Dear Yale...

Dear President Levin and Professor Salovey,

I am writing to urge you to reopen the Yale Imitative for Interdisciplinary Study of Antisemiitism and support the new structure and leadership. The study of this highly complex topic is extremely important to me and other researchers and scholars. You can only break down a topic like this through conversations and brain-storming sessions (the point of conferences and in-residence fellows). I don't believe that the study of antisemitism can be done alone and that's why a center like YIISA needs to exist (in addition to the one at Indiana University). As a future doctoral student, I want to have a place where I can attend conferences and produce papers to discuss and unravel the meaning of antisemitism and how it manifests itself.

I have done a book review relating to this topic. It contains a collection of essays that examine both antisemitism and philosemitism and I must tell you, after I read it, I realized that I knew even less about antisemitism. I wanted a forum but I only had myself and my editor to produce the review and I had to trust my own judgment. With these essays proposing new perspectives on antisemitism through literature, film, and politics, I was (and am still) left with a huge ball of knots in my stomach. Why did (and does) it happen and how can scholars and ordinary people recognize antisemitism if it manifests itself in numerous ways?

I admit that I do deal with the Holocaust as my major event specialty and naturally antisemitism is part of my research. There have been discussions as of late about the "new antisemitism" in Europe seeming to mirror what was happening nearly 75 years ago and researchers and scholars like myself only want to know how did that occur so we can recognize the signs today and advise leaders to stop the quiet or outright hatred. Antisemitism can come in many forms, even in the 1930s Europe. German Jews faced racial form of antisemitism. Polish Jews consistently dealt with pogroms and violence because of their religion and comparatively economic successes. American Jews occasionally heard verbal abuse but confronted more restrictions such as university quotas and exclusive hotels and country clubs.

These variations only raise a single question that I believe a center like YIISA has the ability to work through questions such as why such variations exist and how the victims combat them. Antisemitism seems to be like the game of whack-a-mole. They just pop up in various forms and it's hard to whack them all without understanding where they're coming from.

History has shown to repeat itself and I would like to believe that, with research and engagement, we can break that cycle.

Sincerely,

Sara Halpern
MA in Judaic Studies, University of Michigan

Life Without a Country

Today, I want to talk about this young generation and the ways we're perceiving the current "peace process." I came across this blog post while searching for ideas for my job search. I was interested in this particular point - young American Jews cannot imagine a life without Israel. How does this view affect young generation's ability to admit that we need Israel and fight for its legitimacy? (Then again, I have been involved in academic discussions arguing that we "don't" need Israel...)

I admit that my views on the conflict are no different from my like-minded American Jewish peers, or the Israelis. We all stand for Israel and want to defend its borders and feel that the Jewish state is significant to us. Some recent poll said that most American Jews would view the loss of Israel as total "catastrophe." Tov, tov. But what is the demographic break down on on the 18-30 year olds who agree with this statement? I would like to bet a bit lower given the young generation's liberalism. Honestly, I am skeptical because if it is really true, then there wouldn't be a need for Birthright. Right? Birthright or any trip to Israel allows us to connect with the Land of Israel as a Jewish country (note that I am refraining from saying "homeland" here out of sensitivity to Jews who strongly believe that America is their home and Israel for for the rest of the Diaspora to flock to.)

The general media is screwing things up and making the problem of peace/border negotiations all the more complex than it needs to be and it doesn't do a good job of explaining why and connect that with personal identity and security (not nationalism). Negotiating land swaps among the elders who witnessed the 1948 and 1967 wars is so emotionally difficult. History shows that it can take several generations for the hardline mindset to soften, become disconnected with victory/catastrophe, and make cessions more easily. We've only gone through 2 generations since 1948 and we are now raising a third generation. The question is, among many both sides, how do we reach out to both Jews and Palestinians so that the possibility of peace can truly happen?

But it just cannot right now because Jews trying to "negotiate" with some party that wants to wipe Israel off the map. There will always be stories of "catastrophe" being passing down among Palestinians, just as we continue to tell about our own throughout centuries. They will never forget 1948 the way we don't about 72 A.D., 1492, 1943 and so on. How can one make peace with another who wants him dead anyway? It's a win-lose situation.

