fight,

Brother beating sister, and babies yelling.

A mother lies sick from crying so long So long and so long, only longing for peace.

She endures her child’s pain… Anger… Tears… Fear…

Hopelessness… Misery…

And like a good mother, She hides it She cries, and hides her tears and illness She cries, and hides her smile and hope And like a good mother, She embraces it

Happiness… Hopefulness… Bravery… Smile… Peace…

She embraces her child’s pleasure…

A mother sits healthy and smiles on, On and on, as she sees peace.

A mother smiles As she watches her children, all of her children,

Stand side by side, hand in hand, peacefully, in her, on Land.

Taylor Mercado, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMr. Fitzsimons, Instructor

Maxwell Vega, Oaks Christian SchoolMr. Marcarelli, Instructor

Excerpt

Since Israel declared independence in 1948, it has faced continuous threats

to its security and peace …

The kidnapping and killing of members of the Israeli Olympic team in the 1972

Munich Olympics further hindered attempts at peace. A year later, in 1973, Egyptians

and Syrians attacked Israel on Yom Kippur, resulting in what is known as the

Yom Kippur War. The Israeli forces successfully deterred the aggressors, leading

to a ceasefire. After Anwar Sadat of Egypt visited Israel and spoke with the

Knesset, Jimmy Carter of the United States called both Sadat and Menachem

Begin to meet at Camp David to discuss peace. The subsequent 1979 Camp David

Accords resulted in a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. In 1981, Sadat

was assassinated for his part in the Accords.

Honorable Mention Essay

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12

Look through these eyes of mineAnd see similar things sometimes

We are not so different, you and meLook through these eyes of mine and you will see

I am young and free, just like youDoing many of the things you doGoing to school and having funStaying out later than the sun

I see the world in a similar wayMine having a few differences day by day

Mainly lying in my country’s fearA fear we feel no one can hear

One day I hope to also live in a peaceful placeWhere I walk like you with a smile on my faceI hope one day you see joy in my home’s heart

A joy we wish we had from the start

Honorable Mention PoetryEmily Miller, St. Monica Catholic High School

Ms. O’Neill, Instructor

Steven Perez, Damien High SchoolMr. Hoffman, Instructor

Excerpt

Being in a Catholic school, exposed to religion, it is not enough just to learn

about Catholicism. We call ourselves “Catholic” because it means universal.

In this world, it is important to have a universal mindset in relating with people.

Up until now, all I knew about Israel was that it was made by the United Nations

as a Jewish homeland in the 1940s, that it was constantly under attack by other

Middle East nations, and that it had to have a strong military. What I didn’t realize

was the expanse of Muslim nations around Israel. It is such a tiny part of the

Middle East that I asked “Why is so much being lost over something so small?”

I was interested in learning about the Israeli Declaration of Independence. I was

surprised to see how similar it was to our Declaration of Independence in purpose

and manner. I was glad to see that although Israel is militarily strong for its size,

it understands the meaning of peace…. It is not a war-torn nation, just a nation

that is defending itself and its way of life.

I felt for the children of Israel in the film. They really weren’t too different from

me. They had similar tastes in leisure and future plans, and they went through

the same issues that I face. The only difference is that if their military loses they

lose their life; but that doesn’t seem to bother them. They live in constant danger,

but they do not let it stop them from living.


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Nicole Morin, Mater Dei High SchoolMs. Koppenheffer, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel was the Promised Land for the Jewish people … But in the year 135, the Romans exiled Jews from Israel after they lost a three-year

war fought between them. After they lost control of their home, they had no place

to practice their religion freely or embrace their Jewish culture. Without a home,

the Jewish people were forced to live in towns where people hated them and

blamed them for all of the problems in the world … People burned books and

synagogues, destroyed Torahs … All of this happened because they didn’t have a

place to flee to …

It is unfathomable how anything as terrible as the Holocaust could have transpired,

but if they had a place to go, a home …. If they just had a home ….

