KUMMUNIQUE

Shalom! We are proud to present another issue of Kummunique.
This issue is filled with Aliyah and Eretz Yisrael inspiration - so enjoy!

In this issue you will find:

1. "Observing Holocaust Remembrance Day Through Aliyah" by Ezra Halevi
2. "At The Top Of Her Game After Only 5 Months In Israel" by Amir Mizroch
3. "From Brooklyn To The Negev desert" By Hanson Hosein

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1. "Observing Holocaust Remembrance Day Through Aliyah" by Ezra Halevi
From Israel National News

American Jew Scott Dubin moved to Israel Tuesday, having decided that the ultimate observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is to participate in the rebirth of the State of Israel.


"I was looking at dates and had a choice between today and tomorrow," Dubin told Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher and Alex Traiman Show. "When I saw the opportunity to arrive in Israel the morning of Yom HaShoah in Israel, I knew it was the right day to celebrate our rebirth and renewal in our land."

Dubin, who worked to promote Aliyah (immigration to Israel) among young Jewish Americans while living in the US, under the auspices of the Jewish Agency and later the Reform Movement, represents a growing trend in the younger generation of American post-denominational Jewish youth. He has many friends that have already made the move, and though not outwardly observant, clings to his own spirituality and acknowledged truths in a way that can only lead toward the Land of Israel.

In an age where multiple planeloads of American Jews arrive and greeted by dignitaries, IDF brigades and musical accompaniment, Dubin's lone arrival was somewhat old-fashioned, yet nonetheless quite memorable. "I actually got bumped up to business class by a very nice Russian olah (immigrant to Israel) who had been working at El Al overseas for the year and was excited to help out a fellow oleh," Dubin said. "I was met at the airport by a great friend of mine, who picked me up and brought me to Tel Aviv, where I met another friend, Natan Gesher, and dropped off my things at his home."

Dubin, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, will be living in Tel Aviv for at least the first few months as an Israeli, while preparing for the World Zionist Congress in June, for which he is a delegate.

Like many American olim-by-choice (as opposed to immigrants from countries experiencing anti-Semitism or economic woes), Scott's parents had a difficult time with their only son's decision to move across the ocean. "There were a lot of tears at the airport," Dubin admits. "I know it is not easy for my parents and will not be easy for them, but I think their strength and conviction that I am making the right decision will keep them strong."

Dubin is the first member of his extended family to move to Israel and is the last carrier of the Dubin name. His grandfather, a Philadelphia native, was always intrigued and supportive of his grandson's decision to make the Promised Land his own. "My grandfather, until the end of his life, was always the person in my family that this made sense to," Dubin said. "When I told him years ago that I wanted to do this he never questioned it – and instead just began asking me 'When is the big day? How can I help out?" Even though he isn't with us anymore, I know he is pleased that I have brought the family name to Israel."

As for all the Jews still in the Exile, Dubin believes that the younger generation, like those who entered Israel after the Jews wandered the desert for 40 years after the Exodus, are ready for an 'Aliyah revolution.' "I think there is definitely a buzz and an understanding that it is the thing to do," he said. "Before I left on Aliyah, I spoke at Nefesh b'Nefesh events, at an Israeli film festival and to youth in other forums. A full-court press is needed. When we went to war to defend Israel in the War of Independence, it was important that we close ranks and fight one battle. It is now important to come together - the left, the right, the secular, the religious, the Orthodox and the Reform – to work together to support those who are coming."

Dubin insists that regardless of religious denomination, young people are the key to bringing a larger chunk of North American Jewry home to Israel than anyone hopes or anticipates. "I hope that every Jew in the Exile comes on a plane today to the Land of Israel, but [in order for that to become a reality] we have to remember what Herzl said in The Jewish State – that old prisoners do not leave their cells willingly and it will be the job of the youth to turn enthusiasm into action. We have to know that it is the young generation that will actualize the vision. If all I can get are those under 18 then we will take them. We have to be working with organizations in the US – organizations such as the Jewish Agency, Nefesh b'Nefesh, Tehillah and Kumah. I am now happy to say that both the Conservative and Reform movements now have specified Aliyah programs. There is even a gar'in [core-group of immigrants] from the Reform movement coming this summer. We have to continue working with the youth and that will light the sparks of the revolution and bring them all over."

Asked if pulling Jews home from Israel is as effective as pushing them and "lighting the sparks of revolution" from the states, Dubin said that he believes it is. "When olim arrive we need to make sure they know that they can still effectively spread the message of Aliyah. Every time you call home or come in contact with a birthright trip or a friend studying for the year in Israel, you really have to let them know that they, too, are home and not just visiting."