This young generation of Jews and Palestinians grew up hearing their own versions of the 1948 and 1967 wars, which doesn't help to "soften" the diplomatic tone. It is interesting to point out that the David Project and other pro "Jewish identity = Israel" organizations argue that young American Jews have grown up taking Israel for granted (as well as some young Israelis) that we just cannot imagine a world without Israel. The Palestinians grew up hearing of how their land had been seized by Zionists and how it was a catastrophic event. For my generation of Jews, Israel was always there. There's already security. For a generation of Palestinians, Israel was always there. But there's no security.

My thinking is, if young American Jews are registering Palestinians' arguments and historic views of the 1948 war as legitimate for a statehood, why can't they, themselves, imagine a world without Israel? Are they truly "disconnected" with Israel?

At least, I can imagine a world without Israel, personally. My fighting desire to protect Israel at all costs just comes from growing up without knowing about Israel. Maybe I did hear the name "Israel" but didn't connect it as a "country for Jews." Maybe I did hear of Israel as a country but just didn't connect it as a real Jewish state. In any case, I grew up without feeling that kind of security.

So I want to ask young Jews next time I hang out with them, what is security? Does Israel play a role in feeling secure with your Jewish identity? Can you imagine your life without Israel?

Hard questions, I know.

Let's go back to my last point....

Yes, I slapped my face when I saw the breaking news on Weiner, a Jewish congressman from Queens and Brooklyn. He cheated on his wife, Huma Abedin, of 11 months. At least Abedin, who I believe, can stand on her own. She rode to her own success thanks to Hillary Clinton and only met Weiner in 2008 during Clinton's campaign for presidency. So I'm not too terribly worried about her as some other women who depend their entire lives on their husbands.

Now, let's go back to that point that I made in my last blog post. Power can do harm to men's reputations and self-control. And the likelihood of powerful male leaders being Jewish are rather high. Jewish women cannot certainly make generalizations and give up finding a Jewish man in power who won't cheat. There are plenty of wonderful Jewish men who were raised by good mames but the naughty ones just make the headlines.

If their mames can't get in their heads to be that "nice Jewish boy," then these men need to take a course on ethics.

What's even more squeamish though is that the "other" women were Jewish as well.... Are Jewish communities doing enough to teach morality?

I have to tell myself it's only the minority who do wrong things, not the majority but it's the public image that Jews should be conscious of.

Israel Trip 2010 Part 2

Yom hamesh’i

7:45 AM

Chaim and I are settled on the bus to Ashdod. He eats his favorite breakfast- a cinnamon roll. I am sipping on my favorite iced coffee from Aroma. We are looking forward to a good, but long, day ahead.

9:15 AM

It feels as if we are dropped off in middle of nowhere, although we are in front of a mall. Yet, we are unsure of where exactly we are supposed to meet Shira, our host. Chaim calls and she says to meet at the gas station. Okay….

A Russian man works at his task of putting together plugs.

9:40 AM

Shira, Chaim, and I are greeted by an American, Rachel. She made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel in 1959. She is thrilled to be speaking English upon finding out that I know little Hebrew. She says that she is from Chicago. It is difficult to believe that she is an American. She takes us inside to see her operation that she is in charge of. She is showing us two different places that work on the same tasks- putting electrical plugs together. She keeps reminding us that this particular place “is not a factory.” She emphasizes that it’s a social place for the men, who are in their 70s and 80s. These tasks make them feel productive. They earn 300-400 shekels a month, minimum wage. They are all on government pensions already but these extra shekels help to make their lives a bit more comfortable. Their wives are at home. Standing with us, is a young, gorgeous, tall Russian woman who is serving as a translator as part of her national service (instead of serving in the Army). She looks like a model with beautiful face, make-up, and long hair.

The men actually used to get paid more before the downturn. But the company decided that it was better to reduce their pay to minimum wage rather than to lay off workers. It’s a different business system here, for sure.

