2008-2009 student awards

Program

THE SIXTH ANNUALSTUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 11, 2009

Exhibit photography generously contributed by Christine Haws Photography

Dr. Daniel Lieber, ChairElaine Albert, Director

Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant DirectorJill Jacobs, Educational Coordinator

Advisory CouncilMichael Altman, Malka Blitz, Julie Bram, Marc Carrel, Gary Cypres,

Steven H. Feder, Irwin S. Field, Cliff Goldstein, Abner Goldstine, Dennis A. Gura,Stanley Kandel, Honorable Leon S. Kaplan, Leslie Kessler, Sharon Krischer,

Dr. Daniel Lieber, Linda Mayman, Marla Rosen, Judy F. Rosenberg,Faith Schames,Terri Smooke, Glenn Sonnenberg

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

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

The Jewish Federation Community PillarTerri Smooke and Glenn Sonnenberg, Co-Chairs

Marc Carrel, Vice ChairAndrew Cushnir, Director

The Jewish FederationStanley P. Gold, Chairman of the Board

Richard V. Sandler, Vice ChairmanBettina Kurowski, General Campaign Chair

John R. Fishel, President

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Mikka Azurin, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich)SECOND PRIZE

Rebecca Valdivia, Bishop Amat (Kat Cook)THIRD PRIZE

Matt O’Brien, Loyola (Tika Lee)Andrew Frank, St. Bonaventure (Sonya Mercado)

HONORABLE MENTIONGeorge Chassiakos, St. Monica (Marc Nuno); Jeff Butterfield, Loyola (Tika Lee);

Annemarie Kelleghan, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis);Allison Read, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales); Becca Smith, Louisville (Josh Wilson);

Guadalupe Davila, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich); Matas Empakeris, Loyola (Tika Lee);Jake Reuter, Santa Margarita (Maria Andrade-Johnson); Kristi Yeung, Marymount (Bill Klein);Daniel Franco, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre); Kevin Awad, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales);

Omar Gonzalez, College-Ready Academy #5 (Vanessa Sandoval); Xavier de la Peidra, Servite (Chris Weir);Erika Lazo, Holy Family (Michelle Purghart); Angelica Reyes, San Joaquin (Kathleen DeSantis)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Inez AbuMalhi, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis)SECOND PRIZE

Lyndsay Aronson, Marymount (Bill Klein)THIRD PRIZE

Jarrett Holt, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre)HONORABLE MENTION

Danielle Smith, Louisville (Mary Wilson); Danny Duarte, Servite (Chris Weir and Joe Swoboda);Tiffany Bagnol, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich and Cynthia Madsen); Joseph Kearney, Loyola (Tika Lee)Jennyfer Bendana, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond); Alex Mercier, St. Bernard (Margaret Govero)

David Tababa and Daniel Gonzalez, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre);Clara Mora, Santa Margarita (Jim Nielsen); Ariadna Rivera, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen);

ART CONTEST WINNERSFIRST PRIZE

Matthew Lemus, Loyola (Tika Lee)SECOND PRIZE

Hali Arriaga and Nancy De La Cruz, College-Ready Academy #5 (Vanessa Sandoval)THIRD PRIZE

Marissa Mackel, Louisville (Mary Wilson); Ira Hudson, Santa Margarita (Maria Andrade-Johnson)HONORABLE MENTION

Kathleen O’Heron, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill); Mary Anne Manumpil, Louisville (Josh Wilson);Carla Cortes, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill and Marc Nuno); Madeline Blount, JSerra (Melea Walden);

Doug Lowe, Loyola (Tika Lee) – Seo Jung Kim, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales);Michelle Norman, Santa Margarita (Randy Aust); Nicki Anderson, Santa Margarita (Randy Aust);

Walter Gutierrez, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James); Elizabeth Perez, St. Bonaventure (Michael Herrera);Marissa Deems, Louisville (Mary Wilson); Daisy Gallardo, Heritage College-Ready Academy (Robert Pambello);

Diane Villaroman, Junipero Serra (Stephen Felkner); Andrea Calvillo, Pomona (Allicen Naal);Maria Ramirez, Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science (Karina Diaz); Grecia Ramos, Sacred Heart (April Gutierrez)

2009 HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECTDR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Aria Bendix, Santa Margarita (Jim Nielsen)

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARD

Kelsey Armstrong, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales) 392

Mary Killmond Bishop Alemany High School

William Klein Marymount High School

April Kramer Chaminade College Prepatory

Claude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical Institute

Tika Lee Loyola High School

Cindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High School

Maureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary School

Cynthia Madsen St. Joseph High School

Aaron Marcarelli Oaks Christian School

Dean Marolla College-Ready Academy High School #5

Mary Marsella Garces Memorial High School

Chalio Medrano Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School

Sonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High School

Conan Moats Heritage College-Ready Academy High School

Rita Morgan Marymount High School

Denis Munoz St. Bernard Catholic High School

Allicen Naal Pomona Catholic High School

Fatima Nicdao Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary

James Nielsen Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Marc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High School

Nate Nylander Oaks Christian School

Siobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High School

Kristina Ortega Chaminade College Preparatory

Robert Pambello Heritage College-Ready Academy High School

Jason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High School

Gary Pate Oaks Christian School

William Perales Mary Star of the Sea

Elisa Perez Ramona Convent Secondary School

Linda Petrich St. Joseph High School

Michelle Purghart Holy Family High School College Preparatory

Tomas Renna Bishop Montgomery High School

Susan Rizo Garces Memorial High School

Vanessa Sandoval College-Ready Academy High School #5

Stephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Michael Sifter Alverno High School

Bernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High School

Joe Swoboda Servite High School

Melea Walden Jserra Catholic High School

Chris Weir Servite High School

Josh Wilson Louisville High School

Mary Wilson Louisville High School

Theresa Yugar Sacred Heart High School

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THE JEWISH FEDERATION’SHOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT

SIXTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONYJune 11, 2009

PROGRAM

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

REMARKS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE Father Sal PilatoSuperintendent of Secondary Schools,Archdiocese of Los Angeles

REMARKS FROM Julie BramTHE JEWISH FEDERATION Advisory Council

Holy Land Democracy Project

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARDTeacher Commendation William Perales, Mary Star of the SeaPerformance of Award Winner Kelsey Armstrong, Mary Star of the Sea

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONSTeacher Commendation Nancy Coonis, Notre Dame AcademyReading of 1st Prize Poem Inez AbuMalhi, Notre Dame Academy

CAPERNUM TO THE CLASSROOM: Maria Andrade-Johnson, Santa MargaritaA TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

ART PRIZE PRESENTATIONTeacher Commendation Tika Lee, Loyola1st Prize Art Matthew Lemus, Loyola

VIDEO INTERLUDE Medley of Student Videos

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATIONTeacher Commendation Linda Petrich, St. Joseph1st Prize Essay Mikka Azurin, St. Joseph

DR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCEINTRODUCTION Dr. Daniel Lieber

Teacher Commendation Jim Nielsen, Santa MargaritaReading of Award Winner Aria Bendix, Santa Margarita

CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Daniel LieberL’hitraot!

We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstandingschools who have partnered with us in building bridges betweenour communities and sharing the miracle of Israel with over 16,000students in Los Angeles, Orange County, Fresno and Bakersfield.

TEACHER SCHOOLHilary Aguirre-Yribarren Cathedral High School

Janice Allen Oaks Christian High School

Maria Andrade-Johnson Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Victor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High School

Randy Aust Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Joe Banfield St. Anthony High School

Maggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High School

Judy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public Schools

Michele Butorac St. Matthias High School

Eric Cadena Chaminade College Preparatory

Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High School

Jennifer Campbell St. Anthony High School

Raul Carranza College-Ready Academy High School #7

Edward Clark Damien High School

John Collins Pomona Catholic High School

Kat Cook Bishop Amat Memorial High School

Nancy Coonis Notre Dame Academy

Kathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High School

Roger DeSilva Notre Dame High School

Jeffrey Dewey Oaks Christian High School

Karina Diaz Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School

Jeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High School

Stephen Felkner Junipero Serra High School

John Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High School

Mark Fredette St. Francis High School

Blair Gillam Oaks Christian High School

Margaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High School

Brian Grisin Villanova Preparatory School

April Gutierrez Sacred Heart High School

Stephen Hagberg Oaks Christian High School

Holly Haynes Mater Dei High School

Kevin Hernandez Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School

Michael Herrera St. Bonaventure High School

Stephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High School

Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory School

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Aria Bendix, Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolJim Nielsen, Instructor

Excerpt

Dr. David LieberAward of Excellence

My name is Reut PelegMy roots lie deep in the soil of the Promised LandAfter finally escaping massacres and oppression

My family pioneered the Israeli sand

It was time for a new Jewish state to beginFor the halutzim to make history for us all

Because of them, I now am freeTo roam the second floor of the Tel Aviv mall

Because of my ancestors and my familyI am aWASP and a Hiloni JewBut while I may be just a student

I recognize the roots of my culture too

My name is Sammy SmoohaAnd I have witnessed more death

than I care to recallFrom watching Jews hang from the

central square of BaghdadTo seeing the entire Iraqi-Jewish culture fall

Haifa, Israel provided a refuge for meAnd my family when we escaped from oppressionFrom the killing and jailing and hanging of JewsFrom the stripping of everything in our possession

I am a Traditional Masorti JewFor which I nearly was killedBut Israel has given me hope

And my desire for freedom has been filled

My name is Meir BouskilaAnd I am a Moroccan Jew

You may think that makes me differentBut I have a message for you

Ariadna Rivera, St. Joseph High SchoolCynthia Madsen, Instructor

Excerpt

Oh Israel,How did we ever misjudge you?Was it because we never really got to know you?Or is it because the media told us otherwise?Oh dear Israel,If we had only known soonerWe would have never misjudged you.I learned so much in so little time,If I only knewI could’ve defended you.I would’ve held my tongue and declined the newsBut instead I misjudge you.I’ve been told that we share one GodEven though we have many religionsOne in God we areEven though we have our differencesOh, beloved IsraelWhy did I ever misjudge you?

Alex Mercier, St Bernard Catholic High SchoolMargaret Govero, Instructor

Excerpt

Surrounded on all sides by enemiesIn the dark, they fought for six days,And never gave up heart.All the faces have a different story,Yet all the faces have a similar journey.Out of Egypt, and into the desert,Out of the Desert and into the Land.

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On my soccer team, there are no different racesOnly Israel’s blue and white

And whether you’re from Ethiopia or RussiaHere you will fit in just right

Although I may be a Masorti Jew,I recognize that some are not

I recognize that we are one, united countryTo me, that matters a lot …

My name is Boaz KatzAnd I’ve learned to hide who I am

To mask my Jewish religion and cultureOr risk being persecuted and condemned

In Ukraine, we were forced to be silentOr maybe we were silent from fearAnd it took all of our strength

when we came to IsraelTo remember why it was we had come

We came for freedom of religionBut were so used to not being a Jew

It may take decades to remember who we areBut to our religion we’ll stay true

My name is Moshe SteinAnd I am an ultra-Orthodox Jew

Known as Jewish-Jewish-Jewish by the Seculars,But I know that this is untrue

We are more than a very Jewish cultureWe are more than a group that is strict in our ways

Our religion is as dense as the skyAnd we have a deep passion for the God we praise

Some may not know about Shabbos,our day of rest

Our about eating a kosher mealBut each one of us knows in our hearts

That our religion is as profound as it is real …

My name is Yisraeli GratzyaniAnd I am open-minded and freeAfter I’ve lit candles for Shabbat

You’re free to go party and dance with me

Clara Mora, Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolJim Nielsen, Instructor

Excerpt

We, the chosen people of God …the disciples of the Lord,the followers of Muhammad,the nomadic people,the ancient reminders,the immigrantsand the indigenousAre established on this rock called Israel,With five pillars to lean on,Two stones to follow,A spirit to envelope us.We have foughtAnd we have wonTo form the land that we call homeTo create a democratic unionTo be of one people in one nation.Our enemies have crumbled,Our allies have strengthenedAs we reach for prosperity,A peaceful world,And everlasting justice…We are one people,The many faces, religion, and color,But the rest of the world will always know usAs the great nation of Israel.