But the Jewish people now have a place where they can embrace their religion and

be themselves. They have a place where one-third of the world’s population of

Jews lives freely. They have Israel … No matter what happens in the future, Israel

is and always will be the home of the Jewish people.


24 13


On any given day in the holy landYou might come upon something pretty grand

Different cultures different racesDifferent beliefs, even covered faces

So many different religions all come together here …

Listen up because p money never delivers whack. Let’s start with the Jewish because God gave them the land

They make up most of the population and keep the synagogues mannedJews study Torah because it’s their holy book

They also got a lot of really cool food they like to cookBagels, Cheeses, even Kosher Fish

When you’re eating Jewish food it’s always gonna be a scrumptious dishAnd finally to the attire

They dress like you and me except some people wear a kippah which makes them look Way flyer

Now on the DruzeAlthough they live together they’re pretty different from the Jews

The religion was founded in 1009In Cairo on land that in my opinion was pretty sublime

The Druze are farmers so the diet consists of a lot of fruit off treesBut they bake their own bread and even eat some cheese

So all in all the Druze are pretty chill Moving on to the next religion I’m about to do it for the Israeli bonds and the skrill

Capping off the religions in Israel are the Muslims, you wouldn’t think to find them hereBut listen up open your eyes and earsBecause here are some facts and stats

About the Muslims who are some pretty cool catsIn Islam there are some articles of faith six to be exact

Muslims follow these laws and that’s a fact ….

All in all Israel is a pretty cool placeEveryone stays pretty based

Through the struggles and the painThe Israeli people find a way to gain

Freedom and happinessInstead of DJ Khaled, the people of Israel of Israel should be yelling … WE THE BEST.

Preston O’Connell, St. Monica Catholic High SchoolMs. O’Neill, Instructor

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A long time ago, Back in the day

Jews were enslaved and killedAnd it was ok.

Thousands of years laterJews were still persecuted and hated

By Nazis and HitlerConcentration camps were created

Even in Israel, To this very day

Jews get threats from terroristsAnd are not safe where they stay

Everyone is scaredThe government, tooHow would you feel

If everyday hateful people threaten you?

The people try to make peaceBut terrorists don’t careAnd they are the reasons

There are bomb shelters everywhere

I wish that the Jewish religion was given a breakIt seems that they are the target of hate

I hope that one day people understandThat this world would be so much better

Hand in hand

Maybe one day those hateful people will realizeThat Jews and everyone are equal in God’s eyes

But in the meantimeMaybe those countries can figure it out

And make good decisions and choose the right route.

Honorable Mention PoetryRoss Porter, Mater Dei High School

Ms. Koppenheffer, Instructor

Rachel McCormick, Oaks Christian SchoolMr. Marcarelli, Instructor

Excerpt

In 1896 Theodore Herzl organized the Zionist movement, seeing a need for aJewish homeland to prevent persecution and genocide. He observed the

outrageous Dreyfus Affair and trial of Alfred Dreyfus, falsely accused of passing

information to the Germans … Under the Russian government, Jews were also

persecuted and forced out of their homes. As a strong and hard-working group,

many governments see Jews as a threat, as did Pharoah in Egypt during the

time of Moses. Later, the ultimate persecution would occur under Hitler and

the Nazi party …

Many aspects of the Jewish religion tie the people to the land. The holy land of

Israel gives the Jewish people a place to worship their God and be unified…

Through the ideals of Zionism and the promises of the Bible, Israel has become a

refuge for its people, who have fought for its independence. The State of Israel

ensures that they will be treated justly and given rights and liberties as people …


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15


I am Israel I am the young girl who stands above the Promised Land

I see and feel within me the struggles and hardships of those who came before meFear for my future

Fear of what might happen in the midst of protecting my nationWith that fear, comes hope

Hope of making a successful human being out of myselfHope of representing well those who came before me

