YALLA ISRAELyouR only guide to all things iSrael in South florida

Issue No. 1February 2012

ZIONISMON THEBEACH

Israel insidethe movie

GREEKSGETARM’D

CONTENTS

What’s inside?

3 Editor’s Note

4 Behind the Cover

5 Knesset Update

7 Beachin’ Zionism

8 Israel Inside

10 ARM’d Greeks

26 Marcy’s Music

27 Big Brother

29,30 FIDF

32 Calendar

33 Highlights

37 Thank you

12 Video Advocacy

14-16 Birthright

18 JNF Brunch

20,21 Fashion

22 Dolphin Boy

24 Food Review

2

YALLA ISRAEL

Brooke WeinbaumPublisher/Editor-in-Chief______________________

Elena ScheinerCreative Director

Political ContributorHoward Rudnick

Music ContributorMarcy Morris

Food CriticWill Jackson

Fashion ContributorRayna Rose Exelbierd

PhotographerDillan Cohen

Writers

Rose MorrisMelissa SteinbergStephanie GoldsteinJulia Zoltowsky

february 2012 פברואר

EDITOR’S NOTE: BRUCHIM HABAIM! For those of you who don’t know, this means “Welcome” in hebrew. Welcome to our inaugural issue of Yalla Israel. I am so thankful to be writing about something that I am so passionate about, and so many others in the South Florida community are too. After having come back from Israel my second time, over a year ago, I came to the conclusion that there was a void between my love of Israel and community-wide Israel involvement.

As I have become more involved in the Israel community on and off campus, I was offered the chance to become an MZ-Grinspoon intern for the Israel on Campus Coalition. Through the ICC my knowledge base has vastly expanded. I was presented with an opportunity to create an initiative on campus. The purpose of this magazine is to not just serve the students as a campus resource, but also for the people inside of the South Florida Community. I hope that when you are done browsing through Yalla Israel, you can connect to like-minded people through their various interests in Israel.

When I came up with the idea for this magazine, my first thought was what do people want to read about in a magazine focused on Israel. The spectrum of Israel interests ranges from political speakers to educational seminars and even arts and innovations. With that being said, I just want to point

out that the magazine does include a wide range of organizations that may be Jewish, but their cause is for Israel. Yalla Israel Magazine is welcoming of all backgrounds, views, and political perspectives.

Lastly, I would like to take some time to thank everyone who has made this possible. First and foremost, thank you to the Israel on Campus Coalition and the Avi Chai Foundation for funding this project. I want to take the time to thank my biggest supporters, the staff of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach for their endless time, effort, and love. Thank you to my parents and loving family who have always encouraged to seek and achieve my dreams.

I hope that Yalla Israel is both informative as well as entertaining, and that you can find a way that Israel suits you.

Yalla,

Brooke Weinbaum

3

HOW THE COVER COMES TO LIFE

Samantha Shumaker would ordinarily

spend her birthday waking up sometime

around ten and would expect for the

highlight of her day to come when

celebrating with her friends later at

night. But nineteen was different. “It was

definitely a nice surprise to find out the

photo shoot was on my birthday. While

waking up at six to do hair and makeup

wasn’t so great at first, jumping on the

beach and splashing around the water

was a great start to nineteen.”

Shumaker has always loved Israel. “I

went when I was in high school with my

family for my brother’s Bar Mitzvah. I

loved everything about it; I felt so

comfortable and like I was at home. I

definitely plan on going on Birthright this

summer or winter break with my friends. I

want everyone else to experience what an

incredible country Israel is.” Shumaker is

a freshman pursuing a degree in

psychology and theatre.

Dilan Cohen is a senior studying liberal

arts at Florida Atlantic University. “It’s a

pretty cool opportunity that I get to show

my love of telling a story and combine it

with my love for Israel.” Cohen, who’s

father is Israeli and has been able to visit

seven times, is always looking for new

ways to show his art. “I have always been

into making films and writing, but now

I’m getting into photography and telling

people a story through photos. This was a

great way to capture the fun,youthful, and

vibrant spirit of Israel that is present here

in South Florida.”

BEHIND THE COVER SHOOT

By Brooke Weinbaum

4

with

Knessetkeeping up

the

Did you know on February 8th the Knesset will celebrate it’s 63rd birthday?

January brought new changes to Israel and the world.

1 The Knesset hosted the North American Masorti-Conservative Movement and held one of the most

historic prayer services to ever take place inside of the Knesset.

2 The government has decided that if and when Al-Assad falls in Syria, they will be

taking in Syrian refugees.

3 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be visiting South Sudan in March to work on

solidifying the two nations relationship and gaining a new ally.