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I love my God and my religion tooMy ties to them can never be broken

But sometimes life calls for fun and excitementFor people to be outgoing and outspoken

I am a traditional SephardiOne of many in our Jewish Land

I enjoy the incredible life God has given meAnd look forward to another, in heaven,

that’s just as grand

My name is Yasser MonsourAnd I see Arabs and Jews coexist each day

While I am a Muslim and not a JewI pray we can be united in every way

I pray that the city of HaifaCan be an example to the rest of our stateThat peace between Arabs and JewsIs coming and that it’s never late

I pray that a school can be createdWhere the Jewish and Arab Cultures are taughtWhere children can learn and respect one another

And forget that their ancestors once fought

My name is Amal el-SannaAnd I was inspired by my father to be free

Despite my sister being a womanHe sent her to school, where she wanted to be

He didn’t care what the villagers saidOr what the custom up until then had beenHe only knew that in his heart, it was right

And that he wasn’t committing a sin

I have followed in my sister’s footstepsAnd am overstepping the bounds

While I still am true to my Beduin Muslim faithI am proud to step on college grounds …

My name is Michail FamousI sometimes am alone in this Israeli state

I am an Anglican ChristianAnd it is peace that I am trying to create

Jennyfer Bendana, Bishop Alemany High SchoolMary Killmond, Instructor

Excerpt

We started this project with little knowledgeNot even knowing they didn’t go to collegeAfter high school, straight to the army they wentWhere up to many years they spent.Even if they didn’t want to goThey have no choice, they can’t say no.Their country needs them now more than ever …

Did you know Israel’s as small as New Jersey state?The teens in Israel are just like you and meThey enjoy the beach and staring out to seaThey rock out to music that we know too.What an interesting fact, and who knew?

Yet they don’t take school for granted, they value it,And we sometimes dislike it so much we quit!From the video in class they look more matureInvolved with politics, a topic insecure.And we have that freedom but we don’t careMore interested in television, celebrities and our hair.But when we look past that, it’s clear,There really is no difference between there and here.

David Tababa and Daniel Gonzalez, Cathedral High SchoolHilary Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel is a democracy made up of many faces.They are Christian, Islamic and Jews.They are a country with many races.All with their own ideas of how Israel should be.Even though most Israelis do not agree,They manage to stay together in times of need. ..

Home to myriad from all over the earthAshkenazis and Sephardis are just a few.All of them seeking religious refuge,Running from persecution of different views.Israel became their new country,Bringing religious tolerance for people like the Jews.

Even though bullets and bombs continue to ravage this land,The Israelis have been able to hold their head up high in this time of war,Believing that God will always guide them in times of hardship,And lead them to a place as bright as a star.Israel has faced difficulties from the many years of the past,But God will never leave them, no matter how far.

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Peace between the Christian and MuslimsPeace between the Muslims and Jews

Peace between the Jewish and Christian faithsPeace between each of these different views

Although I am a ChristianI am here to bridge a religious gap

And while I have sometimes felt alone in IsraelI will not let being a minority serve as a trap

My name is Malaku MukonneAnd the wounds run deep beneath my skin

You might weep if you knewwhat I’d been through

If you saw the situation I was in

My parents died of starvation in EthiopiaAnd my head is filled with images of war

But I finally have a new hopeIn the face of my daughter that I adore

Israel has given me strengthThe strength to start anew

And I have learned that despite the painI am proud to be an Ethiopian Jew

The many faces of IsraelMay be a cause for destruction and painOr they may be a cause to recognize

A peace that we can attain

Diversity is part of IsraelBut Israel can become one, unified stateAnd with all of us working togetherImagine the place that we can create

A place of opportunity, freedom and hopeWhere race or religion are moot

A place where we relieve hardships and turmoilAnd recognize bravery and pursuit


A peace that we can attain.

Joseph Kearney, Loyola High SchoolTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Before the USA and Uncle SamA very long time ago,There was a leader named Abraham…

Kings like David and Solomon,Always led the way,Nothing seemed like it was wrong,No reason for dismay…

But then they faced an enemy,Looking to take them down,They faced the Babylonian army,Who crushed them to the ground…

Soon would come the Romans,Taking over land …The Jews were back in exile,The Diaspora it was called,They would have to wait a while,To even see their Wailing Wall.

In 1948Under new leadershipThe Jews began a clean slate …They declared their independenceAfter waiting to be free …But the day of their liberty,Arab enemies invaded,Why can’t they let Israelis be?

But the Jews do stay strong,And hold on to their belief ……they keep their spirits highWith whatever they must cope,As they never say good-byeTo a sense of quiet hope.

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Essays

Tiffany Bagnol, St. Joseph High SchoolLinda Petrich and Cynthia Madsen, Instructors

Excerpt

Oh Israel,For so long have I been confused about your being.You are the one who wrestles with God,For your people are the ones who struggle. …

Even after death,Even after Diaspora,They always find a way to return home.

Oh Israel,Sand and rocks is not what I see.This new light of knowledgeHas improved my senses.When I look,I see a modern country.One that has defied the odds.When I listen,I hear the voices of those who prayThanking Zion for every blessing.When I touch,I feel the hearts of thoseWho love youSo dearly,And so passionately.

Oh Israel,You are not only a miracle.You are an inspiration.Not only to your people,But to me as well.

