2010-2011 Student Awards

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 partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Diocese of Orange, the Diocese of Fresno, the Dioceseof San Bernardino, Oaks Christian School, Granada Hills Charter High School and Pacifica Christian High School.

Advisory CouncilMalka Blitz, Julie I. Bram, Eric J. Diamond, Irwin S. Field, Dalia Franco,

Abner D. Goldstine, Dennis A. Gura, Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler,

Sharon L. Krischer, Arlene Kupietzky, Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair,

Linda Mayman, Alex Miller, Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,

Moshe Shmuel, Terri Smooke, Lisa Ullmann

Community Engagement Executive CommitteeLoryn D Arkow, Marc Carrel, Vice Chair, Daniel T. Gryczman,

David Lash, Glenn A. Sonnenberg, Chair

The Jewish FederationRichard V. Sandler, Chairman of the Board

Jay Sanderson, President

Andrew Cushnir, Executive Vice President/Chief Program Officer

Catherine Schneider, Senior Vice President/Community Engagement

Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant Director/Holy Land Democracy Project

THE EIGHTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 5, 2011PROGRAM

www.JewishLA.org

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Karah Alexander, St. Monica (Rita Morgan and Siobhan O’Neill)SECOND PRIZE

Ariana Castellanos, San Joaquin (Cindy Campbell and Kathleen DeSantis)Chris Nofal, St. Francis (Mark Fredette)

THIRD PRIZEDavid A. Nuno, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre)

HONORABLE MENTIONAndrew Blair, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons); Matthew Burdette, Villanova

Preparatory (Brian Grisin); Alfredo DeLoera, Damien (Douglas Hoffman); Christian Guttierez, Verbum Dei (Karen Chambers); Julia Klein, Mater Dei (Colleen Hall);

Matthew Partyka, St. Monica (Rita Morgan and Siobhan O’Neill)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Leila Ehsan, St. Monica (Rita Morgan and Siobhan O’Neill)SECOND PRIZE

Aniela Tolentino, Mater Dei (Carol Koppenheffer)Tristan Vanech, Loyola (Tika Lee)

THIRD PRIZEJesse Flores, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre)

HONORABLE MENTIONMelanie Chavez, Bishop Conaty (Lisa Gabriel); Kala Kopecek, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich,

Cynthia Madsen and Allison Ek); Austin Niehaus, Notre Dame (Dave Savage)

ART CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Alexis Lackerman, Rosary (Maureen Tunstill)

SECOND PRIZEGrant Hodges, Servite (Joe Swoboda)

THIRD PRIZEStephen Misak, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)

HONORABLE MENTIONEmma Akmakdjian, GHCHS (Annet Kohen); Athena Azpeitia, Mater Dei (Colleen Hall);Jared Baker, Loyola (Tika Lee); Grant Higa, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons);

Lauren Hugo, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)Joshua Melton, Oaks Christian (Aaron Marcarelli); Felicity Nelson, Louisville (Mary Wilson)

Adrienne Shamoon, Louisville (Mary Wilson); Stephanie Treat, Santa Margarita (James Nielsen)

HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT2011 CREATIVE CONTEST WINNERS

MULTIMEDIA CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Jonathan Benn, St. Francis (Mark Fredette)SECOND PRIZE

Nathan Wong, Loyola (Tika Lee)THIRD PRIZE

Katie Coyle, Oaks Christian (Aaron Marcarelli)HONORABLE MENTION

Monica Eskander/ Lucas Gutierrez/ Zachary Hart/ Kendra Athan, Bishop Montgomery(Bernadette St. James); Cielito Kirkham, Louisville (Mary Wilson)2

Faith Schames is a member of the HLDP Advisory Council. Recently, Faith was goingthrough some old artifacts belonging to her motherBecky,z”l who passed away in2009, when she found a lettershe had written to her sisterHannah in New York.

Becky Flesher moved to America from Poland with her family in 1929.

z”l Zichronah L’veracha, may hermemory be for a blessing.

Fri. May 14, 1948

Dearest Hannah,

When I light my candles today it will be

the first time in 2,000 years that it will be

lit with the New Israel State in existence.

Now we have to hope that it will become

a reality. New York probably feels the

celebrations greater than Los Angeles …

As I write this I can’t help but shed a few

tears of happiness. Now we have to hope,

pray and work towards peace …

Love,

Becky

Different VoicesIsrael Independence Day

May 14, 1948

Excerpt

A Pilgrimage of Inspiration

Throughout the Dispersion, the Holocaust, World Wars and strife,

The Rock of Israel stood strong and on May 14, 1948 in Tel Aviv came to life.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence read by Ben-Gurion took a stand

And henceforth created statehood for a sovereign national Jewish homeland.

Oh Beautiful Israel, on my way to astonishing enlightenment,

You have opened my mind with enthusiastic excitement,

“Mazel Tov” I say and raise my glass to the prodigious Hebrew nation,

You have embedded in my heart and soul a new revelation.

Adversity, affliction coupled with anguish has been thrown in your face.

But you still plant the seeds of credence for a magnanimous human race.

I stand at your side and your ally I will be,

Shouting liberty, justice and equality.

L’Chaim!

Rosie Williams is theproud grandmother of Brennan Bilinski, astudent of Mr. MarkFredette at St. Francis.

She shared with Mr. Fredette that shefeels like she has been“…riding tandem onthis path of discovery”with Brennan as helearned about Israel,and she was moved towrite a poem about Israel, excerpted here.

