2007-2008 Student Awards

Dr. Daniel Lieber, ChairElaine Albert, Director

Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant DirectorDr. David Ackerman, Educational Coordinator

Advisory CouncilMichael Altman, Malka Blitz, Julie Bram, Gary Cypres, Steven H. Feder,

Irwin S. Field, Cliff Goldstein, Abner Goldstine, Dennis A.Gura,Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler, Sharon Krischer, Linda Mayman,

Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,Terri Smooke, Karl Sussman

Action GroupDr. Parviz Afshani, Marc L. Benezra, Stuart Bernstein, Prof. Gerald Bubis,Susie Chodakiewitz, Avi Davis, Deborah Kattler Kupetz, Ernest Z. Klein,

Paul Kujawsky, Dr.Ariel Malamud, Jo Ann Oster, Dr. Irwin Reich, Nathan D.Wirtschafter

Jewish Community Relations CommitteeTerri Smooke and Glenn Sonnenberg, Co-Chairs

Marc Carrel, Vice ChairAndrew Cushnir, Executive Director

The Jewish FederationStanley P. Gold, Chairman of the Board

RichardV. Sandler, Vice ChairmanBettina Kurowski,General Campaign Chair

John R. Fishel, President

The Holy Land Democracy Project is a joint project ofThe Jewish Federation, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,the Diocese of Orange and the Diocese of Fresno. Program

The Many Faces of Israel

THE FIFTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 12, 2008

www.JewishLA.org

Exhibit photography generously contributed by Orly Halevy

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE ($500)

Chinyerum Okpara, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)Sandra Lattouf, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)Gabby Garcia-O’Connor, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)

Rachel Samec, Louisville (Josh Wilson)

HONORABLE MENTION ($100)Christian Romo, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); Paul Ferrier, JSerra (Melea Walden);

Jerry Mathews, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James);Theresa Duong, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen); Jillian Jones, St. Bernard (Margaret Govero);Steve Shushnar, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); Josephine Sunga, Holy Family (Roger DeSilva);

Emily Park, Villanova (Brian Grisin); Hannah Hoffman, Villanova (Brian Grisin);Kevin Kim, St. Monica, (Marc Nuno & Siobhan O’Neill); Caselyn Larino, Pomona (Allicen Naal)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE ($500)

Rouel Soberano, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)Angeli Aguas, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)Patrick Villar, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)Danielle Fischer, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)

HONORABLE MENTION ($100)Dina Nichols, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon); Selene Smith, Marymount (Rita Morgan);Ramin Sobati, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega); Adelle Barte, Louisville (Mary Wilson);

Nashaw Jafari, BishopMontgomery (John Fitzsimons);Matthew De La Peza, St. Francis (Mark Fredette);Steven Holtzen, Don Bosco (Claude LeBlanc); Jennifer Van Trieste, Louisville (Josh Wilson);Audrey Stanford, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen); Sharlena Singleton, Pomona (Allicen Naal)

ART CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE ($500)

Leanne Villarivera, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)Becky Calvo, Louisville (Mary Wilson)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)Abel Regalado, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond)

HONORABLE MENTION ($100)Lianna Preston, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill); Dakota Brown, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond);

Elaine Ortiz, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez);A.J. Hernandez, Servite (Chris Weir); Stephanie Soto, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez);Michael McGuire, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega); Chris Barlog, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond);

Edward Gomez, Servite (Chris Weir)

2008 HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECTDR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Jennifer Bane, St. Monica (Marc Nuno & Siobhan O’Neill) ($1,000)

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARD

SONG – Nicole Del Castillo, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich) ($200)VIDEO – 9th Grade Class, Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary (Fatima Nicdao)

TEACHER SCHOOLVictor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolJoe Banfield St. Anthony High SchoolMaggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High SchoolMichele Butorac St. Matthias High SchoolEric Cadena Chaminade High SchoolCindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolJennifer Campbell Bishop Amat High SchoolEdward Clark Damien High SchoolJohn Collins Pomona Catholic High SchoolKathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolRoger DeSilva Notre Dame High SchoolJeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High SchoolJohn Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMark Fredette St. Francis High SchoolMargaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolBrian Grisin Villanova Preparatory SchoolHolly Haynes Mater Dei High SchoolShane Johnson Villanova Preparatory SchoolMary Killmond Bishop Alemany High SchoolApril Kramer Chaminade High SchoolClaude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical InstituteCindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High SchoolMaureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolCynthia Madsen St. Joseph High SchoolMary Marsella Garces Memorial High SchoolSonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High SchoolRita Morgan Marymount High SchoolDenis Munoz St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolAllicen Naal Pomona Catholic High SchoolFatima Nicdao Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High SchoolMarc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High SchoolSiobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High SchoolKristina Ortega Chaminade High SchoolJason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High SchoolElisa Perez Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolLinda Petrich St. Joseph High SchoolMichelle Purghart Holy Family High School College PreparatoryTomas Renna Bishop Montgomery High SchoolSusan Rizo Garces Memorial High SchoolStephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolMike Sifter Alverno High SchoolBernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High SchoolJoe Swoboda Servite High SchoolMelea Walden Jserra Catholic High SchoolChris Weir Servite High SchoolJosh Wilson Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson Louisville High SchoolTheresa Yugar Sacred Heart High School

We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstandingCatholic secondary schools who have partnered with us in building bridgesbetween our communities and sharing the miracle of Israel with over10,000 students in Los Angeles, Orange County, Fresno and Bakersfield.