4 The Knesset has to make a decision on whether or not the law allowing the Haredi

to defer their time in the army should be renewed or not.

5 For the first time, the Education Ministry is allowing a group of students to visit Hevron and get a

tour by Breaking the Silence, which seeks to raise awareness about the reality of being in the territories.

6 In conjunction with the US government, Israel will revive joint anti-missile drills

beginning in October 2012.

7 The Defense Ministry will start clearing an abundance of land mines in the southern Negev desert.

8 The committee for Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora affairs stated, “We must

foster the relationship with Israelis who chose to live abroad”.

9 An additional 1.67 billion Shekel has been approved for the security budget.

10 Foreign affairs and Defense Committee said Iran is a threat to Israel and NATO.

Howard  is  a  junior  studying  poli2cal  science  at  

Florida  Atlan2c  University.  Howard’s  favorite  

memory  of  Israel  is  watching  everyone  get  their  

errands  done  before  Shabbat  even  during  the  

intense  heat  of  summer.

5

ZIONISM ON THE BEACHYoung Zionist Leader Conference

S t u d e n t s f r o m U F , U C F , U S F , F A U

Over 150 students came from all over North America to learn about Zionism in Miami and how to make an impact on campus

YZL FLORIDA STUDENTS

ast time they had such a great event on the beach, Tel-Aviv was founded,” says

Shlomo Schwartz,a Shaliach for the World Zionist Organization.

" So what did the students enjoy besides the sea and sun? Learning about the relevance of Zionism in their lives and how to bring it back to campus, with a new edge.

" “It is not just an old word; it is relevant to your current life. We see ourselves as a table where people can discuss their different views and choose what is right for themselves,” says Shlomo.

" With sessions ranging from creating a mock Zionist Congress to hearing from Israel’s Former Chief of Staff, Israel Maimon, students were able to take back many new ideas to campus.

" Darren Kaplan, junior at University of Central Florida, says, “I have my own view of Zionism, which I think is pretty unique. Our one problem is on unifying. Zionism is a buzz word, but people don’t understand how complex it is. To me, Zionism is a mission we have not yet completed”. Kaplan plans on graduating early so that he

YOUNG ZIONIST LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

L

can join the IDF, a lifelong dream of his.

" “I talk about Israel in class as much as I can. Many Jewish students are so apathetic, so I try to make myself available for questions,”said Kaplan.

" Michael Kalmowicz, freshman at University of South Florida has a somewhat different view on how to approach Zionism. “As opposed to other conferences where it is more about advocating for political reasons, I have learned what it is to be a Zionist. I see myself as an American Jew that supports Israel. Now I have a cultural understanding of what being pro-Israel is.”

" As a sophomore at the University of Florida, Taylor Parker is trying to learn as much as she can. “I am not Jewish so being exposed to a conference like this allows me to round out my experiences. What I really like about YZL is the idea of focusing on your own unique connection to Israel and being a Zionist. This conference isn’t competitive; your relationships with people become strong and you are able to benefit from each other.”

" At the end of the weekend, all students were able to go back to school whether it was Toronto or Texas, and bring something new about Zionism back to campus.

By Brooke Weinbaum

7

by Brooke Weinbaum• • •

On November 29, South

Florida was the first city to premiere the small movie, making big waves, Israel Inside. The movie, produced by JerusalemOnlineU.com shows people who have a different idea of Israel, that this tiny country has much more to offer.

“Israel Inside shows how a small nation can do something incredible and introduces people to the dynamic, innovative society that Israel has become,” says Matt Weisbaum, Managing Director of JerusalemOnlineUniversity.com.

The movie, since it’s premiere on PBS WPBT, has been showing at JCCs, Federations, schools, synagogues, and more. So what is the secret to Israel’s success? The “actualizers” depicted in the film: family, adversity to advantage, chutzpah, education, taking action, and tikkun olam.

While it sounds like six things you would encounter while visiting Israel, these actualizers are the different topics of the movie that show the strength and compelling nature of Israel.

The narrator of the film, Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, former Harvard professor of the most popular course, “Positive Psychologoy”, takes the audience to meet just some of the many people who help make Israel one of the leading nations in technology, medicine, and economics.

We meet Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO of Better Place, who shows how his zero-emission vehicles can be powered with electricity from renewable sources.

One of the most inspirational stories in the movie, is that of Amit Goffer, creator of ReWalk. His creation enables wheelchair users to not just stand, but to walk, and even climb stairs. Viewers watch people walk for the first time in years, and can see how elated they are, to have someone who made something, that will change their lives for the better.