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Mikka Azurin, St. Joseph High SchoolLinda Petrich, Instructor

Excerpt

When considering the many faces of Israel, one may first think ofthe number of people in the country, or the different people

who live there. Though these are important factors, the many facesof Israel are not defined by the number and diversity of its peoplealone. Rather, they are also defined by the beautiful land, water, andcityscapes of the country; the dreams and principles it upholds; andthe many emotions that it strikes in the hearts of its people…… Not only does the diversity of the Israeli people portray the many

faces of Israel, but the land itself reflects the many faces as well.There are coastal plains with cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa dotting thecoasts. There are the Central Highlands that consist of the Hills ofGalilee and the Judean Hills. The famous Dead Sea resides in theJordan Valley, and the Negev Desert makes up more than half of Israelitself. These vastly diverse areas of Israel portray the many faces ofIsrael because, though different, they create the land of Israel.Another face of Israel includes the dreams and principles of its

people. Israel is the only Jewish state in the world, and the mostdemocratic country in the Middle East. It was established as ahomeland for the Jews, who have longed to return to the Holy Landafter being exiled for thousands of years … They now had a place tocall home and a place to return to after wandering for so long. As ademocratic government, Israel also provides basic rights for all itscitizens, such as freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Thesebasic rights reflect the principles of the people; the belief thateveryone is equal.The last face of Israel is the emotion that Israel stirs in its people.

The people of Israel love their country so much that they are willingto sacrifice everything they have to protect it… Despite the adversitythe country faces, the people do not yield to those who oppose them.They fight for what they believe in, and they will continue to fight forwhat they love most. It is this face of Israel that is most important toIsrael itself. Without the love of its people, Israel could not be whatit is today.

First PrizeEssayHonorable Mention Poetry

I was born the day when my people became so drainedThey were hopelessLike an orphan child on the streets crying out for their motherI am comfort when their neighbors betrayed themLeaving them homeless, hopeless, lifelessHundreds of my children’s hearts were destroyed every day …I held them in my arms promising a home, hope and a new life.And finally, they knew they found what they’ve always been searchingdesperately forI am their freedom.I am their love.I am their peace.I am Israel.

Danny Duarte, Servite High SchoolChris Weir and Joe Swoboda, Instructors

Excerpt

When I used to think of the Middle East …All I saw were terrorists,Stereotypical? Yes, I know.

But this all changed when I found out,What Israel had to show.

A land where the Jews stand proud,No matter what the cost.From invasions, to bombings, to innocent deaths,And so many loved ones lost.

For me, college comes after high school,Life still holds much in store.But for kids like me in Israel,They go straight off to war.

The land where Jesus used to live,Remains Holy to this day.Because of the strong and faithful Jews,Who were brave enough to say.

Danielle Smith, Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson, Instructor

Excerpt

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Rebecca Valdivia, Bishop Amat Memorial High SchoolKat Cook, Instructor

Excerpt

“Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do notsee.” Martin Luther King, Jr. understood the idea of searching

beyond what we see on the surface and uncovering the truth. The many“faces” of Israel can describe the many people who live in Israel and theirdifferences in ways of life, backgrounds, as well as religions.The understanding of Israel differs amongst different groups of people –bordering countries, the United States, and even Israel’s citizens themselves– depending on how they are informed about the people of the State ofIsrael. The small state of Israel has many “faces” that can be unmaskedsimply by taking the time to look past what’s in the media, or from whatpeople hear, and discovering themany talents and ideas Israel has to offer.People who live in the State of Israel live normal lives similar to those

in the United States or almost anywhere else in the world… Many areJewish immigrants who came from all over the world, especially afterWorld War II. Throughout history, the Jewish community has facedhardships wherever they have gone because of anti-Semitism that existsonly in the hearts of the people who choose to remain in the shadowsand believe what they see and hear about other people. The State ofIsrael is open to people of all religions so that people can practicereligion in their own way which allows them to embrace their manybackgrounds.Another way that the many “faces” of Israel can be interpreted is that

though Israel is small, it is complicated and has many dimensions to it.Political, historical, religious and social dimensions work together tofashion the State of Israel and allow it to function smoothly as it doestoday… Another dimension of the State of Israel is the religiousdimension which also plays a part in the way the state functions. Insystems such as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), religion and moralityseem to play a vital role in the way that the men and women of the IDFconduct their daily lives and serve their state…The people of Israel themselves are an essential “face” of Israel

Second PrizeEssay A modern state of Israel has marked the end of this era of dispersal and exile.

So despite this confusion, this affliction,Never was lost the connection with the land of faith and promise,

Oh Romans! You’re back, to erase the Jews’ bond with their land,You changed the name from Judea to Palaestina,But the scatter of the people continued to live in Jerusalem, Tiberius and Safed,Physical presence to maintain connection was obvious,However the glow and the omnipotence of the religious practice reigned,The authority of the Highest of high set forth

Oh Israel you are still seen,Even through the bleakest periods of Jewish persecution,Only to gather together for an establishment of a country,To pursue peace and universal values,

Oh Zion! We return in Modern time,To Jerusalem to the land,To practice the religion and the way,Only to Combat the Negative prejudices and nationalism in Europe,

Oh Holocaust, which permitted genocide to a people,Where their only cries were through a gas chamber filled with hate fury and ignorance,Caused by a mad man named “Adolph Hitler”The souls and spirits of a people temporarily lost,But not forgotten,

A social experiment? A vision to live on as Zion revitalized,Oh Arab world freedom is here 1948 our independence,Let us achieve and secure a just peace with you as one,With also the Palestine people,

To live without fear, violence and tragedy,The right of Jews to live in a nation of peace,Can only mean security in Israel,A coexistence that’s real and stable,Overwhelming, Historical, and Political with moral legitimacy

Oh Prophets! Oh kings, leaders and Messiahs,Continue to part seas, the seas of iniquity,Raise your staffs high and rid this thing called evil,Where is this land, the land I so love,Has it been invaded by human frailty,Or just by universal laws that define the human condition …

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Through them, people who are unfamiliar with the way Israeli citizenslive can easily see that Israel is more than just a place full of hostile,hateful people, the way they are often portrayed by the media and instereotypes.There are many people in Israel who are caring, compassionate, funny,

intelligent, spiritual and adventurous. When people watch the news, itis rare to see these things when Israel is the topic of discussion. Rather,horrible stories about terrorists and wars that go on between them andother countries are shown. These images do not allow people to see pastthe propaganda because they have no other source as readily available tothem to tell them otherwise. It is those who decide to search beyond whatthey hear who are able to discover the beauty and history behind the Stateof Israel.