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THE HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECTThe Many Faces of Israel

THE FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

June 12, 2008

PROGRAM

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Daniel Lieber, ChairShalom U’veracha The Holy Land Democracy Project

TRIBUTE TO SUPERINTENDENT Stanley Kandel, Holy Land DemocracyNANCY COONIS Project Advisory Council

REMARKS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE Nancy Coonis,Superintendent of SecondarySchools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

REMARKS FROM Terri Smooke, Co-Chair, Jewish CommunityTHE JEWISH FEDERATION Relations Committee,

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher’s Commendation Bernadette St. James, St. Joseph

Cynthia Madsen, St. JosephReading of 1st Prize Poems Rouel Soberano, Bishop MontgomeryDistribution of Prizes Angeli Aguas, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE Nancy Coonis and Dennis Munoz,Principal St. Bernard High School

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARD Linda Petrich, St JosephFatima Nicdao, Sacred Heart of Mary

Performance of Special Judges Award Fatima Nicdao and the 9th Grade ClassVIDEO Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary

CAPERNUM TO THE CLASSROOM Chris Weir, Servite High SchoolA TEACHERS PERSPECTIVE

ART PRIZE PRESENTATIONTeacher’s Commendation Cindy Lee-Moon, Notre DameDistribution of Prizes

Performance of Special Judges AwardSONG Nicole Del Castillo, St. Joseph

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATIONComments Linda Petrich, St. JosephDistribution of Prizes

DR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Jennifer Bane, St. Monica High SchoolINTRODUCTION Dr. Daniel Lieber

CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Daniel LieberTzeitchem B’shalom

Abel Regalado, Bishop Alemany High SchoolMary Killmond, Instructor

Inmy collage for “TheMany Faces of Israel” I have includedmanypicturesthat vary inmeaning. I have pictures of life in Israel, basicallywhat occurs

there and how life is lived out. I felt that in order to get a betterunderstanding of Israel’s day to day life, I would have to search for themesthat represented the many characteristics of Israel. I wanted to revealthese different ‘faces’ of Israel through photographs and symbols. Youhave the faces of the sad and depressed, or even dead. You also have thefaces of the happiest children you will ever see. I added both of thesedifferent perspectives so that onemight look at this and realize that Israelis a country like our own. With people and children who laugh and cryjust as we do. I also added the different scenery in Israel: From thesculptures and the buildings, to the historical sites and the beautifulpictures that capture the great beauty of the land of Israel. I addedpictures of the military and consequences of war. Children being exposedto violence at so young of an age, armed with guns and smokingcigarettes. It is hard to believe that a country with so much beauty andwith people just like ourselves could have suffered so much violence anddeath over the years.

Third PrizeArt Contest

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Prayer Before SleepJennifer Bane, St Monica High School

Siobhan O’Neill and Mark Nuno, Instructors

Dr.David LieberAward for Excellence

This morning, I pressed my head against the Western Wall ofSolomon’s Temple and I cried. Something inside me awoke,

my soul aflame like the bush that inspired Moses. Myfingertips gripped the ancient stone as I slipped my prayerbetween the cracks of rock, and I turned to face the crowds

of other Jewish people preparing themselves to pray.

I could feel you through the rocks, traveling from mytrembling hands through my veins until you reached my

heart – and there you stopped. I turned back to the rock, inawe, and I could feel your presence within me, drying the

tears sweeping over my cheeks. My body fought back chills,but it could not resist – every hair on my body stood at

attention, and I ceased to even breathe.

I let you affect me. My skin tingled, and my eyes began tosee the world on a small but so meaningful scrap of paperwhich was lodged somewhere in the stones that my very

faith was built upon.

On my way home, I walked rather slowly, because yourpresence that I now felt so greatly was too sacred to disturbwith careless footsteps. The streets of Jerusalem filled withthe sound of prayers and songs from almost every window.Now I passed by more buildings that were ancient, like theTemple of Solomon where the wall I came to every weekstood for thousands of years, and suddenly the blood

running within me felt even older.

Becky Calvo, Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson, Instructor

The photo above is a picture I made representing the “Many Faces ofIsrael.” On the face is a picture of The Dome of the Rock, TheWestern

Wall, a map of Israel, and the Israeli flag. I thought it would be best torepresent how culture can be weaved into the heart of others.