“We want to expand the base of people who understand the real nature of Israel, show the

humanitarian side, and show the rest of the world that something beautiful is going on in Israel,” says Weisbaum.

In honor of Israel’s sixty-fourth birthday on April 26, Israel Inside will be playing in cities all over the world. To continue the celebrations the movie will be shown online May 15 and 16, absolutely free.

Since the PBS premiere in November, Jerusalem Online University has been teaming up with Stand With Us, Hasbara Fellowships, WZO, and CAMERA, to play at over fifty college campuses across the nation.

In addition, Israel Inside will soon be premiering in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and countries including Chile, Costa Rica, China, India, and Romania.

Through Israel Inside the Movie, people all over the world will have an inside look into the real culture, community, and reality of life in Israel. For more information about screenings and events near you visit

www.israelinsidethemovie.com

Get the inside scoop about “Israel Inside”HOW A SMALL MOVIE MAKES A GREAT IMPACT

8

by Howard Rudnick• • •

STUDENTS ARE ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ISRAEL WITH THE HELP OF THE DAVID PROJECTAs college students, we are bombarded with many different opportunities to get involved on our campus. Jewish college students, however, are lucky enough to get the opportunity to experience Israel on Birthright. When returning from Israel, it is crucial that they realize the importance of having the State of Israel not only for themselves, but to the Jewish people of the past, present, and the future.

Israel Amplified is a two day conference, taking place August 6th to August 8th in Phoenix Arizona and  put on by The David Project and Alpha Epsilon Pi, the national Jewish fraternity. This program is an opportunity for Jewish Greek affiliated students to learn and gain advocacy training to benefit them back on their campus.

Recently, Owls for Israel, the pro-Israel group at FAU, hosted Avital Kranz, a David Project campus coordinator, came and spoke to the students at FAU to give everyone just a small taste of what students can expect to hear in August.

One technique that the students learned was A.R.M. This stands for Address, Re-Frame and Message. When dealing with

people who may not know about Israel and discuss common misconceptions, we as advocates for Israel have to address the issue, then re-frame while giving them the facts, and lastly end it with a positive message. The students were thoroughly engaged and were able to verbally communicate with their peers about some of the issues that they hear about Israel on a daily basis.

After the session, many students were excited to sign up for the summer conference. Junior, Lexi Aronson, a political science major and sister of Delta Phi Epsilon says, “I have been engaged in politics for a long time and I hope that I can learn more, so I can continue to engage students on campus about various issues.”

The students who do attend the Israel Amplified conference will come back armed with new knowledge.

GREEKS GET AMPLIFIED

Members of Theta Phi Alpha, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Chi, and Delta Phi Epsilon come learn about Israel Amplified

10

THEDAVIDPROJECTEDUCATING VOICES FOR ISRAEL

ISRAEL LEADERSHIP

SUMMER

SEMINAR SERIES

For more information, visit www.thedavidproject.org

Israel On Demand June 10th – 13th

Boston University Boston, MA

Israel On Demand will expose you

to everything you need to know to be an effective Israel

activist on campus – from advanced communication and negotiation strategies to the latest intelligence on current events.

Israel Amplified August 6th – 8thArizona Biltmore

Phoenix, AZ

The only event of its kind, Israel Amplified

combines the best of the Greek world with cutting edge

leadership and communication

training from top Israel activists and educators, with a focus on how to

bring Israel into the Greek community

and into your chapter.

Israel On Demand: Advanced Strategy

for Campus August 12th – 15thDowntown Boston

Boston, MA

Students will learn communication, organizational leadership, and

negotiation skills from Boston area university experts, top educators in

the Israel on campus community, and

leaders in the business and social sectors.

! The media is such a prominent way of how people get their information whether it be world news, celebrity gossip, or updates on their friends. It is important to know how to reach the audience you want to influence. AJ Einbinder had the privilege of being a participant at a video advocacy seminar through the David Project where he learned unique tools on how to advocate for Israel through video.

! Einbinder said, “The seminar showed me that there is more than one avenue to go down when trying to advocate, especially in such a generally wide method as ‘media’”. He brought back the tools he learned from the seminar to Florida Atlantic University having the opportunity to make a short video about Israel. Einbinder said, “I chose to do this video because I felt there are so many ways to give back to a cause or organization, and taking that thought and crossing it with ‘seeing and believing’ and video production advocacy is what came to me as a way to give back.” AJ believes that from this video people at FAU will see that there is more to think about than just what they see on the news. AJ added, “So while the news is great, people should make an effort to discover Israel in their own way.”