Jarrett Holt, Cathedral High SchoolHilary Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

Third Prize Poetry

Oh Abraham, oh Abraham!Thirty seven hundred years ago,The land of Israel was promised to you,You, the father of the Jewish People,God sent Moses to free,The Jewish slaves out of bondage from Egypt,And upon that journey they embarked on a purpose of national liberation!

Oh Abraham, oh Abraham!They then wanted the land,The land of Israel,The promise still there,Only to be hindered and sabotaged by indifferences and injustices,Three separate historic periods a Jewish state has existed through trying andchallenging times,Israel still prevails,Obstacles, continue to prevent peace and coexistence,Oh God our father,Through our past leaders, David, Solomon and Isaiah to name a few,

A first Jewish state established,A generation all of its own,Oh Israel! Along with the prophet Samuel too,Oh Babylon why did you slaughter hundreds of thousands of Jews,Oh why was the temple in Jerusalem destroyed,And the cries of those who survived were imprisoned in body but not mind,

Oh Romans! Soldiers who thought you stood tall,But by thought you were really small,Within two generations Jews started to return,They rebuilt Jewish life and lasted four hundred years,The leaders, Ezra, Simon and Rabbi Hillel

A revived period of independence,Only to be invaded by the tall but small Romans,If we only knew their deception so well,Oh Jewish people! You were dispersed to different countries,Enjoy it while you can,The persecution and anti-Semitism will arise again,

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Matt O’Brien, Loyola High SchoolTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Before I began the Holy Land Democracy Project I must admit thatI was unaware of the situation in Israel. I had heard of the violence

and terrorist activities going on in Israel but I was not aware of theway other countries were persecuting and attempting to eradicateIsrael. I also did not realize that Israel has maintained a commitmentto democracy throughout all of their hardships. It is very impressivethat they allow such great political freedom in spite of the fact thatmany people use this political reason to endorse the destruction ofthe nation of Israel…Israel’s acceptance and offering of freedom to all different types of

people comes from the rejection and persecution that the Jewishpeople have faced throughout their history. The Jews were exiledfrom their homeland for thousands of years and because of this theyreached out and allowed people of all religions to reside and worshipin their homeland… If Israel continues to remain faithful to theirdemocratic values and continues to strive for peace then the future isbright for this nation.Israel’s commitment to the democratic process is inspirational.

Despite all the oppression they have faced and continue to face theyare still holding fast to their democratic ideals and offering freedomsand a voice in the government to all people. It might be easier fortheir leaders if they ruled with absolute authority and didn’t allowpeople to denounce the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Insteadthe leaders of Israel continue to keep the country open to all peopleand have embraced democratic values. They have a commitment todemocracy that any freedom-loving American can admire.

Third PrizeEssayLyndsay Aronson, Marymount High School

Bill Klein, Instructor

Excerpt

Second Prize Poetry

I am my ancestors.

I saw Jesus of Nazareth executed by the Romans on a cross.Saw them besiege Jerusalem, saw all that I had lost.Officials tried to push me, they gave me many reasonsTo turn my back upon my faith, and everything I believe in.But my roots run deep, through the Sea of GalileeThe waters calm, whispering to me.My independence lost, left out in the coldI still stayed in the land, that I now call my home.Eretz Israel is its name, none can break my tiesTo the soil that calls my name, still, every time.My family was forced to live, expelled by Roman commandDuring times of persecution, left reaching for a chanceTo grasp the glimmering rays of hope, while excluded in foreign landI wished to God I could be there to hold their broken hands.I am my ancestors.

I lived in a ghetto, forgot how it felt to laughI watched Hitler and the Nazis take away everything I had.My children knew more pain, than they should ever have to findAs they waited for their rations, in a long, ghostly line.I saw them take my family, and hoard them on a trainI said goodbye for the last time, standing in the pouring rain.I can look down at my arm, see a number etched in inkOf my time in Auschwitz, that is all I think.My stomach churned with hunger, but I remember the nightI saw, after it all, a lingering gleam of lightMy camp was to be liberated, the following sunny dayI was actually going to live, and pass on my family name.But without my brethren, 6 million Jews were lostTo establish a Jewish state, this was quite a heavy cost.I am my ancestors.

I remember the day, May 1948The day a state was created, for Jews to escape the hate.I remember the smiles, the diminishing of fearIt seemed to me my dream of home was finally becoming clear.I saw the Dome of the Rock, the gold’s shimmering shineI dug my feet into the sand, of the land I could now call mine.Though it has not been easy, and every day I have to fight,I will do it gladly with a smile, because I know what’s right.Every day I’m thankful, for every victory makes more clearI belong in the land that is sodden with the tearsOf my ancestors.

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Andrew Frank, St. Bonaventure High SchoolSonya Mercado, Instructor

Excerpt

Atop the Mountains of Galilee in the northern part of the CentralHighlands of Israel, there sit figures of the past. Figures

unrecognizable to any modern passerby. Figures speaking in rapidtongues of Hebrew, Arabic, English and Russian. Their voices are sooninterrupted by the arrival of the dusk and their conversation ends.As the sun begins to set, the group is drenched in the light of the

vibrant swirling colors in the sky. The deep blue contrasting with thedazzling orange. The bubbling pink with the pulsating red. All theirmovements are stilled at the sight of the nation sprawled before them.Out of the silence, the oldest of them begins to speak:“How can such a land of such beauty,” he says in a graveling,husky voice, “remain a witness to such conflict?”