SecondPrizeArt Contest

532

I love Israel. If someone told me I could never return toIsrael, as people have often told my ancestors, I don’t knowwhat I would do. I would have to be brave, like Jews beforeme, but I would be so unbearably homesick. That is whyI came to the wall today, to pray to you. I thought aboutthis last night as I drifted into a deep sleep, and I thoughtabout the Diaspora, and of how my grandfather died in

the Holocaust, and suddenly I felt that I neededto talk to you directly.

I am overwhelmed that this land I live in and carry so muchaffection for is filled with violence, war and dissent. It is sobeautiful, and it is so much a part of me, that I too am

divided. I wait for the day when all Jews will join me andpress their hands against the wall.

When they feel the stone in my favorite place on this earth,then they will want to return here, too. They will dream dayand night of returning to the roots they descended from.I am tied to Israel, and today at the wall, I understood that.

I could feel the beating of the hearts of all Jews in theworld, and I realized that we are all striving to return to the

connection to one another – family. We are not alone,I repeated to myself on my walk home through the

ancient city – we will abandon our fear.

Oh God of Israel – you have made us all one. We willabandon our fear, because we are one.

I wish every Jew living anywhere in the world could hearthis. No matter what persecutions or setbacks that we suffer,we will return to the land of our forefathers and the land ofour religion, whether it be Israel, or the arms of our God.

And because I really meant what I wrote on the paper I putin the wall today I will say it again. I know it is short, but

sometimes there are few words to describe passion– THANK YOU. .

The “A” depicts agonizing pain. The many faces of Israel have beenthrough a large number of unfortunate events. Many lives, homes andvaluable possessions were lost in the wars, bombings, shootings andhorrifying killings. This picture illustrates a young girl expressing herexcruciating pain. This symbolizes that the impact of the war and all thekillings affect a majority of the many faces of Israel. This single face is justone in a million of all the others who have suffered large amounts ofanguish and pain.The “E” stands for equality. The many faces of Israel are very diverse.

Many faces of different cultures live in Israel. All thepeople there aregiventhe gift of equality. Every single face of Israel is treated like any otherindividual. I just wish the rest of the world had this special gift. Myillustration for equality is the world and people standing around it whileholding hands. This shows that the many faces of Israel stand, hand-in-hand. They get along and have not too many racial problems, comparedto other places.The “L” demonstrates lives at risk. I have learned that living in Israel

means risking your life every day. The many faces of Israel have beeninvolved in numerous life-threatening incidents, such as suicide bombings.My painting depicts a suicide bombing. Themany faces of Israel are at riskand do not even know it. Since Israel is such a small area, the death of oneIsraeli can affect many people since everyone seems to know each other.Learning about Israel has taught me to have a greater respect for the

many faces of Israel. This experience in being able to learn has openedmyeyes to the fabulous faces and lifestyles of Israel. I have learned that themany faces of Israel are what makes this country so unique.

Leanne Villarivera, continued

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Essays The Many Faces of IsraelLeanne Villarivera, Notre Dame High School

Cindy Lee-Moon, Instructor

Idecided to showwhat I have learned about Israel in the formof artwork.Each letter that spells out Israel has a picture symbolizing a special

meaning that I thought was significant.The “I” represents the integration of American customs. People from

Israel are thought to be total strangers to most Americans, but they arejust like many of us. Israel has combined many American traditions intotheir lifestyles. Themany faces of Israel listen to the same type ofmusic asus and watch movies and shows that are shown in Israel as well. The twohands illustrate the combination of America and Israel.The “S” stands for shalom. Shalom is the Hebrewword for peace. Israel

is know for having a lot of violence. I have learned that themany faces ofIsrael are in desperate need of peace in their society. The wars haveimpacted the many faces of Israel.The “R” portrays religion and culture. I have learned that Judaism is not

only a major religion in Israel, but can also be a culture. The many facesof Israel seek Judaism. I have learned that Judaism is a lifestyle to themanyfaces of Israel. The people sacrifice time in order to worship and I greatlyadmire that.

First PrizeArt Contest

(continued)

730

Chinyerum Okpara, St Joseph High SchoolLinda Petrich, Instructor

(excerpt)

The Jews’ connection with the Land of Israel dates back almost 4,000years. God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would

inherit the Landof Israel as aneverlastingpossession. Biblically, Jewish rightsto the Land of Israel are eternal and unconditional.Jews did not leave the Holy Land willingly; they were forced out during

the Diaspora (dispersion). Israel was invaded and Jews were deported intoexile by their conquerors … Yet these tragic events and the numerouspersecutions that have happened since have not silenced Jewish longing fora home in the Holy Land, nor changedGod’s promise to bless Abraham andhis offspring.The Jews made a promise never to forget their promised land. To fulfill

their promise during their exile, the Jews initiated the concept of Israel intovirtually every aspect of daily life. To this day, Jews everywhere face towardJerusalem when reciting their daily prayers. A prayer for return to Zion ispart of the standard Jewish blessing over meals. The High Holiday servicesand the Passover Seder meal conclude with the hope and promise of “NextYear in Jerusalem!”The restoration of Israel and the gathering of the exiles are at the core

