Hebrew language students from six area schools joined Shorashim in getting a taste of Israeli culture. The program was offered on two days, three schools participating each day, and included the screening of an Israeli movie (as part of the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema), a festive lunch, and a program and memorial ceremony in honor of the life and legacy of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

“…[This] program should be a model of quality educational activities. It was a very effective learning experience.”
-Edith Belkind, Hebrew language teacher at Niles North High School

The students began the day with a private screening of the hit Israeli film “Noodle.”  The film gave them an intimate glimpse into Israeli society and culture while offering an opportunity for them to test their Hebrew language skills.  Afterward, the group left for an authentic Israeli lunch followed by breakout sessions tailored to each school and led by experienced educators on Israel.

One of Shorashim’s speakers was Jay Footlik, who worked on Jewish community relations in the Clinton White House, was present at the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, and now works closely with Yitzhak Rabin’s son, Yuval.  Mr. Footlik provided both personal and political perspectives on Rabin.  Sessions were also offered by Shorashim edcucators Gabe Axler and Miriam Brosseau who spoke about youth reaction to Rabin’s assassination through graffiti and street art.  Lee Van Spier, shaliach to Young Judaea Midwest, and Yaniv Gal, shaliach to Habonim Dror-Camp Tavor, taught a joint session in which they shared their personal experiences of having been at the rally where Rabin was killed and then discussed a variety of Israeli newspaper headlines from the days that followed.

Both days ended with a presentation marking the assassination and highlighting the lessons learned from it which are still resonant in both Israeli and American society.  The day then closed with thanks to all the students, teachers, staff, and volunteers who made the event possible, and singing and dancing to Israeli songs.

The Rabin educational program, lunch, and speakers was sponsored in part by JNF Caravan for Democracy - High School Edition. Club Israel is in cooperation with the JCRC/Hillel Israel Initiative and is a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.