The middle aged woman in the woolen shawl replies slowly, in aheavy Russian dialect plagued with anxiety.“Look at how long the country has been forced to fight. 1948,1967, 1973. And even after the creation of the PalestinianAuthority in 1994, the … Palestine Liberation Organization hasin no way ended the violence … Israel has been forced to fightfor the name of democracy since its declaration ofIndependence in 1948...”

The aged man spoke softly, but confidently:“We were defenseless long ago. But that is not the same today.Thousands of years ago, the Romans were able to desecrate thename of Judaism and create Palestine in 70 CE. The Jewishpeople were a ‘defenseless minority,’ oppressed and tormentedby the powers above them. Yet, Zionism changed all that. In1947, the United Nations fashioned a Jewish State in Palestine,and just the next year Israel declared its independence.”

The moon shines on the faces of the four spirits …

Third PrizeEssayInez AbuMalhi, Notre Dame Academy

Nancy Coonis, Instructor

Excerpt

First Prize Poetry

A little Jewish girl coming from America takes one step into Israel,Suddenly immersed in its beauty, culture and adventure,The history and excitement she is waiting to venture.She looks up at her father, holding her hand,He smiles down at her and tells her,“This is our land.”

She immediately recognizes there are “many faces” in Israel.There are not only Jews, but also Christians, and Muslims,Walking around and admiring Israel’s everlasting beauty.She then walks with her father to the Western Wall,Noticing him closing his eyes,Then opening them up and looking at the bright blue skies.He then stuffs a small piece of paper into the wall,And nods at his daughter, ready to continue their journey.They walk along the busy street,The little girl noticing everyone stopping to meet and greet.She sees teenagers laughing and hearing music,And notices that teenagers in America do the same thing.She turns to her left and sees young soldiers crossing the street.“Papa,” she says, “In my future, that will be me?”“Yes, it’s tradition, and following it is the key.”They finally arrive at their destination, the beach.

They sit down on the sand,And the little girl smiles thinking,“This is our land.”She tells her father, “Papa, you are right.”She hugs her father with all her might,Holding him tight.Her father then asks, “Thank you for introducing me to this beautiful,Beautiful sight.”She never forgot that day,When she first visited the Holy Land,Seeing the beauty of Israel,While the whole way,Holding her sweet father’s hand.

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The militia man replied:“Now, democracy is as real as ever. Freedom of religion ispossible. In Israel, all have the right to vote, to own property, tohave a trial if charged with a crime …”

The little girl once again spoke. This time in a trembling, unnervingtone. The group paused as she began to speak …

“1933. it was the year a man named Adolph Hitler took my lifefrommy family and me. We were German… and we were Jewish.

The outline of the yellow badge in the starlight now unexpectedlyappears visible on her dress …“My mom would always tell me stories of another land: the HolyLand, Israel. A land where we would not be persecuted, butrather welcomed as Jews. Yet … that day never came. We neverwere able to make it out of Germany. My family and I, along withour friends, were killed by Nazi soldiers in Auschwitz. We werekilled trying to reach this place.“As was I. A Jewish man in an Arab land,” retorted the militaryfigure.“As was I. A Jewish woman in the USSR,” said the woman.“As was I. A Jewish man in Ethiopia,” added the old man.

The very words of Genesis still hung heavy in their tortured minds.“I assign the land you live in to you and your offspring to come, all theland of Canaan, as an everlasting holding.”Light once again began to appear from the sky. Night was almost overand the day was dawning.

The four figures, now unified in grief, grasped hands. As they walkedtogether down the mountain, their figures all slowly seemed to fadeaway. Yet, neither the sky nor their hearts appeared as dark as it hadthe hours before. In the eastern wind, far and distant voices seemed tobe singing the Hatikvah.

The hope of Israel was still pulsating through their veins.

The Hope of a Holy Land.

Poetry

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George Chassiakos, St. Monica Catholic SchoolMarc Nuno, Instructor

Excerpt

We will be discussing the life of a fictional Israeli boy namedShimon … Shimon wakes up every morning in his comfortable

home in Jerusalem… Every Friday night, he goes and prepares for theSabbath which is the next day on Saturday … He wants to meet morepeople from other countries. So, he, like other people that we saw inclass, joined the Tel Aviv Student Forum so they can discuss their mainissues in Israel. He listens to what other Jewish kids have to say. Hesees they have the same issues that he does … He notices that they allare passionate about their country and their religion. He notices thatthey all want to join the army, which inspires him …When he returns home, he takes notice of his great land …

Jeff Butterfield, Loyola High SchoolTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Israel: a modern geographical constituency, a historic fountainheadfrom which political and social significance have flown for centuries,and a term encompassing diverse layers of cultural achievement andinnovation…While often quickly referred to as the Jewish state, a far deeper

examination of the nation’s cultural and religious nuances must beperformed to realize the region’s true identity. Over five million Jewslive in Israel, but among their number exist several sub-categories andethno-religious differences that distinguish members of the Jewishcommunity from one another. Furthermore, Israel’s religiousdemographics include smaller though thriving Islamic, Christian andDruze communities …These strong, enduring faces are not without callous, bruise or scar

… nevertheless, these faces … proclaim a story that captures theessence of the nation in a powerful anthem. This story reachesbeyond politics and even faith, for the core of Israel’s self dwells atthe heart of humanity, the condition of man.

Honorable MentionEssaysIra Hudson, Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Maria Andrade-Johnson, Instructor

Third Prize Art

Myproject has an image of a Hasidic young Jew whose face is coveredwith many different writings … These unique dialogues represent

many different people gathered today in Israel. In the middle, the Jewishstar represents faces of suffering, love and joy. Candles on the bottom leftindicate the light which guides us through the darkness so that we neverlose our way. Torah teaches us the good laws which help us to understandthis life, and embrace God’s love. Under the man’s chin there is a Jewishsymbol which means, “Life.” We have to remember that our life isimportant and precious to us, and that we have to keep everyone safe.Finally, the two young kids in the middle of the Jewish star represent“Hope,” that there will come the day when we all will love each otherequally and show each other … good life on this earth.