of all Jewish prayers for redemption and for the coming of the Messiah.Jews remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and theexile from Jerusalem, with an annual day of fasting and mourning. Atthe end of a Jewish wedding, it is customary for the groom to break aglass with his right foot to symbolize the destruction of the Temple.Through these customs and rituals, Jews show their trust in God’sfaithfulness and keep alive their hope to return to Zion.After the Holocaust and the loss of 6 million Jews, two million of them

children, many Jews wondered whether it was possible to continuebelieving in God’s covenant with Israel. The State of Israel was theanswer to what they were looking for. Israel became a State in 1948.Having a Jewish state meant that Jewish children could grow up in theirown country where Jewish police, Jewish soldiers and Jewish citizensprotect the land and its entire people. To Jewish people, Israel is morethan just the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants, thePromised Land is at the very center of all Jewish beliefs and practices. Theformation of the State of Israel meant that God has not abandoned hispeople and that he is true to his word.

First PrizeEssay

Art

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Sandra Lattouf, Ramona Convent Secondary SchoolMaureen Linehan and Elisa Perez, Instructors

(excerpt)

When I first heard about the country of Israel, before I learned moreabout it, a picture came tomind of what it would look like: a desert-

looking place with light brown clay houses and dirt roads. If you wereto ask me what people in Israel look like, before I was more educated, Iwould say, “a bunch of people wearing robes and sandals. Men wearthose little hats on their heads and would walk around with the Torahin their hands. And women are at home teaching their daughters howto take care of the household.” Now I’ve learned that Israel is nothinglike my dim-witted picture… Jewish people have no real description, justlike Americans, Jewish people can come from any background, whetherit’s from Spain, Russia, Eastern Europe or Germany. Just like Americans,they are also strongly opinionated and religiously bonded, and that’swhat keeps them together. It’s like everyone knows each other! I’ve alsofound out that people don’t really dress like in mymental picture, either.Actually, my mental picture seems to be more and more like a fantasythan a reality as I go on with this essay.So after I’ve explained all this to you, youmight be laughing at me for my

outrageousanduneducatedhypothesis. Whatmakesmyassumptions aboutIsrael truly tragic is the fact that I’m Arab. Both my parents emigrated fromLebanon during the war and now live inMonrovia. I had no clue that Israelwas a democratic country, let alone it being one of the only democraticcountries in theMiddle East.Every time I hear thenewsabout theMiddle East,whether it is CNNorBBC,

they always show the viewers dirt roads and sidewalks, destroyed buildingsand villages, a desert-looking area with nothing on the land, and childrenandwomen in robes. I havenowfoundout, thanks to theproject, that thereare twomain reasonswhy these images popped intomymental picture: thenews only shows places which are usually small towns and villages that areeither being targeted by terrorists or occupied by an army, and that thepeople shown wearing robes are either just simply poor or Muslims. Andbecause I have been educated, I can understand the news better, the peopleshown on the news, and especially the people affected by the attacks. Themost important fact that I have learned is that even though these are peoplewho live across the world from me, there are not that many differencesbetween us. And because we are more similar than different, we need totreat each other more like neighbors; better yet, like brothers and sisters.

SecondPrizeEssayIsrael, beautiful, cultural, unique, diverse …

But on the news, all we see?Terror, fear, combat, difficulty

Our ignorance should be banned.

Did we never connect the dots?Israel: an insignificant news story?

We should think not!

Rich in achievements,But also in normalcy …

Israelis are more similar to AmericansThan most of us seem to believe

Democratic government andReligious freedom. Please note:

A wide variety of people,All with the right to vote.

Never again will israel be an apathetic subjectTo Americans today,

Because we know it’s so much moreThan what the news anchor will say.

Selene Smith, Marymount High SchoolRita Morgan, Instructor

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Gabby Garcia-O’Connor, Notre Dame High SchoolCindy Lee-Moon, Instructor

(excerpt)

TheState of Israel is a democratic oasis in theMiddle East. The tiny countryof Israel is dwarfed in size and surroundedbyArabneighboring countries,

manyofwhichhave totalitariangovernments. The Jewish statewas bornoutof the worldwide suffering of the Jewish people longing for a place wherethey could live free of persecution. This dream was finally realized in 1948,with the emergence of themodern State of Israel.Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. However, the demographics of

Israel are very diverse. Israeli citizens come from all over the world. Peoplesof all colors, beliefs and ethnicities reside in Israel. All people, regardless oftheir religion or background, are given the rights and responsibilities thatcomewith being a citizen of a democratic state. One of these responsibilitiesis service in the armed forces. The Israeli army is truly a citizens’ army, similarto theMinutemen of the American Revolution.Israel’s commitment to democracy can be seen in various ways. All citizens

have the right to vote, own property and express their opinions throughfreedom of speech and press. Israelis are encouraged to be active in theirdemocratic government. As amatter of fact, throughout the day, themediakeeps the population informed of the government’s actions, thus motivatingtheir participation.The Holy Land Democracy Project has helped me to understand why it is

important that the United States continues to support and assist Israel. Weshareacommonality in thatbothcountrieswerebornoutofpersecution. LiketheUnited States, Israel believes in democratic rule, respect andacceptanceofdifferent views. We presently live in a world that threatens individuality,religious freedoms and democracy. Israel is a shining beacon of democracy inan area of the world that is especially intolerant of anything that is notaccepted in their mainstream. Hopefully, Israel will inspire other nations,ethnicities and religious groups to embrace tolerance rather than hatred.