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THE JEWISH FEDERATION’SHOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT

EIGHTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONYJune 5, 2011

PROGRAM

WELCOME Sister Angela Hallahan Secondary School Religion Coordinator Archdiocese of Los Angeles

TABLE ACTIVITIES Discovering Israel Together

REMARKS FROM Jay SandersonTHE JEWISH FEDERATION President The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

THE HOLY LAND Dr. Daniel LieberDEMOCRACY PROJECT Chair The Holy Land Democracy Project

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONS Teacher Commendation Rita Morgan, St. MonicaStudent Award Leila Ehsan

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATION Teacher Commendation Rita Morgan, St. MonicaStudent Award Karah Alexander

ART PRIZE PRESENTATION Teacher Commendation Maureen Tunstill, RosaryStudent Award Alexis Lackerman

SHOWING OF 1ST PLACE VIDEO Jonathan Benn

MUTIMEDIA PRIZE PRESENTATIONS Teacher Commendation Mark Fredette, St. FrancisStudent Award Jonathan Benn

CAPERNAUM TO THE CLASSROOM: Victoria Anderson, Norte VistaA TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

CLOSING THOUGHTS Cosette Carleo, Karlygush Smith, L’hitraot! Karly Goins, Bishop Montgomery

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Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory SchoolMary Killmond Bishop Alemany High SchoolWilliam Klein Marymount High SchoolAnnet Kohen Granada Hills Charter High SchoolCarol Koppenheffer Mater Dei High SchoolClaude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical InstituteTika Lee Loyola High SchoolCindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High SchoolMaureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary 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 SchoolJeanette Pascua Notre Dame High School Gary Pate Oaks Christian 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 Prepatory 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 SchoolJosh Wilson Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson Louisville High SchoolRobin Winkler Granada Hills Charter High SchoolTheresa Yugar Sacred Heart High SchoolDennis Yumul St. Genevieve 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 22,000 students in Los Angeles,

Orange County, Fresno, Bakersfield and San Bernardino.

TEACHER 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 SchoolJustin Bailey Pacifica Christian High School Joe Banfield St. Anthony High SchoolMaggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High SchoolRoxanne Brush St. Genevieve High SchoolJudy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public SchoolsMichele Butorac St. Matthias High SchoolEric Cadena Chaminade College Preparatory Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolJennifer Campbel 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 AcademyVera 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 High SchoolMargaret 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 SchoolRodolfo Hernandez Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolMichael Herrera St. Bonaventure High SchoolDouglas Hoffman Damien High School Stephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High SchoolChristopher James Leuzinger High School

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Leila Ehsan, St. Monica High SchoolRita Morgan and Siobhan O’Neill, Instructors

First Prize Poetry

Excerpt

If you asked my composition, I would say, I am dirt,

I am gravel. I am sky, sun, water.

I am country, city and town. I am beach, I am desert.

If you asked my color, I would say I am Black, Grey,

Yellow, and Brown.I am Red, I am Green. But I stay true

To the White and Blue

If you asked me of my faith, I would say that I am Jew, Christian,

Muslim and Druze. With me, you are free

to choose.

If you asked me of my duties, I would say I am lover. I am defender.

I have glory, I have mightAnd I fight for

What I think is right.

If you asked me who I was, I would say that I am the man

Kneeled in prayer. I am the daughter off at battle. I am the mother working all day. I am the loving grandparents. I am the son at school. I am neighbor. I am friend.

If you were unsatisfied, and thusAsked for my name

I would say that I am all, and more. I am dirt, color, faith, duty, person

And I am one. For I have many faces, And one united front

Held together by my peopleForever and ever. I am Israel.

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, Evangelical and Charter schools

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

22,000 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 pro-

gram’s inception in 2004, more than 50 schools have participated and

more than 90 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. The

central coordinating organization for the Jewish

community, the Federation fulfills this goal by

operating and funding a broad range of humanitarian programs on a

non-sectarian basis, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. These

essential programs offer food for the hungry, care for the elderly, help to

battered women, job training for those seeking employment, interest-

free loans to those in need, literacy programs for our young people, and

much more.

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Second Prize PoetryAniela Tolentino, Mater Dei High School

Ms. Koppenheffer, Instructor

Excerpt

I am land of many faces and I face many a man; Some may question my identity, but I know who I am. I am the land where many places have caused the fall of many men; Yet I rise up with hope and splendor, because my spirit can.

I am laden with tradition and carry a rich history, Hues of skin from ebony to ivory attest to my diversity.The young, the old, the rich, the poor – are all welcome in my land. We seek to reach out to each other, we attempt to understand That no single one group is better and that we’re best when we’re united. No one group should be ostracized; no one person should be slighted.

Sometimes I am the old wise man who recalls the path he took By following traditions and sticking to his Holy Book. With a mezuzah in his home as a reminder of His presence, With constant religious symbols to remind him of his essence.

At times the face of ebony is one I choose to takeAnd though my roots are from Ethiopia, I’ve chosen to partakeIn the celebration of Israel – a celebration of my Self; Where I can express my own identity and simply be myself.

At times I’m the teenager with a t-shirt and tight jeans, But I’m still an Israeli, I still know what it meansTo be a part of a rich culture – one that celebrates diversity, And always hopes in dreams, and rises from adversity.

I’ve weathered many battles and I’ve lived through quite a fewBut the biggest battle of all is the one where people doNot know and appreciate the complexity of who I am. Where they close their minds, they stereotype, they don’t know how I canHonor the many faces, races and religions for which I stand.

And now you’re all invited to one big commemorationFor each human that makes a part of me and is worth a celebration. I know that it may take a while for all of us to come togetherBut it starts with understanding why a united people’s better.

Jonathan Benn, St. Francis High SchoolMr. Fredette, Instructor

First Prize Multi-Media

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Tristan Vanech, Loyola High SchoolMs. Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Second Prize Poetry

She roamed around under the moonThen folded her wings to restAnd her mind journeyed back to her cocoon“How naive was I,” she would jest.

She thought, “I know the place I will goAfter I grow my wings,I shall see Israel, I’ll fly over that plateauI wonder what it brings.”

A perspective only from what she heardFor she was at her beginning stageFrom friends she took their wordHer assumptions were these at an early age.

Israelis are only Jews, aren’t they? Ha, of course they’re not, This area to her was grayBut now she could answer on the spot.

Muslims, Christians and moreLive and thrive in that land, Religious diversity does soarThey accept any religious brand.

The Dome of the Rock standsOn their most holy place, the Temple Mount.But the Jews don’t mind, they share the land – To them, staying peaceful is all that counts.

The butterfly’s development and new perceptions reflect my changed under-standing of the Middle East and Israel’s place … Her assumptions from what sheheard “from friends” are exaggerations of the myths I have heard or assump-tions I have made.

Stephen Misak, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMs. St. James, Instructor

Third Prize Art

This sculpture represents my understanding ofthe Middle East, including my idea of TheMany Faces of Israel.