Hope of being a brighter IsraelWith hope, come expectations

Expectations of what my life after high school will beExpectations of how everyone will look up to meYoung ones and the elder will see Israel in my eyes

With expectations, come valuesValues that will help me understand the struggles and hardships ones had before meValues that will come with hope of a great nation, and unity among neighbors

For we have been taught to love one anotherI am hope for this country

I am the youth who had left fear behindI am she, who takes as a task to protect those around me

I am the one whose expectations shall be completed, to make the new generations free and independent

I am the one who must learn the values that it takes to be looked up toI am the youngest and the oldest

I am Israel

Roxana Reyes, Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High SchoolMs. Gabriel, Instructor

Amanda Marcarelli, Oaks Christian SchoolMr. Marcarelli, Instructor

Excerpt

Unfailing Faith is an emotionally touching drama about a man, Eli Weinstock,who escapes the death camp, Treblinka, and goes to Israel, where he hopes

to find peace and meets a young woman, Naomi Lowenstein, who is dealingwith problems of her own…

Eli Weinstock lived with his German-speaking grandparents, who lived in theSudetenland of Czechoslovakia. Friends of the Weinstock family were the onlyones that knew they were Jewish, while everyone else thought they were Germans … When Hitler was elected, in 1932, Eli and his family believed Hitlerwould help the Germans of other countries, such as Czechoslovakia. However,when his Jewish friends were starting to be taken away, Eli knew something wasup … Eli and his grandparents were taken to Treblinka in 1942 at age 17.

In January of 1937, Naomi (age 13), Esther at age 7, and their parents were intheir home just outside of Jerusalem, when Arab men raided their house, andNaomi saw her parents killed before her eyes before she and Esther were able toget away.

Eli’s grandparents were killed almost straight away at Treblinka because theywere old and could not work well. In March of 1945, however, Eli and anotherJew, David, were able to escape the cap without being seen and headed west…Their goal was to get to Israel, the land of their Fathers …

When Eli finally made it to Tel Aviv, he fell to his knees with a raging fever andshouted, “I have made it to your homeland. I can go no further.” In great pain fromthe fever, he fell flat on his face, unconscious. He woke up to Naomi pouring wateron his head. They shared their stories as Naomi nursed Eli back to health. AfterEli regained his strength … they decided to take a bus to Jerusalem together.They had fallen in love and knew that they were meant for each other …

On their way to Jerusalem, in the Jezebel Valley, Arabs invaded the bus convoyand killed many of the people on the bus. Naomi was killed, and Esther was veryinjured as Eli was able to escape with her. Esther was dying and used her lastbreaths to say, “Make it to Jerusalem for me. Please.” So Eli decided to go backto Tel Aviv, where he joined up with the Ben Gurion army to help fight in the warfor independence.


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Essays

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Christine Hanna, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMr. Fitzsimons, Instructor

Excerpt

There are several different types of religious observances in Israel, but the

three religions that my essay will address are Islam, Coptic Orthodox Christians

and Judaism. Islam revolves around the teachings of Mohammad and the

Qur’an, while the Coptic Orthodox Christians are a branch of Christianity. They

follow the Bible, along with many other branches of Christianity…

I am a practicing Coptic Orthodox Christian. Throughout my life, I have not heard

much about Israel or about Jews other than what I have learned from history

books. When the Coptic Orthodox Christian Pope Shenouda III banned pilgrimages

to Israel, I did not dwell much on the subject. I did not feel as if it had any effect

on my life personally because I was not planning on making pilgrimages anytime

soon. I remember thinking that Israel must be a terrible place to go to if it was

banned, but as I look back now, I realize that was only anti-Semitism rearing its

ugly head. Through learning about the Jewish culture these past few weeks, my

eyes have been opened to a different perspective on the story I was told.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is owned by many different sects of Christianity,

such as Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox

and Syrian Orthodox. This church is located in Jerusalem. The fact that the church

is found in Israel shows how free Israel is in terms of practicing religions … Not

only do Christians have a place in Jerusalem, Muslims do as well. There are many

mosques found in Israel. The religious tolerance and political freedom that is

offered in Israel is unmatchable. Each religion has a home in Israel …


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Gabrielle Greenstein, Louisville High School Ms. Wilson, Instructor

“The place honors not the man: it is the man who honors the place.”