Third PrizeEssayIsrael, Israel, Israel

Animals roam where the people of old proudly stoodStanding like ghosts on an open prairie

The griffon vulture flies free calling to the people below ..Barely audible on the open wind …This time not speaking of the past

But of the future …

Israel, Israel, Israel

Old ones with memories as countless as the starsGlance wearily at the past

Placing their withering handsOn the shoulders of the youthYouth glance up in a hasty rush

Latching on to the dreams of the children …All together yelling


All together saying, crying, hoping, and wishing


Audrey Stanford, St. Joseph High SchoolCynthia Madsen, Instructor

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Rachel Samec, Louisville High SchoolJosh Wilson, Instructor

(excerpt)

After learning about Israel from the Holy Land Democracy ProjectI realized there was much about Israel I did not know that I had

misunderstood. In everything from the size of Israel to the people, Ihad views that were in some ways completely incorrect, and I reallyappreciate knowing what is the truth and what is not.

It probably started the first day, when we looked at the many facesof Israel, that I realized my errors. When you hear of Judaism as anethnicity, you also hear of common characteristics that generalize apeople. You expect people to look a certain way, and I had alwaysassociated Jewish people with Israel. I personally thought of a certaintype of hair, face and clothes but right away I realized I couldcompletely misjudge people. By looking at a picture, I would placepeople in categories completely unrelated to them. I did not expectthe diversity that was truly apparent from the lessons.

Before, I did not know how young a state Israel was. I thought ithad existed for a very long time. With so much attention given toIsrael, I expected it to be a huge place. When I learned the true size,I was so surprised at all the controversy surrounding it. When I lookat a map, there are a lot of places that small I have never heard of,but I am pretty sure most everyone has heard of Israel.After this project I am more aware of the real importance of Israel. I

have always sympathized with the Jewish people while learning abouttheir religious history, because they have so frequently and wronglybeen persecuted. I think it is a good idea for them to have an areawhere they are in control and can freely express their religion, write inHebrew and have their own flag. They need to have a place wherethey are the majority and can be in control, free from persecution.

Third PrizeEssayExpressions

Gems,Shining bright, nature’s treasure.

Ruby, blood shed in Israel,Blood shed in Israel’s name …A face of IsraelBlanketed in misery.

Emerald,Rolling hills and lands of honey,Emerald fields stretched endlessly …Lands bestowed upon themby the Lord

SurvivalGems, wrought in the bellows of the earth,Survive, enduring pressure,Reforming.To live on,And be reformed.Into a gem,Wrought in the Lord’s guiding hands,The craftsman,To form a gem of countless facesAnd matchless beauty.

Steven Holtzen,Don Bosco Technical InstituteClaude LeBlanc, Instructor

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Christian Romo, St. Francis High SchoolMark Fredette, Instructor

In Christian’s fictional narrative, a young Israeli émigré is disillusioned by theconstant trials and hardships of Jewish history and decides to disconnecthimself fromhis faithandfamily. HiswanderingsbringhimtoapartofPolandwheremost of his family had perished in concentration camps.A chance encounter with an idealistic young Russian intent on making

Aliyah (moving to Israel) changes his view about his own future and that ofthe Jewish people. After helping him find the Israeli embassy inWarsaw, theprotagonist finds himself face to face with an embassy official:

Theman smiled and asked: “Howmay I help you?”“Takeme home,” was all I said.

Paul Ferrier, JSerra High SchoolMelea Walden, Instructor

(excerpt)

In every sense of the word, the Jewish people have throughout historyhad a deep relationship with the land of Israel. This relationship was

founded upon the Jewish people’s historical, cultural and religiousconnections with the land and has continued since in a tragic cycle ofpersecution, conflict and restoration. Now such connections are disputed… It is apparent that no race or religion is more religiously or historicallyconnected to the Palestinian region than the Jewish people. Based onthese two factors it becomes clear that the State of Israel and the Jewishpeople have every right to exist where they are. The Jewish state, for thesake of its people, should and must live on.

HonorableMentionEssayLook over there my children,

Do you see that orchid?It overflows this garden with its luscious scentAnd gathers people from around the world

To wonder at its beauty.This orchid shares the gifts it receives from God

Do not worry my children,God’s grace will never run outMy children look at Jerusalem

Nashaw Jafari, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolJohn Fitzimons, Instructor

Many Faces, One Shore

From afar, it’s all one color –A violet, stormy shade of jade.

