In the first piece about my Project Otzma experience, I mentioned that I would soon be ending my absorption into Israeli society and would afterwards move on to Karmiel for the volunteer segment of our program. Back in December, I finished a crucial basis for my ten-month stay and currently, I am at the conclusion of what I believe to be the substance of what we are doing here on Project Otzma. The volunteer track, which meaningful in many ways but in particular reference to interpersonal exchanges with Israelis, is for most Otzmanikim, a Partnership 2000 experience. For those who are unaware of this outstanding connection, its time to finally recognize it and take part.

Partnership 2000, as it is so entitled even in this year of 2001, is an overseas connection enabled by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the United Jewish Communities. The exchange of ideas on both business, social, and civic levels are key components which link cities in Israel over the Atlantic to specific Jewish Communities and their federations in North America. On both sides of the ocean, there is a dedication to the cultivation of young leadership. This is precisely why programs like Project Otzma are affiliated with the partnership and is the impetus for my placement in Karmiel/Misgav region, the partners of Pittsburgh and Baltimore's Jewish communities.

I came to Karmiel in December not knowing fully what to expect. I knew only two things for certain. One of these was that I knew I would be living with two other volunteers in an apartment Karmiel provides for volunteers. The other thing I knew was the name of our contact person, Aya. I knew where my job placements were, however; there was some uncertainty as to what exactly I would be doing at each particular place. I soon found that my days would be completely filled without any particular stretch of time that was unoccupied with important community work. As our placements were wide and varied, it is necessary to highlight a few that were most satisfying and rewarding.

I found myself four days per week at two different highschools, one in the city of Karmiel and the other in the Misgav area. My task was to help prepare Israeli youngsters for their matriculation exams. For Israeli students to graduate and persue higher education, they must be proficient in the English language. Therefore, it behooves these students to actively participate in English lessons with young people who are natural speakers of the language. Not only were they the recipients in this case, but the learning experience was reciprocal. Through the students with whom I had contact, I was able to discover more about Israeli culture than in any other setting since my arrival in late August. When it comes to pop culture, there is no doubt about it, the kids here love almost anything American. One facet of their interests in this category was a real shocker though; these kids have absolutely been able to maintain their own Israeli pop culture. They listen to rock music with Hebrew lyrics, they see Israeli movies, and they even watch a Hebrew version of "Millionaire" on television. By conversing with them to try to better their English speaking capabilities, a dialogue emerged which broke down our prejudices and answered some if the most important questions that Jews from two completely opposite sides of the world would want to ask one another.

The other job placement that needs to be addressed is very significant given the current crisis in the region. Beyond the city of Karmiel, just over to the west, there lies an unrecognized village. The village of Hussenia has been a Bedouin village long before the state of Israel came into existence in 1948, however; the current official maps do not indicate that it is even there. I would be hard pressed to try and tell one of the children to whom I taught English in Hussenia that their village wasn't there. The fact is that only recently has permission to build and cartographic representation been granted to them; a positive step toward bridging the gap between the Karmiel and its Arab neighbors. My experience with these people has been unmatched by any other during my program. They were so appreciative that we, three young American Jews were coming to their village, a place where nobody visits but its residents. So glad were they, that we were invited into their homes to eat labane and olives and drink coffee with them. I know for certain, our impact was felt as the pupils bettered their English and made friends with people from far, far away. So lovely and honorable was the demeanor of the children, that I am honored to have been their teacher.

It has been six months and the time is going by very quickly. My days have been so busy that there is hardly time to take it all in and reflect. I suppose that is why I have decided to share my experiences with the community back home in this manner. Project Otzma and Partnership 2000 has been a great success in Karmiel, no doubt.

Nisan 5761 - March 2001