The tower in the center is the beacon that is Israel, calling everyone home to the land of God.The many different colors and the variety of people on the tower represent the strength fromthe unity of a diverse people.

The people all stand together protecting the landand the values they stand for. Though they do notlook alike, they share a common bond that goesdeeper than anything else.

The tower stands surrounded by a dark disarrayof strange objects. These represent the nations that surround the tower, but noneof them touch it. The tower stands deeply planted in the ground and rises upabove it all out of the darkness that surrounds it.

The common faith in God shared by the people can be seen and felt in Israelthrough its entire population and it is the power of this faith and the tenacity ofthe people that makes the tower stand tall and proud in the midst of all that issurrounding it.

The person holding the crystal represents Israel offering to make peace with allthose around them and to share their deep bond with everyone.

The sculpture overall portrays the image of Israel as a light in a dark land. Its lightwill never be extinguished because the fuel that keeps it lit will never run out andcan never be taken away from Israel and its people.

And lastly there to his left is an older Arab woman who fled to Israel in the war ofIndependence. She sought a better future for her family. Any person in our coun-try would also leave where they were in order to have a better life. People overthere, as you can see, are not much more different from us. This overall display Ihave presented is to symbolize that even though the people there are diverse,they still come together to create a peaceful world, as any people would want fortheir country.

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Jesse Flores, Cathedral High SchoolMs. Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

Third Prize Poetry

You are no different from usYet the portraits we paint are of sheer terror.These images shed and replaced by reality.A reality we are no longer strangers to, One where we are united under grace.

The blinds opened to shone Truth.Truth of a country I knew little of.

Where you dream and aspire to all you can be.The culture we share, The friend I see in you.

Hidden under a guise torn to show your Beauty.Your own uniqueness that I welcome

With open mind and open heart you are a brother.

Your home plagued by hostility,Hostility grown out of confusion and insecurity.

Lives lost for a better future, invigorated by optimistic prospects, You serve your country with zeal.

The many faces shone to the world.Discoveries made of relative connections between us

Personalities that show homogeneity, Leads to bonds that harbor compassion. Israel, home to a diverse people, Land of God that unites all,

We are one.

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Grant Hodges, Servite High School

Mr. Swoboda, Mr. Weir, Instructors

Second Prize Art

Coming into this week I heardwe would learn about Israel. I

thought to myself, “I alreadyknow that the people there areJews and that Jesus was bornthere.” But at the end of theweek I realized it really wasn’t allthat simple. The people aren’t allof the Jewish faith, and not all ofthe people are really too differentfrom us. The first person you seeon my project near the top rightcorner of the country is an Israeliteenage boy. He is 14 years oldand likes rock music and playingguitar. He goes to school and thinksabout joining the military to servehis country in combat. Not muchdifferent from a teenager here, isit? To his left is a Russian immigrantto the country. Her parents movedthere when she was very youngand is now living a very normal life as an adult who is now verysuccessful and high in business. This is very similar to a person moving out of statehere. On the bottom left corner is a man who left Columbia to come here. He didthis when he was an adult and found a better lifestyle here than in Columbia. Henow works for the military as an engineer and for intelligence rather than combat.

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Honorable Mention Poetry

Not a third world countryA booming, thriving land

Its size is trivialIts accomplishments are many

Not the home for terroristsA safe haven for the persecutedFreedom for the religiousDiversity is welcome

Not strangersChildren, Wives, UnclesAll with dreams like usOur brothers and sisters

Kala Kopecek, St. Joseph High SchoolMs. Petrich, Ms. Madsen, Ms. Ek, Instructors

Excerpt

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Alexis Lackerman, Rosary High SchoolMs. Tunstill, Instructor

Empathy

First Prize Art

Iwanted to make my project relevant to what we have been studying in class, so I chose to take the phrase “step in their shoes” literally by basing my projectaround a pair of shoes. The right shoe is the “Past” shoe. It shows what the Jewishpeople have come from (discrimination, prejudice, etc…) and also what theyvalue. The outline of Israel is blue because the colors of the flag of Israel are whiteand blue. The pair of old eyes symbolizes the old generation, and the barbed wireand the yellow star of David represents the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust.

The left shoe is the “Present” shoe, showing a “present-day”star of David. TheI.D.F logo represents the Israeli Defense Forces and the military which every youngperson must enter when they reach the age of 18. The pair of young eyes representsthe new generations building up Israel. The hand is reaching up to the yellowflower to show that the people of Israel are reaching towards the bright future.The vines and purple growing around the hand and shoe represent the growingof the population both within Israel and in other parts of the world.

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Abraham the father of my people, God the father of life,

Israel the land of my people, Jew is what I am.

I was born the daughter of my parentsI did not choose my life

It chose me. Jew is what I am.

In the year 587 Babylonians exiled us. Destroyed our temple, but not our spirits.My ancestors travelled from place to place

They knew soon they would have their land backJews would call Israel their home once again.

Jew is what I am.

Brown hair, Brown eyes, Star of David around my neck.

A reminder of what my grandparents went throughConcentration camps where they were held

My grandmother’s brothers were tortured and killed. My grandmother has numbers imprinted on her armMy family survived never denying their Jewish faith.

Jew is what I am.

Israel is my home. I am strong, I am Proud,

I am a Jew. Jew is what I am.

Honorable Mention PoetryMelanie Chavez, Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High School

Ms. Gabriel, Instructor

Excerpt

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Art

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Forget not the Sabbath, Its mention is like a pleasant offering.During it the dove found resting place, And there the weary may relax.

The day is honored by the children of faith, Careful to observe it are fathers and sons. Engraved upon two tablets of stone,From great power and mighty strength. And they all came in covenant together,

In unison they said, “We shall do and we shall listen.” And they commenced and answered, “God is one.” Blessed is he that gives strength to the weary.

And all of his commandments to be completed togetherStrengthen the loins and gather up power. The nation that is in motion, like lost sheep, By covenant he will remember to recall it,

So that an evil happening may not befall them, Just as you have sworn by the waters of Noah.