These are the words of a Hebrew proverb, a proverb that I hear every timeI doubt my duty. As a child, I was raised to have pride in my small nation.

Coming from generations of abuse and prejudice in other lands, my parentstaught me and my siblings to be thankful for what we have. Now, as a seniorin high school, I am months away from joining the army and assisting in thewar, for what we deserve. I have faith in my Israel, faith that we will rise abovehardship and remain a prosperous land. My people have suffered throughgenocide, racism, and cruelty at the hands of unjust rulers, and I refuse to letus be dragged down. My generation is not brainwashed, as so many peoplefrom other countries like to think. My generation, we are the generation ofpeace and pride; we have a pride in our Israel that is not easily understood.

I value the journey my ancestors took, and I will now fight to protect our reward. But I cannot help facing the facts. Death, injury, pain – they are all toocommon, they happen too often to ignore. I am learning to face my fears byreminding myself what I will be doing, what I stand for as a citizen of Israel.When I entered my third year in high school, not a day passed when I did notthink of my deployment. Where will I go? What will I be doing? Who will I bewith? Will I be alone? As my third year came to an end, I spent the summercontemplating the importance of these questions. After all, I would be findingout everything I needed to know when the time came – but something waslooming in the back of my mind, a question that I did not want to ask myself.

Am I the only one who is afraid?

This is when I realized that I am far from alone. Not only do I have beside mea massive army of young men and women under similar circumstances, but Ihave a nation full of fiery countrymen. This helped me realize that I am obviously not the only one who is afraid – but I was one of those who hadn’tfigured out the value of fear.

It is not an obstacle, but the driving force of success.

If we were not afraid to lose our land, then why would we be fighting for it?

Yes, I am afraid – but I am prepared. “The place honors not the man: it is theman who honors the place.” This will be said when I am doubtful, thoughtwhen I am weak, and prayed as I fight.

First Prize Essay

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Mackenzie Boyd, Villanova Preparatory SchoolMr. Grisin, Instructor

Excerpt

Teenagers in Israel live a very different life compared to people in the United

States. They are in constant danger from bordering countries which attack

their country… Since it is so tiny, teenagers must enroll in the military after high

school graduation ….

They take on the challenge with open minds and determined hearts. Men have

to be in the military for at least three years, and women for two. If they choose

to stay in the military after the required service time, they may. Otherwise, the

young men and women can begin a career of their choice.

Another quality of Israeli teenagers is that they love to discuss everything. I like

how they can completely disagree with each other and not take it personally.

Here in America, if a teenager disagrees with another it could turn into an ugly

fight. It is very cool how Israeli teenagers are not afraid to speak their mind,

and they don’t get mad if someone proves them wrong or contradicts what

they’re saying …


Adam Bistagne, Loyola High SchoolMs. Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel faces a multitude of political and security challenges from its location ina disputed territory in the Middle East, surrounded by some neighbors who donot wish to see an Israeli state.

The first serious political challenge Israel has faced is a lack of official recognitionby its neighbors as a state. This lack of recognition makes it harder for Israel togain international legitimacy and to develop economic ties with the rest of theworld because of the potential conflict that could ensue. Since many of the statesthat don’t recognize Israel, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, have large oil reserves,other countries do not want to cause conflict or tension with these states because of the demand for oil. Thus, Israel’s allies are limited in acting to supportIsrael, so the nation has to withstand many threats by itself. An example of this stand-alone reality was at the end of 2008, when Israel attacked Hamas forrockets because of launched into the country. Further, this problem complicatesinternational diplomatic efforts. The greatest example of this international backlash is the fact that the U.N. has passed more resolutions about Israel thanany other country, with many of the resolutions being condemnatory.