Ethiopian women hard at work

10:10 AM

We are at another place, where the Ethiopian women are working. They are, like the men, hard at work. We notice a huge glass cabinet full if Ethiopian clay pieces. They are quite a sight to see. We are taken to the back where a lone woman is carefully preparing her clay for sculpting. She has many pieces behind her. Chaim and I each given a piece. I have a statute of a frog. He has a more interesting one- a shell with a man and woman wrapped around each other. It’s a marriage custom in Ethiopia that the shell’s status reflects the communication between the husband and wife. When the shell is open, they are in agreeable mood, open to discussion. When the shell is closed, it signifies that there is absolutely nothing to talk about. Everyone thinks it is a genius idea.

The communication tool for marriages

10:45 AM

Chaim and I are dropped off at the bus station/mall. We wonder what the heck we are supposed to do for the rest of the day. Chaim says, “Let’s just go to Tel Aviv.”

11:40 AM

Chaim looks at our bus tickets and says, “They are the same!” Both of our tickets say 8.10 shekels. I shrug, “So? It’s cheap.” He responds, “I should get 50% off! I paid 9 shekels to Ashdod!” A minute later, an older woman enters the bus and the driver charges her 4.10 shekels. Chaim grumbles and insists that he will tell the bus driver. I soothe him to wait until we got to Tel Aviv. And to let it go, really.

12:45 PM

Chaim is loudly arguing with three men, including the supervisor who is wearing a kippah, from the bus company over the ticket. I have to cover my mouth to hide my amusement to watch Chaim yell at them, to get it off his chest. As I listen to the argument, I pick up some of the Hebrew. The men insist that Chaim should have asked the bus driver for the discount when he got on the bus. Eventually the supervisor and Chaim calm down and the supervisor blesses Chaim a good, long life. I continue to speak to Chaim in Hebrew to prove that we, as Americans, know what the hell we are doing here. I encourage him, “boyah, Chaim, boyah” as we make our way towards the city buses.

1:30 PM

Chaim and I are relaxing outside Café Hillel on Rothschild Boulevard. The iced tea is a different story. The waiter brings Chaim hot water with mint leaves (nana tee) in a glass mug and another glass full of ice cubes. Chaim realizes what he is supposed to do. As he “makes” his own, he says, “You have to be very, very flexible here.” I nod in agreement. Israelis like that. That’s how they survive in this conflicted country. Chaim and I discuss Israel, our favorite topic.

2:15 PM

We are walking past Max Brenner’s, a chocolate shop/restaurant. Chaim insists that we go inside, “You cannot walk past Max Brenner’s without buying chocolate!”

2:30 PM

Chaim and I are standing on Allenby Street, waiting for a 4 or 5 bus to take us to the Ben-Yehuda intersection for a walk to the beach. I tell him to be patient, as there are a lot of buses that come. He notices the traffic, “They go fast here!” It isn’t certainly Jerusalem!

3:15 PM

Chaim and I are resting on a bench, looking over the calm water. I notice the deep grooves in the sand. Chaim says, “The beaches are a mess because of that huge rainstorm that we had two weeks ago.” It looks like as if anyone could sprain an ankle just walking across the sand to the water. We people-watch for a while.

4 PM

It gets chilly out so we are now walking to Dan Tel Aviv, a fancy hotel that Chaim used to stay at. I want a picture so I ask a couple. The woman takes a picture of us. She and her husband ask what languages we speak. Chaim and I reply, “Ivrit, English, Deutsch, and Yiddish….” They start talking in Deutsch to me and I respond that we are from America, New York… they do not understand immediately… then they turn to Chaim for Hebrew. Apparently, Deutsch is their mother tongue, which is why they wanted to speak Deutsch first. They claim that they are from America as well. Chaim and I are skeptical as they speak no English to us, even though it’s clear that Chaim and I are native English speakers and American-born.