Each stone does not mesh with its brother:One solid mass, one small country.

When pushed against by harsh untruths,They pushed forward to their old home.

This red rock here lost all in youthBut found everything on this shore.

This smooth, black rock – typical friend –Is just a girl like me. These pains

This teen could never comprehend …

This green does not share their beliefs,But he is home as neighbor still.

He can still share in the stones’ grief,Because he is still a stone as well.

These stones carry many faces,Tell many stories of their hopes.

But they exist – one – a jade place;One people come from many shores.

Jennifer Van Trieste, Louisville High SchoolJosh Wilson, Instructor

A Land and a People Connected

CanaanGod’s covenantA place in historyNever forgotten

DiasporaJews away from the homeland

Yet still connectedBy a common faith, culture, history

Some long to come back

A Declaration of IndependenceA dream becomes a reality, Israel is proclaimed a state

Prayers are answeredA new beginning

To flourishTo thrive

To remember

Dina Nichols, Notre Dame High SchoolCindy Lee-Moon, Instructor

A Boy’s Hometown

Mom and Dad yelling at each other,He storms out the door and runs to the beach.

Drops of sorrow down his faceLonging to see the face of his brother.

The sparkling ocean whispers in his ears,“I am your home. I am truly yours.”

He closes his eyes and sees his siblingOn the battlefield.

Suddenly an explosionCauses the water to start rippling.

As his mind races, he hears a voice full with pride.Herzl speaks to him with reassurance,

“Have confidence, boy. We are strong…”

Matthew De La Peza, St Francis High SchoolMark Fredette, Instructor

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Jerry Mathews, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolBernadette St James, Instructor

(excerpt)

Israel is the rare nation in the Middle East that promotes democraticvalues. The country allows citizens to vote for their leaders and

allows citizens the right to a fair trial, traits that parallel America’sestablished democracy.Since their independence, Israel has applied the Law of Return. This

Law of Return states that if you’re at least one-eighteenth Jewish, youmay “return” to Israel. Once in Israel, this Jew is given full, completerights. They are also welcomed into the community, like a friend notseen in years.There are many hopes for the future of Israel… many people are

looking to unite Arabs and Jews for future generations. One of thesehopeful programs is the Hand in Hand School. This school allowsArabs and Jews … to learn and play together. As they have stated,they have an “eye for the future.” The current state of violence willcease if parents teach their children to be tolerant of other cultures.

Thomas Duong, St. Joseph High SchoolCynthia Madsen, Instructor

(excerpt)

The face of a person contains many different textures that makethat face … The country of Israel is the same.

The history of Israel is the eyes and the nose of the face. Thepeople’s past watches out for mistakes long ago that should not berepeated in the future.The many cultures, religions and lifestyles are the lips and mouth of

the face. The culture of each person is the mouth, through whichspeech is passed. The religions and lifestyles are the lips that hold theculture together. Over the years, people with different faces came toIsrael to work and live. They brought all kinds of cultures with themto spread in Israel. A state of so many faces of freedom smile at oneanother with such pleasure that it gives a person a warm feeling ofhappiness in their heart.The many “faces’” of Israel are like a family, uniting together over

time. When a family like Israel becomes one, they all stick together …

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HonorableMention Poetry

Jewish RootsDo you know who I am?

I live a life,Of long ancestry.

From the time of AbrahamAnd the promise of a land …

Light the path ..The path to believe and hope for the people,

God’s people,The Holy people of Israel,

The Holy Land,My Holy Jewish brothers and sisters

The Little Nation That Could

What a great man Herzl was …

In 1903, there was a large immigrationFrom Europe to Israel, which started a foundation …In 1948, the Jews rejoiced and gained Independence

At the ceremony, every Jew in attendance

The Jews are fighting for their own goodTo preserve the little nation that could

Adelle Barte, Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson, Instructor

Ramin Sobati, Louisville High SchoolKristina Ortega, Instructor

There are different places in Israel,Lots of faces there be

The lowest point is a salty placeCalled the Dead Sea

Safe from persecution,It is a homeland for the Jews …

Sharlena Singleton, Pomona Catholic High SchoolAllicen Naal, Instructor

Jillian Jones, St. Bernard High SchoolMargaret Govero, Instructor

(excerpt)

At age 18, the Israelis start to hold many responsibilities; they areable to vote and they have to serve their country by joining the

army. Men serve for three years and women for two. The Israelisdon’t really have a problem with serving their country, they wouldrather die and keep their country strong than live and let it fall.Israelis value their country because of what those before them had togo through to gain independence.