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Annemarie Kelleghan, Notre Dame AcademyNancy Coonis, Instructor

Excerpt

Casa. Maison. Huis. Everyone in every culture has a word to expressthe safe haven and refuge in which people live, a home … All

people should be able to have a place that they can call home. Forthe Jewish people, Israel is their homeland.As a Jew, Eretz Israel holds great importance. Eretz Israel means

Land of Israel. For the Jews, land is very important because it is acommon thread that unites them as a people ...Although the Jewish people are God’s chosen people, they were not

free from suffering and pain. Likemany biblical characters, the Jews havefaced suffering and persecution for their belief in God…When the Jewsare forced out of their homeland, their faith and love of God strengthensthem, but they always look forward to returning home. In the Jews’ lawbook, the Talmud, it is written, “Let them, however, regard themselves asguests in the Diaspora, their hearts directed towards Israel.”In 1947, the United Nations created the Jewish state of Israel. Once

Israel was officially acknowledged as a nation, the Jewish peoplefinally had a country which they could call home. The Jewish peoplefaced many hardships throughout history, but after a hard day, it isalways nice to go home.

Allison Read, Mary Star of the Sea High SchoolWilliam Perales, Instructor

Excerpt

Through centuries of civilizations, it has been a common goal of manypeople to obtain individual rights and freedoms. One of the most

recognized examples of achieving this goal involved the creation of theUnited States. Constitutions and amendments voted by democraticideologies have granted the citizens of America the freedoms to expressthemselves and their opinions in daily life. However, the most dramaticturn to democracy has been exemplified by the creation of the state ofIsrael. A diversified set of political views in a system of balancedgovernmental power founded a state that welcomes people regardlessof race, gender and religion.Israel has attributed much importance to the democratic process of

elections. The actual day of elections is considered a holiday and freetransportation provides voting citizens the ability to travel to theirpolling district…Ultimately, Israel aims for a prosperous, peaceful anddiverse nation through the democratic system.

Marissa Mackel, Louisville High SchoolMary Wilson, Instructor

Third Prize Art

The tree of Israel represents the growth and many aspects of Israel,such as the “roots” and culture. The theme of the tree is the country

of Israel evolving into beautiful foliage from its strong, humble roots.The roots and the trunk of the tree being bound together and sculptedillustrate the idea of unity. On the other hand, the multi-colored feathersrepresent the diversity of Israel in language, ethnicity and religion. Thesturdy base of the tree, the trunk, represents Israel’s beliefs and morals,which stand tall and proud. The roots of the tree signify the beginningand history of Israel. Overall, the tree represents harmony and anassortment of people, language and culture ...

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Becca Smith, Louisville High SchoolJoshWilson, Instructor

Excerpt

While the State of Israel is a Jewish state, it is also a secular democracy.Democracy in Israel is based upon the philosophical principal of

equal rights. Israel ensures that all members of society enjoy freedoms andliberties guaranteed through “The Declaraton of the Establishment of theState of Israel.” The State of Israel guaranteed in this document that it “willbe based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets ofIsrael; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all itsinhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedomof religion, conscience, language, education and culture.” In a [geographic]area where women are second-class citizens, women are considered to beequal. Although some of its bordering countries mandate that citizens beloyal followers of the government, Israel has a vibrant political atmospherewith around ten major parties…Unlike other military organizations in the Middle East, the role of the

Israeli Defense Forces is not to suppress the freedom of others, butrather to protect the State against terrorizing forces that attempt todispute Israeli freedoms … While the IDF acts as military protectiveservice, it also acts to ensure every citizen of Israel has completeequality of social and political rights.

Guadalupe Davila, St. Joseph High SchoolLinda Petrich, Instructor

Excerpt

InMark Twain’s novel Innocents Abroad, Twain describes the Middle Eastas ugly, rural and uncivilized. This was my view of the Middle East untilthe Holy Land Democracy Project introduced me to the country of Israeland its beauty, intelligence and advancement …Israel has produced an unprecedented number of new technologies

that have transformed the way we live today … The first developmentis the DiskOnKey, which was created by the M-system. It is the firstand most powerful portable computer storage key chain disk on themarket … The last development is the Pill Cam. Given Imagingdeveloped this Camera. This is a small camera that fits into a pill,which can be swallowed to help doctors diagnose digestive trackdisease and save lives …

Hali Arriaga and Nancy De La Cruz,College-Ready Academy High School #5

Vanessa Sandoval, Instructor

Second Prize Art

Our project demonstrates the many types of religion in Israel. Thereare many religions in Israel … Jesus was born in Israel, and many

people from diverse religions and countries travel there to witness thefascinating feeling of being in the Holy Land. We have learned that Israelis a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural country. In addition,we have started to understand that Israel is the most diverse country inthe Middle East and probably in the whole world …

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Matas Empakeris, Loyola High SchoolTika Lee, Instructor

Excerpt

Atfirst, Iwouldnot think twice if a personhadaskedme if Israelwas agoodcountryorabadone.Myanswerwouldalwaysbethebadone,becausenot

onlydid Iwatchmuchof thenews…but I also read thenewspapereveryday…Every time Israel was in an article, it was portrayed as having a dangerous andaggressive environmentwhere they trained the soldiers todestroyhospitals andschools in areas like Lebanon and Palestine… The day came that our Scriptureteacher had come back from the State of Israel and she hadmany stories to tellabout it. Of course, with my negative thoughts, I thought she was going tomention how awful it was, and that her group had to be escorted by specialguards everywhere it went, but the stories were quite the opposite. I thoughtthat the breathtaking storiesmight have all been lies until I saw the astoundingpictures… Itwas awondrous sight, and by the time the slide showhad ended, Iwas rapacious for more information. The more I learned, the more the storiesmade sense…

Jake Reuter, Santa Margarita Catholic High SchoolMaria Andrade-Johnson, Instructor

Excerpt

The country of Israel has faced violence, aggression and hardship formanyyears… When they were finally offered a chance to make a peace with

aggressors, they leaped at the opportunity, and signed the Israel-Egypt PeaceTreaty in the year 1979 and then the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty in 1994…One of the things that separates Israel from any other normal

democratic state is the fact that any citizen of the State of Israel is ableto directly petition the Supreme Court of Israel.