While political challenges arise from a lack of recognition, some countries, suchas Egypt and Jordan, do recognize Israel and have maintained open borders with Israel in recent years. This different attitude arose probably because of theirclose geographical proximity; Jordan and Egypt have an economic interest inrecognizing Israel that other countries such as Iran do not have.

While Israel does have peace with the local states, it still faces abundant challengesto its security. Arab terrorists such as Hamas and Hezbollah threaten Israeli citizens on a daily basis with attacks on the country by suicide bombers or rocketslaunched in from neighboring allies of the terrorist groups. Besides these localterrorist threats, Israel also faces challenges from an Iranian state that is attemptingto acquire nuclear weapons via uranium processing … This Iranian ambition isthe largest threat that Israel has ever faced because of the potential to destroythe entire country of Israel, without even a chance of fighting. Further, this danger is magnified by Ahmadinejad’s threats to wipe Israel off the face of theplanet. Israel is thus rightly wary of any Iranian attempts at nuclear power, evenif Iran proclaims that it has no military intentions with the weapons.

The countries surrounding Israel have had disputes with Israel because of deep-rooted cultural conflicts between Muslims and Jews over who the “rightful”owner of Jerusalem is, and who the “rightful” owner of the disputed Palestinianterritories is. While the Jewish people would probably be happy to live in peacewith a two-state solution, many Arab states do not agree … This tension …causes difficulty in figuring out a permanent solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

Second Prize Essay

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Miranda Reynolds, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMr. Fitzsimons, Instructor

Excerpt

Dear Diary,

I have a little time before dinner is ready, so I’ll write just a little about what’sgoing on at the moment. Life is pretty good – a little stressful, but mostly good.I can’t believe I’m a senior! Time has flown so fast. Classes are kind of hard rightnow because it’s getting down to the final days. Eleven different subjects addup to a whole lot of work. There are only two weeks left, but so much to thinkabout. I’m really going to miss all my friends, but not to worry; they’ll be withme in the army!

Oh, the army.

Hmmm…I’m a little scared to go but I am also excited, because I have the chanceof a lifetime to defend my country. The way I look at it is: “All Jews are responsiblefor one another.” This gives me courage to enter the army, because it is my dutyto protect the Israeli people. I figure that joining the army is my time to make adifference. I wonder what position they’ll put me in when I join. I would love tobe a nurse or doctor so I could help people in battle, without actually beingthere. I could also have the opportunity to work with some amazing doctors andnurses who I can learn a lot from. I don’t really want to be in combat becausethat’s just not my thing. My army obligation is most important to me, and secondmost important to me is raising a family.

When I’m out of the army, I hope to go to college and medical school and become a doctor. I hear they have a really good medical training program in theNegev Desert, so I’ll have to check that out. When I’m done with that, I want toget married and have three kids…

One thing I fear going into the army is becoming close to people and seeing them diein combat. I never want to feel the pain of losing someone like that … Sometimes Iwonder what it’s like to be a teenager somewhere else, like America …

Enough with the heavy stuff – after graduation, my friends and I are going toAmman Beach for a few days as a graduation present from our parents! We’regoing to relax and tan a little before we are off to the army. The salt water inthe Dead Sea will be nice and soothing for my muscles after my last swim meet.Floating so easily in the salt water is fun, and I won’t have to worry about anyfish or other little sea creatures creeping up on me … I can’t wait!

My sister doesn’t want me to leave for the army because then she’ll be like anonly child. I feel bad leaving her – but this is what I want and need to do. Well,I have to go now, dinner is ready and my mother is yelling at me.

Until next time,Maya

Third Prize Essay

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the hldp annual student award ceremony program 2012

Spiritual