Steve Shushnar, St. Francis High SchoolMark Fredette, Instructor

(excerpt)

The first thing we learned about was Israel’s location among theEastern world. I learned that Israel is just a small piece of land

surrounded by many countries that are not in favor of an Israeli state.In fact, these countries have invaded Israel, bombed Israel and evenattacked innocent Israeli civilians. It is not like such occurrences areancient history … just two years ago, Hezbollah sent 4000 rockets intoIsrael and kidnapped 2 soldiers. For some reason, there were manyriots and protests in other Middle Eastern countries against Israeldoing this. That just made no sense to me. How could people beagainst Israel taking out rockets that are aimed at their country?Another thing that made sense to me after reading about the

country was why the United States has been supporting Israel so muchover the years. Israel is one of the few countries in the Middle Eastthat is a democracy. Since many countries in the Middle East do notlike Israel, they also do not like the United States because we supporta country that they do not like.History has proven that Jews are not safe without their own

homeland.The main viewpoint that I obtained through learning about Israel is

that this area is much more than a country to the people who livethere. It is their home. It is where they belong.

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Josephine Sunga, Holy Family High SchoolRoger DeSilva, Instructor

(excerpt)

Oftenwhenwe think of Israel, our heads are full of blurred notions ofterrorism, war, Middle Eastern conflicts, the chosen People of God,

or simply an alien nation that claims superiority on religious grounds. Thephysical face we assume for them is looking downward, head bowed insilence, hands held close in prayer. What we ought to be payingattention to, however, is the heart that lies behind those hands ….The emotional face of Israel is always changing. It is in constant

fluctuation between the desire for a normal life and a sense of duty toone’s country. Teenagers in particular are victim to contradicting feelings,since it is always a struggle for them to balance their school, family, sociallives, religion and, on top of it all, an obligation to serve in the army. Asshown in the videos of the four Israeli teenagers, Sasha, Shlomi, Na’amaand Yaki, courage for their nation and all they hold dear to them is veryeasily challenged by fear for their own lives, fear of terrorism and death.This chronic threat and anxiety proves that the face of Israel can changein a second from valiance in doing God’s will to utter panic.

Emily Park, Villanova Preparatory SchoolBrian Grisin, Instructor

(excerpt)

Usually, culture and politics of other countries are hard to learnunless one actually visits the country. However, this project was

very easy to understand because of the detailed explanation from thebook and the various pictures from the Power Point.The news about wars and famine in the Middle East made me

believe that all countries in the Middle East are autocratic countries.Therefore, Israel’s commitment to democracy was very surprising.The election system in Israel was also different than what I thought.

Israelis vote for one party and its platform, and seats are assigned toeach party in proportion to its percentage of the total vote. Thissystem ensures a wide spectrum of political views in the Knesset,including the major centrist parties, small parties and a number ofreligious parties.

It’s remarkable, really.A land so new, to skip the mistakesSkip the social evolution,The given violence that stained, mottling the history of other countries.To be new, aware, intelligentborn into democracyborn into equalitywelcoming immigrationand to still have culture.Culture deep enough to compose a country.Thousands of years in inkto define, unite, defend.

New upon old. Remarkable.

Progressive, true, but others set it back a stage.Back to when all ink was splayed, bleeding everywherePeople grabbing for spaceno matter who belonged before.Surrounded by woe-wishersYet wanting nothing more than peaceDespite the necessity to fight,The willingness to fightTo prevent a fatal miss-stroke of the penOne failure and home is physically lost.So much at stake, but so much dignityto value the life of the attackerKnowing their face is the mirror.Look for the humanity, at the personHope that they will do the same.

New upon old. Israel.

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Hannah Hoffman, Villanova Preparatory High SchoolBrian Grisin, Instructor

(excerpt)

After years of struggles, the United Nations voted to establish a JewishState in Palestine in 1947. This was a landmark achievement for

Jews. They could finally claim the land thatmany believed God had givento them, and act as any other nation. They could govern their nation asthey pleased, and decide how they wanted to live and worship.Although Israel is the Jewish homeland, all are accepted to live and

worship there as they please. This freedom granted by the Jewsdemonstrates their comprehension that not everyone believes thesame things …

Kevin Kim, St. Monica Catholic High SchoolMarc Nuno and Siobhan O’Neill, Instructors

Kevin’s fictional account deals with the experience of a young boynamed Ephraim, on his first trip to Israel. Passover is coming soon,

and Ephraim and his mother spend their first full day in Israel in theshuk (marketplace), shopping for the seder meal. A wrong turn downan alleyway brings Ephraim face to face with a symbol which hadappeared to him, blurred, in a dream:

That shape was the Star of David. As she led Ephraim away, his motherinstructed him, “You should always take pride in it, Ephraim. Always.”

Danielle Fischer, Notre Dame High SchoolCindy Lee-Moon, Instructor

Third Prize Poetry

The earth has a face but a map is no mirror.A speck on a map tells no stories.

When character overtakes statisticsIt breathes life into history’s rigid words.Characters.A country of thoroughly united individuals,The same core, but unique.Normal.

Roots run deepFollow the vein from fingertips to the heartTrace up through mother’s blood,In dust and stone and paper.People flung like specks of inkIn streaks across the globe’s broad canvasBanished too many times overSome blended, watered down,Some erased.So the paper scarred, vowed never to forget.

New upon old. Remember.