Austin Niehaus, Notre Dame High SchoolMr. Savage, Instructor

Excerpt

Christian Gutierez, Verbum Dei High SchoolMs. Chambers, Instructor

Excerpt

Throughout time, the Jewish people have searched for a place, a home, ora land to call their own where there is no discrimination or anti-Semitic

acts forced upon them … After having their land lost, the Jewish people spread

themselves throughout the entire world, but they were not accepted any-

where. Finally, one man named Theodore Herzl stood up and said, “We’ve

been trying to fit in – but every place we go, we are not accepted. We need a

place of our own. Israel is the only place where we have been together without

discrimination and among our own and at peace.”

After World War II the UN thought back to Herzl and concluded that the land of

Israel needed to be shared by the Arab people and the Israelis.

Honorable Mention Essays

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Essays

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Excerpt

Starting a new life anywhere can bring hardships … You could say that Wilm-ington is to Hispanics much like Israel is to the Jews; this is where they

thrived … Like my grandparents, the Jews have always been hard workers,

but no matter how much they tried to assimilate and work in everyday society

they still had prejudiced views held against them.

Now I look up to my grandparents and Jews as strong people who I strive to be

like, the people who defy the odds, and have an outlook on life that is, “The glass

is half full.”


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Karah Alexander, St. Monica High SchoolMs. Morgan and Ms. O’Neill, Instructors

Excerpt

“Me, We”

Every time I turn on the news they would depict the Middle East as a warzone … every time you hear the region “Middle East,” I immediately thinkback to the early eighth and ninth century, when the Middle East [had] thelargest and most brutal African slave market. When hearing about this week-long study our class was going to take part in about Israel and the Middle East,my mind immediately shut down, and I actually grew very upset; why in theworld would I want to learn and understand more about a region that brutal-ized and caused so much harm amongst my ancestors? But through presenta-tions, videos, speakers and book study, my whole perception was going tochange.

Teenagers [in Israel] … are not sad or defiant when being notified that theymust serve -- instead they show excitement and pleasure, which brings outthe honor of their country. Though my family is pacifist … I showed nothingbut great respect towards those teens who show so much honor toward theirhomeland in being willing to fight for their country.

I could go on and on about all what learned about Israel … How much theirlifestyles relate to ours in the United States … and how much their govern-ment resembles ours, as they live under a democracy. My whole view on theMiddle East took a drastic turn, probably because my ignorance stepped aside.It was time for me to step out of the past, a past that I am not even so definitein understanding, and start looking at things in a new light, with an openmind. [Israel] is far more than the battlefield the news always seems to portray…. Sometimes the media, history books and in my case our so called ‘extremecultural views’ can twist different situations and cause a total misunderstand-ing, which can lead to a great deal of ignorance among people.

After learning so much about such a wonderful country, Israel and the MiddleEast are no longer a part of the word “they” but now, like the greatMuhammed Ali so poetically said, it is “Me, We.”

I am one with them. I understand.

First Prize EssayMatthew Burdette, Villanova Preparatory School

Mr. Grisin, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel’s commitment to Democracy is truly outstanding, as they are one of thegreatest examples of a working democracy in the Middle East – especially

when surrounded by neighboring countries who seem to abhor their freedom.

The Knesset is composed of 120 members, who pass all laws … Each member serves

a four year term, being elected by anyone 18 or older, through means of the secret

ballot, much like the United States. Unlike our two [political] parties, they have

dozens, truly representing every viewpoint … The draft is not an encroachment

upon the freedoms of the people of Israel, it is insurance for the continuance of those

freedoms. They are not lessening their democracy in instituting the mandatory draft,

just securing it.


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Arieana Castellanos, San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolMs. Campbell, Instructor

Excerpt

The faces of Israel are tear-streaked. They are heavy with exhaustion andscarred with the effects of a war-torn past. They are happy and thankful for

the life they have. They laugh, they cry. They are ready for a long overdue

peace. They long for a country where a military draft is not a necessity. They

long for acceptance of their religious and political freedom from their neighbors.

Those are the faces of Israel ….

It’s face …. Is that of a fighter. A fighter in a boxing ring who never gets a break.

It’s not bitter, but tired. Israel’s face, the country itself, is stubborn and will not

back down.

[Israel’s] not a house, it is a home.

Second Prize Essay

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Matthew Partyka, St. Monica High SchoolMs. Morgan and Ms. O’Neill, Instructors

Excerpt

The Jewish people show us how we can rise from tragedy and how weshould not be afraid to express our true identities. Most importantly, the

Jewish people have shown us that human will can triumph all.

Prior to this project, I had this idea that Israel was a major source for many of the

problems in the Middle East and that they had a difficult time getting along with

others. Part of this idea stemmed from my lack of participation in global news

events. This project and the recent revolution in Egypt have encouraged me to

become more involved in the news and to be more aware of events occurring in

different parts of the world. It has also given me the desire to better understand

how these events may pertain to my life and how they can affect me in my future.

The most interesting thing I learned from this project was how being Jewish not

only defines a religion, but how it also defines a way of life and a nationality. I

find that concept fascinating and I don’t think many people realize what that

truly means.

Being a Catholic, I understand and appreciate the religious significance the Holy

Land provides and the rich Jewish culture it shares with the rest of the world.


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Chris Nofal, St. Francis High SchoolMr. Fredette, Instructor

Excerpt

My views about the Middle East have been greatly affected by this project.

I myself am Lebanese and Palestinian and not very educated about either

one. I thought that the entire Middle East consists of many different Arabs fight-

ing over land and being in constant chaos and turmoil … I now know that the

Israelis, mainly Jews, just want somewhere where they can live in peace. Even

though it’s a Jewish state, they were and are still willing to coexist with the Pales-

tinians in Israel. Being part Palestinian, I feel that the Palestinian people should

revolt against Hamas and bring them down, so that they do the sensible thing

and make peace with the Israelis.

I still believe that many countries in the Middle East are in turmoil and want to

keep fighting wars, but I have learned that Israel is not one of them … I feel

that the press utterly condemns them for every bad thing they do. I have learned

that Israel, for the most part, retaliates after being attacked several times, for

they do not want to cause anyone harm. Once they retaliate, the world con-

demns Israel for being a bully and responding with such force. Israel will never

be rid of war unless the Palestinians and the Israelis agree to a compromise, one

wipes out the other, or the Palestinians take control of their own lives and free

themselves of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Second Prize Essay

15

Julia Klein, Mater Dei High SchoolMs. Hall, Instructor

Excerpt

The Jewish people don’t think of Israel as just a place of heritage, but it isthought of as a sacred place where their traditions began and grew. Unlike

the Jewish people, many Americans take their homeland for granted. Sadly,

the majority of Americans don’t realize how truly fortunate they are to live in

a land of freedom.