4:45 PM

Chaim and I are watching the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. Chaim is completely at peace. The waitress brings us our drinks- margarita and mojito. I look at my mojito. It does not look right. The liquid is brown. There are no limes. Chaim insist that I did order right, it was mojito. I swirl the straw to see what citrus fruit is in there. It is not green but… more yellow, or possibly orange. I ask, why is the water brown then? Chaim looks at the drink, “I think those are oranges…” I make a face and say, “Well, then I don’t want this drink. I did ask for a mojito but I won’t touch it if it has oranges!” Chaim clinks my glass with his margarita and begins to sip. I say, “Well, then I will just taste…” I taste the drink. It is mojito. Then it hits me. Instead of cane or white sugar, the bartender used brown sugar, and lemons, instead of limes. Then I sigh. I turn to Chaim and say, “Well, as you said earlier, you just gotta be flexible here in Israel. Very flexible.” I look at my drink and blink my eyes.

The mojito that wasn't.

6:25 PM

The cab driver gets out angrily and glares at me. I hand him a 50 shekel bill. He takes it and says it’s 50 shekels. I knew that he would get upset. I had already bargained with him for 40 shekels and he thought we were just going to the old port, not the road behind it to get to the theater. I already knew that we would get lost. And he was trying to rip us off as American tourists for that Chaim spoke English to me when the cab driver wanted to make a bargain.

“It’s 50 shekels!”

“I want my 10 shekels back.”

“Back there, that’s 40 shekels. Here it’s 50 shekels! This is further away!”

“FORTY SHEKELS! We already agreed on it!” Clearly, I showed him what Jerusalem cab drivers had taught me.

He grumbles, takes out a 10 shekel and then slams it in my outstretched, open palm. He mutters angrily as he gets back in the car. He continues to yell after us for ripping him off. Chaim briefly explains to me what other cab drivers had told him that led us to here. I smile ruefully and told Chaim that I knew it would be more than 40 shekels and that we would get lost. Chaim says that he wasn’t going to get in middle of anything, with a smile on his face.

Israel Trip Part 1

yom rishon

5 AM:

As I prepare to gather my paperwork at the baggage claim counter, I look over to the side to see at least one hundred bag unclaimed, sitting there sadly, like a junkyard. Then I turn all the way around and blink to see, not just one or two parties, but at least 50 people standing in the line. They had arrived from Prague, looking to find their suitcases as well.

6 AM:

Jerusalem begins to awake as the sun peeps from behind the horizon. There is always something about watching the sun rise, because you can see the rays but not the sun itself. It’s as if one was waiting for the most important person but it would take a while, just because she/he is the most important. I attempt to make out the architecture, the streets, and the signs to locate myself in the city as the shared cab (shreut) weaves its way through the city to drop off passengers.

6:30 AM:

A day and half later, I finally make to my grandfather’s apartment. “Chaim” greeted me with a big, expectant smile. He was already up, davening (praying). I hope that he is praying for my bag’s safe return.

11 A.M.:

I am at Super-Pharm, preparing to re-stock my toiletries that had been lost. There is one aisle lined with international skincare and cosmetic brands and I want to see if they had any familiar American brands. Clean & Clear in another aisle do not satisfy me and I wonder if there are more options. I ask the first woman if there are any Clean & Clear face cleaners. She leads me to the same shelves that I just looked at. She mentions that they’re all on sale. I smile and ask about Neutrogena. She takes me over to that international aisle. I thank her, todah rabah. I look and see that many are 40% off so I take a few. I walk away. Then I am tapped by a second woman, with a cellphone in her hand, and she says that she wants to be sure that these bottles are discounted. So she uses her cellhphone program (You know you’re in Israel if you see an awesome piece of technology that you’ve never seen before). I thank her and walk away. I meander around the store to the other side and see L’Oreal. Just as I bend down to read the labels, I am suddenly approached by a third woman and a fourth woman. They eagerly point out how cheap (zol!!!) the products are and they’re very, very good. At this point, I am quite bit bewildered by constant attention nagging. I blank out on my Hebrew for “go away” so I use my rude English and my hands to push them away from me. They seem slightly offended (everyone gets offended anyway in Israel). The bottle is too much, even with 40% discount. So I move to the line and purchase everything. The price screen is not working so I do not see what the total is. After receiving the receipt, I look at it and my eyes are about to pop out. 315 shekels?! That’s close to $90! I examine the receipt more closely to see what products racked up the cost. The two Neutrogena bottles are the culprits. I had thought the stickers read 19.99 shekels (which I thought it was a terrific deal) but the receipt says 79.99. I sigh in a huff and go back to the register. I give them the receipt and two bottles, while grabbing one Clean & Clear bottle for an exchange. I say that these bottles are too expensive and I had thought the stickers said 19.99, not 79.99. Manager is apparently right there and says to me that they are 40% off. I shake my head and respond no, I want to return them. He and the female cashier look at me with disbelief. They stammer and say how cheap they are. I grit my teeth and firmly tell them, “Not as cheap as in the United States!” They shut up and proceed with the t