Dubin, always the activist, began brainstorming with radio hosts Fleisher and Traiman on ways to convince American Jewish visitors that Israel is not some sort of spiritual Disneyland to be visited and draw strength from, but a place to call home on every level. "Maybe we should block the streets so Jewish tour buses can't reach the airports to go home," Dubin suggested half-seriously. "Maybe we should go to the hotels and encourage people to get rid of their return tickets."

Fleisher mentioned an idea he has promoted for years. To stage a massive rally of olim in Israel, standing with literally open arms and inviting their brethren back in their old countries to come home.

Dubin said that although Aliyah for him consisted of saving up a certain amount of money and dealing with logistics, he is dedicating his Aliyah to a group of people who are having a much harder time reaching the Land of Israel. "There are 15,000 Falsh Mura who are still living in camps in Addis Ababa and Gondar in Ethiopia, waiting to come to Israel. Many are dying of TB and even chicken pox due to the condition and for less than $500 a person they can be brought home to Israel. I encourage anyone who wants to help them reach Israel to do so."

Summing up his first day, Dubin said simply, "I am happy to be home. The weather is perfect and I think G-d will hopefully hold back the rain for me for a while so I can enjoy this beautiful day."

Click here to listen to the interview with Scott Dubin

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2. "At The Top Of Her Game After Only 5 Months In Israel" by Amir Mizroch
From Jerusalem Post

Rebecca Glueck (pronounced "Glick") has achieved quite a lot since making aliya five months ago. Originally from Kansas, this 23-year-old has managed to obtain citizenship, find an apartment, enroll in ulpan, become one of the best players in the women's soccer league, get called up to the national women's national soccer team, find a social network and be interviewed on Dudu Topaz's television show.

She has every reason to be optimistic, but...

"I'm so frustrated with learning Hebrew. I feel like I'm on the verge of understanding everything, but I'm not there yet," she said at an Ibn Gvirol cafe, frustrated that she hasn't mastered the ancient Semitic language in only five months.

She gets up at 7 a.m., hits snooze on her cell phone "like 15,000 times" and then heads off to Ulpan Gordon in Tel Aviv for five hours.

Extremely fit - she runs every morning, goes to the gym, practices soccer twice a week and plays one match a week - Glueck won't allow herself to indulge in much of what the city has to offer, unlike some other soccer players here, who she thinks don't take themselves seriously enough. She has nothing but praise, however, for teammates at the Ironi Ramat Hasharon Soccer Club.

Tracing Rebecca's journey to aliya is not easy, so where did the idea of coming to Israel to play soccer originate?

"After I graduated [from college], my dad asked me what I was going to do next. I'm not sure what the exact thing was, but I've always had a special place in my heart for Israel, and I love soccer. So I wondered if Israel had soccer.

"My parents took me to Israel when I was in my early teens. My family has friends here, and we keep in touch. My dad offered me [a chance] to come to Israel. His best friend comes here all the time on business. My father said I would have great opportunities if I wanted to go.

"My dad loves Israel. His heart is in Israel."

Why is he not here? "My mom, she wants to be close to her grandchildren."

"So I said I would give it a go, and I knew already what kinds of opportunities were waiting for me... I wanted to meet with universities and I had no appointments set up - and at some point I was quite discouraged. A few days before I came here I went on a run, and I was thinking to myself: Man, I'm going to Israel. What am I going to Israel for? I'm crazy. I'm so unprepared.

"The Jewish Agency's aliya emissary in Los Angeles, the person who had been helping me all along, sent me an e-mail before I came here, saying the national women's soccer coach [was] waiting [for my] call."

AN EXUBERANT, animated, athletic and smart young woman, Glueck is still finding her feet in her new home off the field. On the field, she is an aggressive, confident striker, playing out ahead of the pack. Off the field, she seems more easy-going and open to "whatever."

"I don't like anything boring in my life. I like to have fun. It's not fun if things are normal. I came here looking to find where my heart might be, you know what I mean?" she said.

"When Israeli guys hear that I'm a soccer player they're kind of awed. They're like: women play soccer in Israel? Really? I guess I don't look much like a soccer player. I think I look more like a nurse," she laughed.

Currently, there are at least four Israeli-born female soccer players playing on college teams in the US, and they usually join the national squad for international games. Rebecca is the only American-born college star and new immigrant playing on the women's national team.

Two days after arriving here, Glueck was introduced to the Ironi Ramat Hasharon women's soccer coach, who immediately realized her potential and guided her to the Wingate Institute, where she met the national women's soccer coach, Alan Shaier.

"The [national] coach reminded me of my all-time-favorite-in-the-entire-world coach back in Kansas," Glueck said. "We clicked so well and immediately. He didn't ask me any personal questions, like where I was from or anything like that. He wanted to know what position I played, what I thought of the game, technical stuff.