Jews have lived in Israel for more than 3.200 years. During these years, the Jewish

people have had a continuous presence in Israel. Jews were not always in political

control of the land, and also were not always the ruling majority of the popula-

tion. The land is thought to be so holy that just walking in it can gain you a place

in heaven. Many of the daily prayers also ask for a return to Israel. Lastly … Jew-

ish holidays root back to Israel, where it all began.

I feel it is amazing how the Jewish people cherish their homeland every day. I

am going to try to make sure I thank God more often about how fortunate I am

to live in America …


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16

David Nuno, Cathedral High SchoolMs. Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

Established in 1948, the modern state of Israel is home to people from diverseethnic backgrounds and religious practices. With a president, prime minister,

parliament and over twenty-five political parties, Israeli citizens are guaranteed

many rights similar to the many freedoms Americans enjoy. In fact, Israel is the

most democratic country in the Middle East. Israel’s commitment to democracy

and democratic values, however, is unsurprising, as it was founded by individuals

seeking freedom and refuge from years of inequity and persecution. While mod-

ern-day Israel’s establishment is only recent, the deep and historical connection

of the Jewish people to the Holy Land dates back over three thousand years.

With the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem and therefore no center of wor-

ship for Jews, Rabbinic Judaism allowed Jews to preserve their religion and rela-

tionships in spite of their exile. Several modern-day Jewish rituals, customs, and

prayers that have been passed down for generations, in fact, serve as reminders

of the Holy Land, their exile and the Jewish promise to return to it and restore it.

Jews’ attachment to Israel permeates nearly every facet of their daily routines.

Nevertheless, while Jews held a deep feeling of attachment toward the Land of

Israel, they remained passive when it came to its actual restoration. Believing that

such actions would demonstrate their lack of faith in God, Jews patiently prayed

and adhered to their religious practices. It was not until the second half of the

19th century that an active movement for Jewish return to the Holy Land

emerged. The Age of Enlightenment’s emphasis on rationality and equality, along

with the French revolution, brought about a new political model. Jews, particu-

larly those in eastern Europe, often faced fierce discrimination, and exclusion from

the national movements of Europe. Furthermore, nationalism and liberalism cre-

ated a new Jewish self-awareness in which Jews began to ask questions about

their history, cultural origins and identity beyond religious terms. Zionism, a na-

tionalist Jewish political movement, thus emerged.

Third Prize Essay

17

Alfredo DeLoera, Damien High SchoolMr. Hoffman, Instructor

Excerpt

In the last week, I’ve been exposed to Israel in a different way. I thought it was a large nation with constant religious wars. In reality, it’s a hum-

ble nation of everyday people. I had the misconception that all women were

covered up all the time, so there was definitely a shock when I saw the “Distant

Friends” video and there were girls in bikinis.

It was a big surprise to me to see how the teenagers in “Distant Friends” were a

lot like me and my friends. I was really surprised when Shlomi said he listened to

Guns ‘N Roses, Iron Maiden and Nirvana, because I love all those bands …. I

learned that all of the citizens of Israel join the military as opposed to choosing

[to join], but what really surprised me was that the people were more than ready,

they were excited to serve.


Chris Nofal, St. Francis High SchoolMr. Fredette, Instructor

Excerpt

My views about the Middle East have been greatly affected by this project.

I myself am Lebanese and Palestinian and not very educated about either

one. I thought that the entire Middle East consists of many different Arabs fight-

ing over land and being in constant chaos and turmoil … I now know that the

Israelis, mainly Jews, just want somewhere where they can live in peace. Even

though it’s a Jewish state, they were and are still willing to coexist with the Pales-

tinians in Israel. Being part Palestinian, I feel that the Palestinian people should

revolt against Hamas and bring them down, so that they do the sensible thing

and make peace with the Israelis.

I still believe that many countries in the Middle East are in turmoil and want to

keep fighting wars, but I have learned that Israel is not one of them … I feel

that the press utterly condemns them for every bad thing they do. I have learned

that Israel, for the most part, retaliates after being attacked several times, for

they do not want to cause anyone harm. Once they retaliate, the world con-

demns Israel for being a bully and responding with such force. Israel will never

be rid of war unless the Palestinians and the Israelis agree to a compromise, one

wipes out the other, or the Palestinians take control of their own lives and free

themselves of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Second Prize Essay

15

Julia Klein, Mater Dei High SchoolMs. Hall, Instructor

Excerpt

The Jewish people don’t think of Israel as just a place of heritage, but it isthought of as a sacred place where their traditions began and grew. Unlike

the Jewish people, many Americans take their homeland for granted. Sadly,

the majority of Americans don’t realize how truly fortunate they are to live in

a land of freedom.

Jews have lived in Israel for more than 3.200 years. During these years, the Jewish

people have had a continuous presence in Israel. Jews were not always in political

control of the land, and also were not always the ruling majority of the popula-

tion. The land is thought to be so holy that just walking in it can gain you a place

in heaven. Many of the daily prayers also ask for a return to Israel. Lastly … Jew-

ish holidays root back to Israel, where it all began.

I feel it is amazing how the Jewish people cherish their homeland every day. I

am going to try to make sure I thank God more often about how fortunate I am

to live in America …


18

Arieana Castellanos, San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolMs. Campbell, Instructor

Excerpt

The faces of Israel are tear-streaked. They are heavy with exhaustion andscarred with the effects of a war-torn past. They are happy and thankful for

the life they have. They laugh, they cry. They are ready for a long overdue

peace. They long for a country where a military draft is not a necessity. They

long for acceptance of their religious and political freedom from their neighbors.

Those are the faces of Israel ….

It’s face …. Is that of a fighter. A fighter in a boxing ring who never gets a break.

It’s not bitter, but tired. Israel’s face, the country itself, is stubborn and will not

back down.

[Israel’s] not a house, it is a home.