yom shnee

11 AM

I am walking through the new Mamilla mall. I stop at the Gap and Ahava. The Gap literally has nothing for me. Ahava has a special sale on its hand cream, 2 for 140 shekels. Excellent… but I think I will try to get that at the airport, duty-free.

12 PM

I tread carefully down the alley in the Christian Quarter the Old City of Jerusalem. I dislike this because there are steps with small ramps for carts. It is easy to slip and fall if one does not know how to maneuver this.

12:15 PM

I’m walking about in the Muslim Quarter, thinking about where to eat. I find a baklava shop and buy a few pieces. Yum. I keep an eye out for any bargains, on anything. Nothing is to be found. However I do find that Neutrogena face scrub for 45 shekels in a small pharmacy, compared to 80 shekels (at regular price) in Super Pharm. Only catch is that it’s cash-only.

12:45 PM

It is glorious outside. I have told a few people that I would be visiting the new wing in the Israel Museum today. If I would make that happen and make it to Chaim’s office for an appointment at 4:30, I should leave the Center by 2 PM. Maybe I’ll go. Maybe not… I just want to relax, after two days of insanity. The tracks are clearly laid out on Jaffa Road. I wonder when the trains are coming.

2 PM

I’m still chatting with my dad over Google Talk. I am sitting in Cafe Hillel, where the waitress remembers me from the previous day and brings me an English menu without me asking for it. Sitting in a cafe with a cup of cappuccino with a small bowl of two chocolate pieces just feels so European. It’s the beautiful thing about living in Israel. The food and leisure culture is distinctively European, but the technology, hype, and media are American. In the moment, I decide not to bother with the Israel Museum. I am too concerned about my bag and I am just too tired to soak in anything more than what is going on around me.

3:45 PM

I put on my spanking new black Converse sneakers. For the first time in 5 days, my feet can finally breathe after wearing those leather boots.

4:30 PM

Chaim greets me and frantically tells me that the Polish students are here already. “They came early!” We walk quickly to the office where the two Polish students are waiting patiently with kind smiles on their faces. They are very handsome and friendly-looking. We begin to talk eagerly about this shtetl project and they offer their help with connections in Poland. The keys, I think, are access to Polish-English translators and commitment from Poles in our desired region. Chaim appears positive about the whole project as the Poles have enlightened him with their current views of Jews in Poland. We want to make a trip to Poland within the next few years.

8 PM

The walk from Emek Refaim to Angel Bakery is beautiful. I relish in the fact that there are no snow on the ground. The dark streets between Emek Refaim and the intersection on King George is a bit dark but I had walked here often enough to know it is okay. I am at the bakery now, determining what small treats I would like. I ask for two chocolate rugalech. Then I see something that looks like it has poppyseeds but I forget my Hebrew for one. So I point to the treats with one finger and the woman says, “ahat?” Ahhhhh…. yes, “ahat, bevekesha.” I am slowly relearning my Hebrew, just bits and pieces, each day. I count quietly on the way home. But I forget what’s 10.

8:30 PM

“Chaim, what’s ivrit for 10?”

“Ester.”

“Oh, right.”

yom shleeshee

11:50 AM

Chaim and I arrive at Ronit’s home. We are greeted by a Chinese maid. She is very young but dresses hip in her jeans, black framed glasses, a funky t-shirt, and sneakers. We say hello to Ronit, who is wearing all red. I take a whiff of an old lady’s scent. I suddenly wonder why I agreed to join this lunch but I keep quiet. Something could come out of this.