"We spoke for a few hours, at the end of which he invited me to join in a friendly game the team was playing that afternoon against a male team made up of Wingate sportsmen."

"Ten minutes later I find myself wearing a white-and-blue sports uniform. I've been in Israel for just a few days. I've met the national coach and now I'm out on the field and I'm like YEAH! Is this happening to me? God, thank you so much!"

"The coach told me just to relax and get out there. He also put me out with the forwards, up front [even though Rebecca had played midfield in college]," she said. "All of a sudden I got the ball, beat a defender, I take a shot, and it goes in the goal. We won 1-0. I was in La-La land."

"Being a striker takes a lot more confidence than playing in midfield, it's a lot more pressure," she added. "You have to be ready and stay composed when you're right in front of the goal. And I'm a bit of scrapper, I really get in there," she said, punching her way through imaginary defenders with her arms and legs in excitement, drawing the attention of caf -goers around her.

AFTER THAT practice game, the coach invited Rebecca to stay the weekend at Wingate to take part in a training camp for the national woman's team. "The girls here are more technically proficient than they are fit," said Glueck, who describes herself as a "fitness-holic."

"It's less of a running game here, less physical. Still, the national team could beat most, if not all, US college teams, and could compete on the international level. We're getting stronger every day."

In the past month, the team has beaten Cyprus 6-1 and drawn with Wales 1-1 in a 2007 Women's World Cup preliminary. Glueck scored the first goal in the Cyprus match, her first official goal for Israel in her first game.

"I nearly started crying when they played the national anthem in Cyprus. I'm standing there and thinking, 'I'm playing for Israel. It's such a great feeling.'"

Right now, what concerns Glueck is an endorsement. She doesn't make any real money from her sport, and one day, in a rare acknowledgement of a minor technicality, she realizes she will have to do other things to survive here.

"How many fans even come to our games?" she asked, explaining why women's soccer is nowhere near as lucrative as its male counterpart. "Usually a lot less than one hundred."

Her club team has a few team sponsors, like chocolate brands, but none of the players have personal sponsors or endorsements from private firms. Glueck, as well as her other teammates, gets a salary, and she also receives some financial assistance from the government as a new immigrant.

"But you know, it won't last. I can't survive next year after the money from the government stops," she said. "My dad sends me checks all the time, and I rip them up. I look at them first, but I rip them up. My parents have done everything for me, but I want to make it here on my own."

So, what do you plan to do after the soccer season ends in May?

"Nursing."

Rebecca studied nursing at Southeastern Louisiana University while she starred for the school's Division I soccer team, the Lady Lions.
And then?

"I live my life day-to-day," she said. "If you're not happy today, then tomorrow is not even worth it. I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."
What about your future?

"I see myself here in Israel, hopefully married and starting my own family. I just got my passport," she added gleefully. "It says I'm Israeli."

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3. "From Brooklyn to the Negev desert" By Hanson Hosein
From MSNBC

American Jews journey to Israel — to bunk with a Bedouin tribe

DERAGOT, Israel, July 17 - The Bedouin are renowned for their relentless wandering across the Arabian peninsula. The Jewish "diaspora" refers to the millennia-old exile of Jews from their biblical homeland as they dispersed around the globe. But the Abu Hamad tribe, 800-strong, have parked their caravans and now live in the makeshift village of Deragot, deep in the Negev desert. And last week, the Julian family of Brooklyn left their home in America for good. They took temporary refuge — in the Bedouin village.

NOW THE FOUR Julian children help feed the sheep. And they all sleep fitfully under the stars on a rooftop, where it's cooler at night, but noise from the dogs, donkeys and roosters often wake them. Their reward is a spectacular sunrise that bathes the barren land in golden light.

"It's a good experience for all of us, especially for my kids," Hannah Julian said. "They will learn things here they will learn nowhere else in Israel."

The Julians were part of a mass exodus of 330 American Jews who left JFK last week on an 747 jet. They were part of an ambitious plan hatched by the American-Israeli organization Nefesh B'Nefesh ("Soul to Soul" in Hebrew) to bring at least a thousand North American Jews to Israel by the end of July. Every Jew has the automatic "right to return" to Israel. But immigration to the Jewish state has dropped since the violent Palestinian uprising began in September 2000. In 2002, 34,831 Jews moved to Israel, compared to the 76,766 who did so in 1999.

The immigrants are well taken care of when they arrive, and are assigned Israeli families to stay with until they can move into permanent residence.

But Sinai and Hannah Julian had other plans. And it's all because of Younis Abu Hamad, a Bedouin tour guide and the couple's friend.

"What are you doing in New York?" According to Hannah Julian, that's what Abu Hamad asked her when the Bedouin first met them during a trip to Israel a year and a half ago, "You're a Jew," he said. "This is supposed to be your place."