Second Prize Essay

14

Matthew Partyka, St. Monica High SchoolMs. Morgan and Ms. O’Neill, Instructors

Excerpt

The Jewish people show us how we can rise from tragedy and how weshould not be afraid to express our true identities. Most importantly, the

Jewish people have shown us that human will can triumph all.

Prior to this project, I had this idea that Israel was a major source for many of the

problems in the Middle East and that they had a difficult time getting along with

others. Part of this idea stemmed from my lack of participation in global news

events. This project and the recent revolution in Egypt have encouraged me to

become more involved in the news and to be more aware of events occurring in

different parts of the world. It has also given me the desire to better understand

how these events may pertain to my life and how they can affect me in my future.

The most interesting thing I learned from this project was how being Jewish not

only defines a religion, but how it also defines a way of life and a nationality. I

find that concept fascinating and I don’t think many people realize what that

truly means.

Being a Catholic, I understand and appreciate the religious significance the Holy

Land provides and the rich Jewish culture it shares with the rest of the world.


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13

Karah Alexander, St. Monica High SchoolMs. Morgan and Ms. O’Neill, Instructors

Excerpt

“Me, We”

Every time I turn on the news they would depict the Middle East as a warzone … every time you hear the region “Middle East,” I immediately thinkback to the early eighth and ninth century, when the Middle East [had] thelargest and most brutal African slave market. When hearing about this week-long study our class was going to take part in about Israel and the Middle East,my mind immediately shut down, and I actually grew very upset; why in theworld would I want to learn and understand more about a region that brutal-ized and caused so much harm amongst my ancestors? But through presenta-tions, videos, speakers and book study, my whole perception was going tochange.

Teenagers [in Israel] … are not sad or defiant when being notified that theymust serve -- instead they show excitement and pleasure, which brings outthe honor of their country. Though my family is pacifist … I showed nothingbut great respect towards those teens who show so much honor toward theirhomeland in being willing to fight for their country.

I could go on and on about all what learned about Israel … How much theirlifestyles relate to ours in the United States … and how much their govern-ment resembles ours, as they live under a democracy. My whole view on theMiddle East took a drastic turn, probably because my ignorance stepped aside.It was time for me to step out of the past, a past that I am not even so definitein understanding, and start looking at things in a new light, with an openmind. [Israel] is far more than the battlefield the news always seems to portray…. Sometimes the media, history books and in my case our so called ‘extremecultural views’ can twist different situations and cause a total misunderstand-ing, which can lead to a great deal of ignorance among people.

After learning so much about such a wonderful country, Israel and the MiddleEast are no longer a part of the word “they” but now, like the greatMuhammed Ali so poetically said, it is “Me, We.”

I am one with them. I understand.

First Prize EssayMatthew Burdette, Villanova Preparatory School

Mr. Grisin, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel’s commitment to Democracy is truly outstanding, as they are one of thegreatest examples of a working democracy in the Middle East – especially

when surrounded by neighboring countries who seem to abhor their freedom.

The Knesset is composed of 120 members, who pass all laws … Each member serves

a four year term, being elected by anyone 18 or older, through means of the secret

ballot, much like the United States. Unlike our two [political] parties, they have

dozens, truly representing every viewpoint … The draft is not an encroachment

upon the freedoms of the people of Israel, it is insurance for the continuance of those

freedoms. They are not lessening their democracy in instituting the mandatory draft,

just securing it.


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Essays

12


Excerpt

Starting a new life anywhere can bring hardships … You could say that Wilm-ington is to Hispanics much like Israel is to the Jews; this is where they

thrived … Like my grandparents, the Jews have always been hard workers,

but no matter how much they tried to assimilate and work in everyday society

they still had prejudiced views held against them.

Now I look up to my grandparents and Jews as strong people who I strive to be

like, the people who defy the odds, and have an outlook on life that is, “The glass

is half full.”


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11


Forget not the Sabbath, Its mention is like a pleasant offering.During it the dove found resting place, And there the weary may relax.

The day is honored by the children of faith, Careful to observe it are fathers and sons. Engraved upon two tablets of stone,From great power and mighty strength. And they all came in covenant together,

In unison they said, “We shall do and we shall listen.” And they commenced and answered, “God is one.” Blessed is he that gives strength to the weary.

And all of his commandments to be completed togetherStrengthen the loins and gather up power. The nation that is in motion, like lost sheep, By covenant he will remember to recall it,

So that an evil happening may not befall them, Just as you have sworn by the waters of Noah.


Excerpt

Christian Gutierez, Verbum Dei High SchoolMs. Chambers, Instructor

Excerpt

Throughout time, the Jewish people have searched for a place, a home, ora land to call their own where there is no discrimination or anti-Semitic

acts forced upon them … After having their land lost, the Jewish people spread

themselves throughout the entire world, but they were not accepted any-

where. Finally, one man named Theodore Herzl stood up and said, “We’ve

been trying to fit in – but every place we go, we are not accepted. We need a

place of our own. Israel is the only place where we have been together without

discrimination and among our own and at peace.”

After World War II the UN thought back to Herzl and concluded that the land of

Israel needed to be shared by the Arab people and the Israelis.


22

10

Abraham the father of my people, God the father of life,

Israel the land of my people, Jew is what I am.

I was born the daughter of my parentsI did not choose my life

It chose me. Jew is what I am.

In the year 587 Babylonians exiled us. Destroyed our temple, but not our spirits.My ancestors travelled from place to place

They knew soon they would have their land backJews would call Israel their home once again.

Jew is what I am.

Brown hair, Brown eyes, Star of David around my neck.

A reminder of what my grandparents went throughConcentration camps where they were held

My grandmother’s brothers were tortured and killed. My grandmother has numbers imprinted on her armMy family survived never denying their Jewish faith.

Jew is what I am.

Israel is my home. I am strong, I am Proud,

I am a Jew. Jew is what I am.