12:10 PM

The Chinese maid is excellent. She controls the walker with her foot while holding the door as Ronit makes her way down a ramp. She navigates the Jerusalem traffic very well. I think, “Wow, she really gets a lot of perks here!”

2 PM

As we watched the traffic ahead of us on our way back from lunch to Chaim’s office, Ronit says, “The Israelis drive the way they want to!” The Chinese maid says that Chinese drivers are worse.

3 PM

Chaim and I arrive at our dear friend’s shiva. I want to say hello and do a good mitzvah by being there and just seeing them.

3;45 PM

Friend says, “I’d much rather have a cup of coffee with you than this!”

7:15 PM

Chaim and I sit in the audience of a panel discussing Joe Schwartz‘s activities during the Holocaust. He was the director of the Joint Distribution Committee- Europe. My Hebrew slowly comes back, especially that the panelists are speaking clearly and not too quickly. Chaim whispers to me that one of the panelist is Yehuda Bauer. Oh. My. God. I want to meet him.

10 PM

Chaim and I get into a vigorous discussion about Jewish organizations’ role during the Holocaust.

yom riviee

10 AM

I’m trying to figure out this washing machine. The dryer is very old too. I hope that my clothes will not get ruined.

12:00 PM

I am at the best, best, best bakery of all Jerusalem, Marizpan Bakery. It is located in the Mehane Yehuda Shuk. The bakery had re-organized itself a bit since the last time. Nonetheless, I choose my poison carefully, including three pieces of their notorious and tantalizing chocolate rugalech.

12:15 PM

Shuk is clean and humming. I make my through to see what’s changed. Not too much. It is a pleasant walk through. The produce is just beautiful, as usual. Strawberries are in season here in Israel, along with pomegranates and persimmons.

12:45 PM

I return from errands. Washing machine isn’t moving. Something’s wrong here. Then I push a button. It starts. Tov.

1:40 PM

Washing machine is still going. It’s time to make it to the Israel Museum.

2:15 PM

I whip out my credit card, preparing to pay 48 shekels for the entrance fee. I do not pay much attention until I see the slip. 24 shekels. The woman is kind enough to give me a disability discount because she sees my cochlear implant. Amazing. For the first time in 25 years, I actually get a disability discount anywhere! I love Israel.

2:30 PM – 4 PM

I am wishing that a certain friend of mine and my mother are here with me to appreciate all this beautiful art and artifacts. I am completely in awe of the new archaeological wing. You cannot see anything like this anywhere else in the world. The artifacts are in pristine condition. Some of the highlights: an ancient bull’s horn, readable lithographs in Greek and Latin (including an edict for Jews to desert their religion, just before the Maccabees’ war), gorgeous mosaic floors lifted from the Old City of Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter and several synagogues in the Judean or Galilee regions, and interesting idol statutes from ancient Egypt. The narrative is excellent, balanced, and informative. It strives to tell the story of The Land, in a non-sectarian, non-political manner. It describes The Land as the crossroads of many cultures and one can see the influences. The narrative begins millions of years ago and ends just as Ottomans seized The Land away from the Crusaders. It is a long but worthwhile exhibit. I am a museum junkie so my stay in the exhibit is longer than most people would say… but I also appreciate so much of the art.

4:30 PM

I am completely at peace while walking home to the apartment, just as the sun begins to set. I also suddenly remember that it’s winter. Yesterday was the first day and I did not even notice. It’s difficult to see any signs of winter or Christmas here.

8:30 PM

Chaim and I are at Joy’s Restaurant on Emek Refaim to have dinner with friends of his who are visiting from the United States. I immediately like the woman although I can see that she is very strong and expects people to listen to her. I meet a cute guy and we are talking easily. We all share vegetable appetizers.

9:50 PM

Chaim and I are in the cab on our way home. I ask Chaim who exactly was that guy. Chaim replies that he’s a friend and is the husband of the woman next to the friend’s daughter. I complain, “He’s married?! Where are the nice, single Jewish guys?!”