It was all the convincing the Julians needed. They had been planning to move to Israel for years, and they saw Abu Hamad's invitation as a sign that they should finally come. And when they did, the Bedouin insisted they stay in his house until their apartment in nearby Arad was ready.

"They're wonderful people," Sinai Julian said. "They've been like family to us."

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP It's unusual enough that Arab and Jew should get along so well here, especially during a volatile period where a tenuous truce could erupt in violence at any time. It's even more strange that urban Americans would choose to spend their first days in a new land, living in such Spartan conditions in the desert, near the Dead Sea.

However, the 185,000 Bedouin of Israel, have typically been on good terms with the Jewish state. Some have even served in the Israeli army and are famed for their tracking skills. Yet, these Arabs have been a slow collision course with Israel, because of their land claims in the Negev. There have been a number of expropriations and evictions as the Israeli government eyes further development in the region that accounts for nearly half of the country's land mass.

Deragot is an "illegal" Bedouin village, according to the Israeli government. Younis Abu Hamad's family built their homes here without a permit — which is why they don't receive any services from the state, such as running water or sewage. They maintain a large generator that supplies the village with electricity.

Still, the Bedouin don't have the same highly-charged dispute with Israel as do the Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The Palestinians claim their own "right of return," and are frustrated that the Israeli version has only resulted in their further displacement. The Julians may have exercised their rights under Israeli law, and immigrated with relative ease. Still, Abu Hamad says he doesn't believe he's contributing to the plight of his fellow Arabs by encouraging more Jews to come here.

"The people can live together," he said. "It's not a matter of your religion, or your color." He pointed at the Julians. "We are a special example for other people. To come, and to try, and to sit, and to speak together."

The tour guide added that sometimes when a hotel asks him to lead a group of Jewish tourists, they will refuse to go out with him, even when the hotel's Israeli management stands up for him.

"People are afraid because I'm not a Jew," he said.

'RESPECT' FOUNDATION OF FRIENDSHIP

The Julians say a few of their friends wondered if they were crazy to accept Arab hospitality.

"The fact of the matter is, Jews and Bedouin can live together with no problem," Hannah Julian said. "They respect our customs, we respect theirs."

Sinai does his prayers in the garden, in plain view of the rest of the village. This deeply religious family is still able to keep a kosher kitchen because Abu Hamad has given them a house to themselves. All the children play with each other, resorting often to sign language. And Bedouin modesty has a lot in common with Orthodox Jewish decorum, along with the separation between men and women who aren't married to each other.

"I've probably got less of a chance of being attacked here in this village as a Jew than I have in the streets of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv today," Hannah Julian said. She added that the terrorist attacks against America on Sept. 11 prove that nowhere is really safe. "If God really wants me, he knows where to find me."

This is the kind of attitude that heartens the Israel government.

"We don't cower before terrorism," Israel's finance minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, said in an interview. He said the renewed interest among American Jews to move here proves Israel will ultimately triumph. "It is telling the terrorists you're not going to succeed. This is the ultimate victory over terrorism."

Nefesh B'Nefesh's Tony Gelbart said there's been very little fear of violence among the Americans he has helped emigrate. "You would think terror or turmoil will deter these people," he said. "But actually, it eggs them on, it pushes them forward."

DEMOGRAPHIC TIME BOMB

Immigration is crucial to the future of Israel, whether or not the current U.S.-backed peace initiative succeeds or not. Officials worriedly point to the demographic time bomb that forecasts that sometime within the next two decades, Arabs will outnumber Jews in the area that makes up Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. And they say that threatens the viability of the Jewish state.

Which is why even Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was on hand to welcome the Julians and the other American Jews when they landed at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport last week. Israelis are positively thrilled that citizens from their closest, and strongest ally, opted to leave the comfort of America to move here.

"We always needed you," Sharon told the new arrivals. "But now, we need you much more than ever."

There are still about a million more Jews in the United States than in Israel. But Nefesh B'Nefesh says it hopes to encourage another hundred thousand to join this latest group in the next 10 years.

The Julians say they're excited to finally be here. Sinai hopes to teach English in the town of Arad. Hannah is a social worker, and runs a Jewish attention deficit disorder group in the United States, so she'll have to commute between both countries for a few months. This duality also affects their children.

"When you come here, it feels like you're home," 12-ear-old Kobi Julian said. "But then you go back to America and you feel like you're home too."

Nonetheless, her parents say they're making an important statement by choosing to live here — and to befriend Arabs.

"This is family," Sinai said, pointing to the Abu Hamads. "We all have the same roots, going back to our father Abraham. It's time for the family to come together. And stop having this family fight."