Fear of the bleach, fear of dilutionHope for a true physical presenceHope to be worthy of the word of God;Written to be sometimes close, sometimes distant,Tattooed into the land, their history just the same.Need of a common place to bleed to, to bleed for.

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Caselyn Larino, Pomona Catholic High SchoolAllicen Naal, Instructor

(excerpt)

The people of Israel, also called the Jewish people, trace their originsto Abraham, who established the belief that there is only one God,

the Creator of the universe. Abraham, his son Isaac and grandson Jacobare referred to as patriarchs of the Israelites. All three Patriarchs lived inthe Land of Canaan, which came to be known as the Land of Israel. Thename Israel derives from the name given to Jacob.The people of modern day Israel share the same language and

culture, shaped by their Jewish heritage and religion, and basedthrough generations starting with the founding father Abraham.Jews have had a continuous presence in the Land of Israel for the past3,300 years. Jews have striven continuously to reestablish their bondwith the Land of Israel, although foes of the Jewish people did theirbest to obliterate the Jewish connection with the Land.After thousands of years of exile, the Jewish people have returned

to their land.

IsraelPatrick Villar, Chaminade High School

Kristina Ortega, Instructor

SecondPrize Poetry

O Israel,land of democracy and home to all,I see the sea of diverse faces standing proudly, tall.A country with a historical past,rich with stories of triumph and hardships of man,I listen to your tales told by the faces of your people, Israel.

Through your people’s glittering eyes,Reflecting rays of hope and light,I see Zion forever grounded, shining so bright.A free nation given to the Jews,Rekindling hope in times of trial,I watch your people standing united as one, Israel.

Amidst periods of darkness,Tested by the fires of war and persecution,your people have looked towards this solution.A land free from genocide, endless death, and racism,I see people free in the fields of Zion, Israel.

Fleeing from the pyramids and Auschwitz,lands of death and oppression,I see you now grinning with a proud expression.Whether reform, conservative or orthodox,your people united for survival, Israel.

Fighting for peace and democracy,advocates and allies of all who cherish justice,I can see your risen, waving flag, O Israel.A democracy run by a cabinet,Seeking to provide help for all,I see your courts, Israel.

Stand forever proud and tall O Israel,a holy land of an ancient past,I hear the joyous singing of your people.A country for all to know,Devoted to justice and peace,Israel, Israel

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Poetry

Figment of My ImaginationAngeli Aguas, St. Joseph High School

Cynthia Madsen, Instructor

First Prize Poetry

Middle, meaning in between.The Middle East which is located in between it all.Caught in a trap were there is nowhere to fall.

This place is no longer a figment of my imaginationfor I have a bit more of an interpretation.I can now make the educated guess that none the less, they’re people.Yet the difference being a majority wake up from a good night’s rest in fearthat they may shed a tear because of the loss of a loved onebrought to them by a gun.To dare and think that bombs and combustion is their human consumption.It’s a bit of a mind tease to think that at such a young ageyou’re entitled to serve your country.The same year they blow out their 18 candles they are handed 18 rifles orsomething of the sort.Yes, that may be an exaggeration but none the less they take pride in their homeNo questions asked, they know their history.I’ve went from a fabricated image of turbans, dirt roads and heat that youcouldn’t beat.To fashion sense, stop lights, and a cool breeze that doesn’t seize.

Hearing the fictitious stories almost makes me want tofall on the ground.But now I seem to have found a bit more.

Over the course of 60 years they’ve been through it all.In combat for peace and justice; their hearts are restless.Seeking nothing but serenity;Through dedication they have built a democracy.

I’ve went from a fabricated image of turbans, dirt roads, and heat that youcouldn’t beatto fashion sense, stop lights, and a cool breeze that doesn’t seize.

1918

A homeland stands in the east …

Standing united as God’s people

Standing united as people hoping for peace

Standing united as one human race …

In this sacred land of promise and hope

Of diversity and freedom

Of light out of darkness,

I promise to let the sun in,

Never ceasing to fight the good fight

Defending what is right

Protecting the very right

Of people to live and learn,

Never ceasing to always seek truth

And serve with honor …

As Israel rises in the East

As people live in freedom,

As the sacred land retains its promise,

As devotion and love for freedom hold true,

Israel shall never fall

And shall always be

Jerusalem of Gold,

Shining as a beacon of hope

In a dark land.

Israel of LightRouel Soberano, Bishop Montgomery High School

Bernadette St James, Instructor

First Prize Poetry

An ancient land rises in the east …

As the sun sets the mountains cast shadows

Enveloping the land in darkness …

But the sun always rises

And through the darkest of the dark

Light always prevails …

A sacred land shines in the east …

A city upon the hill

Upon which hope and freedom radiate

Like the warm rays of the benevolent sun …

In this land, people walk hand in hand

Basking in the freedom gained through hard years

Of fighting and conflict

Of suffering and death

Of pain and misery …

But also of hope and light

For a better future

As the shining land

Rises like a beacon out of the darkness …