Kristi Yeung, Marymount High SchoolBill Klein, Instructor

Excerpt

Although the State of Israel is a young country that was created asa Jewish state by the UN about 60 years ago, it is much more than

that. Observing the pictures of Israeli citizens, I understand that Israeltranscends the common preconceptions formed around media imagesof war, terrorism and violence…Israel is young children watching movies, teenagers sharing music,

soldiers serving their country, adults pursuing childhood dreams, andthe elderly carrying on tradition…

Matthew Lemus, Loyola High SchoolTika Lee, Instructor

First Prize Art

My artwork represents the Jewish people’s deep and historicalconnection to Israel. The tree depicted in my art represents Jews as

a whole, standing together as one. They are all connected to Israelthrough their roots. On the sides of the trees, there are axes that stand forthe oppression and destruction the Jews faced throughout their history.The axes are seen cutting the tree and yet they leave no trace of theirimpact. This represents the fact that although the Jews have facedoppression, they stand together, united as a single unit. In other words,the connection between Jews and Israel can never truly be broken. Also,the globe seen at the top of my tree symbolizes the historical roots ofIsrael. Although Jews are scattered throughout the world today, theyhave always traced the roots of Judaism back to Israel. Their roots are inIsrael, and no amount of oppression can break that bond.

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Daniel Franco, Cathedral High SchoolHilary Aguirre, Instructor

Excerpt

In the year 1948, Israel saw that many of its Jewish Ethiopian brethrenwere in trouble and in need of dire help. The Israeli government knewthat it needed to help the Ethiopian Jews. On November 21, 1984, duringa covert mission named Operation Moses, Israeli armed forces transported8,000 Jews from Sudan directly to Israel... Later on in 1991, Israel again wasworried about the well being of Ethiopian Jews residing in Ethiopia.During Operation Solomon, the Israeli government airlifted 14,325Ethiopian Jews in Israel in commercial airplanes. They were transportednon-stop for 36 hours to their rightful homeland…These three operations showed that Israel was a great democratic

country … These operations must have cost millions or billions … thatIsrael might not have had at the time. But they did not hesitate to savethe Ethiopian Jews in hope of providing themwith a better life in Israel.They also did not just rescue them and completely forget about them.Israel also gave them a modern life and the tools it took to live one bybuilding them communities where they could adapt at their own paceto the new modern society they were living in ….

Kevin Awad, Mary Star of the Sea High SchoolWilliam Perales, Instructor

Excerpt

Before this lesson I knew only of what my father told me about theMiddle East, Lebanon to be more exact. My Dad told me that

when he was 16, he left Lebanon to go to a French boarding schoolwhere he could finish his high school. He left Lebanon because of acivil war, in which he lost many friends and family members whom hestill misses today…My Dad is a Maronite Christian and he is not a bitter person or a

person who puts blame on any one group of people. I know that hisfamily is all like that because he fell in love with my mom, whose Dadis Jewish, his sister married a Palestinian man and his brother marrieda Muslim woman. The violence in the Middle East has been hard onall of his family, but they did not become people who hate. Theremust be many other people like my Dad and his family who believethat Israel and all the Middle East can become a home to Arabs andJews who live in peace together …

Art

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Omar Gonzalez, College-Ready Academy High School #5Vanessa Sandoval, Instructor

Excerpt

Doing research for this project has allowed me to understand Israel’seconomy. I learned that Israel has a very good economy … Israel is

ranked 3rd in the region as World Bank’s Best Ease of Doing Business.Israel has a good economy because of all their sophisticatedinventions. Even though they have little in the way of naturalresources, it is so amazing that Israel manages to maintain a stableeconomy. It is so amazing that companies like Microsoft, IBM, CiscoSystems and Motorola have opened facilities in Israel …

Xavier de la Peidra, Servite High SchoolChris Weir, Instructor

Excerpt

…Nowmost people like me thought Israel was just a country thata lot of Jews lived in… The Jews don’t live everywhere, so the

Arabs have the land that the Jews don’t control, seems simple, right?Well, no, it’s not simple, not at all. Now the Jews control a lot of theterritory but not all of it, there is a terrorist group that controls the GazaStrip, which we hear so much about in the news, but that isn’t thecomplicated part. The complicated part is the rest of Israel that Arabspopulate also, on the west part of the Jordan River… It would probablybe simpler if they just split it in half, but they can’t because the Arabshave set up their own cities. So it is more complicated than everyonethinks …. I guess Israel is in a sticky situation …

Erika Lazo, Holy Family High School College PreparatoryMichelle Purghart, Instructor

Excerpt

What I learned is that Israel is the only Jewish state in the world and themost democratic country among its Arab neighbors. Israel’s citizens are

just like citizens in the United States in that they come from all over theworldand practice many religions … The Knesset is Israel’s parliament; it takes itname from the Knesset Hagedolah convened in Jerusalem following thereturn from the Babylonian exile about 500 years before Jesus … Israel’sDeclaration of Independence has many similarities to the United States. Bothcountrieswere founded by people seeking freedomand safety after sufferingpersecution and discrimination … Today there are 4 Arab parties, as well asparties that represent the various Jewish people, Russian immigrants, elderly,European immigrants, etc…

Angelica Reyes, San Joaquin Memorial High SchoolKathleen DeSantis, Instructor

Excerpt

This lesson has really changed my view of the Middle East … Thenews shows us only all the terrible things that happen in the

Middle East … Before this lesson I thought that Israel was run by adictator, but now I now that Israel is a democracy. When I picturedIsrael I thought of dirt roads and people who lived in mud huts …When I would watch the news they only showed Israel fighting and Ithought they were invading other countries, but now I know theywere protecting their homeland … If everyone else can have a placeto go and call home, why can’t they?