Honorable Mention PoetryMelanie Chavez, Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High School

Ms. Gabriel, Instructor

Excerpt

23

Art

9


Not a third world countryA booming, thriving land

Its size is trivialIts accomplishments are many

Not the home for terroristsA safe haven for the persecutedFreedom for the religiousDiversity is welcome

Not strangersChildren, Wives, UnclesAll with dreams like usOur brothers and sisters

Kala Kopecek, St. Joseph High SchoolMs. Petrich, Ms. Madsen, Ms. Ek, Instructors

Excerpt

24

Alexis Lackerman, Rosary High SchoolMs. Tunstill, Instructor

Empathy

First Prize Art

Iwanted to make my project relevant to what we have been studying in class, so I chose to take the phrase “step in their shoes” literally by basing my projectaround a pair of shoes. The right shoe is the “Past” shoe. It shows what the Jewishpeople have come from (discrimination, prejudice, etc…) and also what theyvalue. The outline of Israel is blue because the colors of the flag of Israel are whiteand blue. The pair of old eyes symbolizes the old generation, and the barbed wireand the yellow star of David represents the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust.

The left shoe is the “Present” shoe, showing a “present-day”star of David. TheI.D.F logo represents the Israeli Defense Forces and the military which every youngperson must enter when they reach the age of 18. The pair of young eyes representsthe new generations building up Israel. The hand is reaching up to the yellowflower to show that the people of Israel are reaching towards the bright future.The vines and purple growing around the hand and shoe represent the growingof the population both within Israel and in other parts of the world.

8

Jesse Flores, Cathedral High SchoolMs. Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

Third Prize Poetry

You are no different from usYet the portraits we paint are of sheer terror.These images shed and replaced by reality.A reality we are no longer strangers to, One where we are united under grace.

The blinds opened to shone Truth.Truth of a country I knew little of.

Where you dream and aspire to all you can be.The culture we share, The friend I see in you.

Hidden under a guise torn to show your Beauty.Your own uniqueness that I welcome

With open mind and open heart you are a brother.

Your home plagued by hostility,Hostility grown out of confusion and insecurity.

Lives lost for a better future, invigorated by optimistic prospects, You serve your country with zeal.

The many faces shone to the world.Discoveries made of relative connections between us

Personalities that show homogeneity, Leads to bonds that harbor compassion. Israel, home to a diverse people, Land of God that unites all,

We are one.

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Grant Hodges, Servite High School

Mr. Swoboda, Mr. Weir, Instructors

Second Prize Art

Coming into this week I heardwe would learn about Israel. I

thought to myself, “I alreadyknow that the people there areJews and that Jesus was bornthere.” But at the end of theweek I realized it really wasn’t allthat simple. The people aren’t allof the Jewish faith, and not all ofthe people are really too differentfrom us. The first person you seeon my project near the top rightcorner of the country is an Israeliteenage boy. He is 14 years oldand likes rock music and playingguitar. He goes to school and thinksabout joining the military to servehis country in combat. Not muchdifferent from a teenager here, isit? To his left is a Russian immigrantto the country. Her parents movedthere when she was very youngand is now living a very normal life as an adult who is now verysuccessful and high in business. This is very similar to a person moving out of statehere. On the bottom left corner is a man who left Columbia to come here. He didthis when he was an adult and found a better lifestyle here than in Columbia. Henow works for the military as an engineer and for intelligence rather than combat.

7

Tristan Vanech, Loyola High SchoolMs. Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Second Prize Poetry

She roamed around under the moonThen folded her wings to restAnd her mind journeyed back to her cocoon“How naive was I,” she would jest.

She thought, “I know the place I will goAfter I grow my wings,I shall see Israel, I’ll fly over that plateauI wonder what it brings.”

A perspective only from what she heardFor she was at her beginning stageFrom friends she took their wordHer assumptions were these at an early age.

Israelis are only Jews, aren’t they? Ha, of course they’re not, This area to her was grayBut now she could answer on the spot.

Muslims, Christians and moreLive and thrive in that land, Religious diversity does soarThey accept any religious brand.

The Dome of the Rock standsOn their most holy place, the Temple Mount.But the Jews don’t mind, they share the land – To them, staying peaceful is all that counts.

The butterfly’s development and new perceptions reflect my changed under-standing of the Middle East and Israel’s place … Her assumptions from what sheheard “from friends” are exaggerations of the myths I have heard or assump-tions I have made.

Stephen Misak, Bishop Montgomery High SchoolMs. St. James, Instructor

Third Prize Art

This sculpture represents my understanding ofthe Middle East, including my idea of TheMany Faces of Israel.

The tower in the center is the beacon that is Israel, calling everyone home to the land of God.The many different colors and the variety of people on the tower represent the strength fromthe unity of a diverse people.

The people all stand together protecting the landand the values they stand for. Though they do notlook alike, they share a common bond that goesdeeper than anything else.

The tower stands surrounded by a dark disarrayof strange objects. These represent the nations that surround the tower, but noneof them touch it. The tower stands deeply planted in the ground and rises upabove it all out of the darkness that surrounds it.

The common faith in God shared by the people can be seen and felt in Israelthrough its entire population and it is the power of this faith and the tenacity ofthe people that makes the tower stand tall and proud in the midst of all that issurrounding it.

The person holding the crystal represents Israel offering to make peace with allthose around them and to share their deep bond with everyone.

The sculpture overall portrays the image of Israel as a light in a dark land. Its lightwill never be extinguished because the fuel that keeps it lit will never run out andcan never be taken away from Israel and its people.

And lastly there to his left is an older Arab woman who fled to Israel in the war ofIndependence. She sought a better future for her family. Any person in our coun-try would also leave where they were in order to have a better life. People overthere, as you can see, are not much more different from us. This overall display Ihave presented is to symbolize that even though the people there are diverse,they still come together to create a peaceful world, as any people would want fortheir country.

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6

Second Prize PoetryAniela Tolentino, Mater Dei High School

Ms. Koppenheffer, Instructor

Excerpt

I am land of many faces and I face many a man; Some may question my identity, but I know who I am. I am the land where many places have caused the fall of many men; Yet I rise up with hope and splendor, because my spirit can.

I am laden with tradition and carry a rich history, Hues of skin from ebony to ivory attest to my diversity.The young, the old, the rich, the poor – are all welcome in my land. We seek to reach out to each other, we attempt to understand That no single one group is better and that we’re best when we’re united. No one group should be ostracized; no one person should be slighted.

Sometimes I am the old wise man who recalls the path he took By following traditions and sticking to his Holy Book. With a mezuzah in his home as a reminder of His presence, With constant religious symbols to remind him of his essence.

At times the face of ebony is one I choose to takeAnd though my roots are from Ethiopia, I’ve chosen to partakeIn the celebration of Israel – a celebration of my Self; Where I can express my own identity and simply be myself.

At times I’m the teenager with a t-shirt and tight jeans, But I’m still an Israeli, I still know what it meansTo be a part of a rich culture – one that celebrates diversity, And always hopes in dreams, and rises from adversity.

I’ve weathered many battles and I’ve lived through quite a fewBut the biggest battle of all is the one where people doNot know and appreciate the complexity of who I am. Where they close their minds, they stereotype, they don’t know how I canHonor the many faces, races and religions for which I stand.

And now you’re all invited to one big commemorationFor each human that makes a part of me and is worth a celebration. I know that it may take a while for all of us to come togetherBut it starts with understanding why a united people’s better.

Jonathan Benn, St. Francis High SchoolMr. Fredette, Instructor

First Prize Multi-Media

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5

Leila Ehsan, St. Monica High SchoolRita Morgan and Siobhan O’Neill, Instructors

First Prize Poetry

Excerpt

If you asked my composition, I would say, I am dirt,

I am gravel. I am sky, sun, water.

I am country, city and town. I am beach, I am desert.

If you asked my color, I would say I am Black, Grey,

Yellow, and Brown.I am Red, I am Green. But I stay true

To the White and Blue

If you asked me of my faith, I would say that I am Jew, Christian,

Muslim and Druze. With me, you are free

to choose.

If you asked me of my duties, I would say I am lover. I am defender.

I have glory, I have mightAnd I fight for

What I think is right.

If you asked me who I was, I would say that I am the man

Kneeled in prayer. I am the daughter off at battle. I am the mother working all day. I am the loving grandparents. I am the son at school. I am neighbor. I am friend.

If you were unsatisfied, and thusAsked for my name

I would say that I am all, and more. I am dirt, color, faith, duty, person

And I am one. For I have many faces, And one united front

Held together by my peopleForever and ever. I am Israel.

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, Evangelical and Charter schools

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

22,000 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 pro-

gram’s inception in 2004, more than 50 schools have participated and

more than 90 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. The

central coordinating organization for the Jewish

community, the Federation fulfills this goal by

operating and funding a broad range of humanitarian programs on a

non-sectarian basis, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. These

essential programs offer food for the hungry, care for the elderly, help to

battered women, job training for those seeking employment, interest-

free loans to those in need, literacy programs for our young people, and

much more.

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4

Poetry

29

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 22,000 students in Los Angeles,

Orange County, Fresno, Bakersfield and San Bernardino.

TEACHER 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 SchoolJustin Bailey Pacifica Christian High School Joe Banfield St. Anthony High SchoolMaggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High SchoolRoxanne Brush St. Genevieve High SchoolJudy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public SchoolsMichele Butorac St. Matthias High SchoolEric Cadena Chaminade College Preparatory Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolJennifer Campbel 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 AcademyVera 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 High SchoolMargaret 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 SchoolRodolfo Hernandez Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolMichael Herrera St. Bonaventure High SchoolDouglas Hoffman Damien High School Stephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High SchoolChristopher James Leuzinger High School

3

THE JEWISH FEDERATION’SHOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT

EIGHTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONYJune 5, 2011

PROGRAM

WELCOME Sister Angela Hallahan Secondary School Religion Coordinator Archdiocese of Los Angeles

TABLE ACTIVITIES Discovering Israel Together

REMARKS FROM Jay SandersonTHE JEWISH FEDERATION President The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

THE HOLY LAND Dr. Daniel LieberDEMOCRACY PROJECT Chair The Holy Land Democracy Project

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONS Teacher Commendation Rita Morgan, St. MonicaStudent Award Leila Ehsan

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATION Teacher Commendation Rita Morgan, St. MonicaStudent Award Karah Alexander

ART PRIZE PRESENTATION Teacher Commendation Maureen Tunstill, RosaryStudent Award Alexis Lackerman

SHOWING OF 1ST PLACE VIDEO Jonathan Benn

MUTIMEDIA PRIZE PRESENTATIONS Teacher Commendation Mark Fredette, St. FrancisStudent Award Jonathan Benn

CAPERNAUM TO THE CLASSROOM: Victoria Anderson, Norte VistaA TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

CLOSING THOUGHTS Cosette Carleo, Karlygush Smith, L’hitraot! Karly Goins, Bishop Montgomery

30

Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory SchoolMary Killmond Bishop Alemany High SchoolWilliam Klein Marymount High SchoolAnnet Kohen Granada Hills Charter High SchoolCarol Koppenheffer Mater Dei High SchoolClaude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical InstituteTika Lee Loyola High SchoolCindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High SchoolMaureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary 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 SchoolJeanette Pascua Notre Dame High School Gary Pate Oaks Christian 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 Prepatory 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 SchoolJosh Wilson Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson Louisville High SchoolRobin Winkler Granada Hills Charter High SchoolTheresa Yugar Sacred Heart High SchoolDennis Yumul St. Genevieve High School

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 partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Diocese of Orange, the Diocese of Fresno, the Dioceseof San Bernardino, Oaks Christian School, Granada Hills Charter High School and Pacifica Christian High School.

Advisory CouncilMalka Blitz, Julie I. Bram, Eric J. Diamond, Irwin S. Field, Dalia Franco,

Abner D. Goldstine, Dennis A. Gura, Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler,

Sharon L. Krischer, Arlene Kupietzky, Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair,

Linda Mayman, Alex Miller, Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,

Moshe Shmuel, Terri Smooke, Lisa Ullmann

Community Engagement Executive CommitteeLoryn D Arkow, Marc Carrel, Vice Chair, Daniel T. Gryczman,

David Lash, Glenn A. Sonnenberg, Chair

The Jewish FederationRichard V. Sandler, Chairman of the Board

Jay Sanderson, President

Andrew Cushnir, Executive Vice President/Chief Program Officer

Catherine Schneider, Senior Vice President/Community Engagement

Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant Director/Holy Land Democracy Project

THE EIGHTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 5, 2011PROGRAM

www.JewishLA.org

2010-2011 Student Awards

Education

Transcript of 2010-2011 Student Awards