Martin Volinsky and Isabella Torres were chosen to be stars in the video. They both had different experiences in Israel making their connection unique while still having a love for the country. Volinsky was a participant on the March of the Living program in 2008 which was his first encounter with Israel. The March of the Living sparked his interest, and his passion after the trip continued to grow. Once he came to college he got involved in Hillel, AEPi, and was given the opportunity to participate on Birthright in 2010. Volinsky said, “While Israel is the

center of the Jewish religion, it has so much more to offer. American news stations seem to show Israel going into war with other Middle Eastern countries, saying how it is not a safe place to be. On the positive side, Israel can be given credit to how strong such a small country is while everything is going on in the Middle East.” Volinsky was very excited to be a part of this video, being able to show a small bit of the Israeli culture and climate, giving others the chance to see a glimpse of what Israel has to offer. Volinsky believes that the most influential way to advocating for Israel is face-to-face. Martin said, “Talking to friends will get them interested and hopefully they will then get involved in groups on campus.”

Torres had a different interaction with Israel; she went on Birthright this past winter for her first time. She had a strange feeling as if she had been there before. Isabella added “Now that I have my Hebrew name and I received my Bat Mitzvah at the Kotel, my connection to Israel grew even stronger.” Torres was very excited to be chosen for the video. “I thought it was a super cool chance to get involved in showing Israel in a more positive light. By filming two short glimpses of what there is to do in Israel, it gave us a chance to share these things with people who might otherwise never know it existed in Israel,” she said. Torres hopes that this film will help inspire students to ask more questions and even look up more videos relating to Israel.

LIGHTS,CAMERA,ADVOCATE

THE SHOOT

AJ

ISABELLA & MARTIN

ISABELLA

MARTIN

By Stephanie Goldstein

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For events in Miami email miamoishehouse@gmail.com

Visit www.moishehouse.org today

WUJSImmerse yourself into Israel(five month program, ages 22-30) www.wujsisrael.org

Year CourseSimply the best freshman gap year around (recent high school graduates) www.yearcourse.org

BirthrightThe most mind-blowing ten days of your life (ages 18-26) www.toisraelnow.org

AmirimSpend your summer making Israel a better place (ages 18-27) www.amirimisrael.com

Summer in IsraelYour Israel experience begins here (entering grades 10-12) www.yjsummer.org

Summer CampsThe most fun three weeks of your life, each and every year (grades 3-12) www.yjcamps.org

Year Round ProgramsOur peer-led youth movement, making the world a better place for over 100 yearswww.youngjudaea.orgwww.youngjudaea.org

YOUNG JUDAEA

ALL PROGRAMSALL AGES

JOURNEY TO ISRAEL: BIRTHRIGHT

14

JOURNEY TO ISRAEL: BIRTHRIGHT

15

by Melissa Steinberg

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When I was sixteen my brother had the chance to visit Israel on Birthright. Since then, my interest has been piqued. Luckily for me, because of Hillel, my journey to Israel started months before I took off on the plane.

After having help from the staff to start Hillel at Broward College, I immediately wanted to get more involved. I met some of the staff and felt so comfortable knowing they were going to help me with Hillel, as well as go to Israel with them. I have been dealing with anxiety issues, but knowing that the Hillel staff would be there for me, I felt at ease.I am now twenty years old, and up until going to Israel, I had never been outside of Florida, and been on only one plane.

When I heard that there was going to be a BBQ at FAU for Birthright registration, I jumped at the chance to go. There, I met my now close friend, Stephanie . She told me all of the amazing things I would be able to see and do in Israel and that made me more comfortable with my decision. I also had the pleasure of meeting Brooke, who went on Birthright, encouraged me to go, and helped me with my application that very night. That was just the start of my amazing Birthright journey!

I went through the interview process and was so excited when Adam from Hillel, who would staff

my trip, called to inform me that I was officially chosen to go on Birthright. Even then, I still felt a little anxious. When I found out Hillel had pre-Birthright events, where I was able to meet the other students who were going, that made me much more comfortable. I was so excited!

Finally came the time to pack and leave! Once we landed in Israel and got off the plane, I realized this trip was going to change me. As we were in line waiting for security I started crying and just had that feeling of being "home". I couldn't thank Hadar and Adam enough at this point for pushing me and getting me to Israel.

As the days went on, we did things I never imagined; we took jeep rides through the Golan Heights, visited the holy city of Tzaft, Mount Bental, where we were able to go underground and see the bunkers, and even a wine tasting. It was already the best few days of my life! When we stayed at the Bedouin tents, at night we were able to go out into the desert, meditate and see more stars than I ever had before. That’s when I realized that I had been in Israel for four days with no anxiety at all, which was the most wonderful feeling! The next morning we woke up at dawn and climbed Masada. It took me a little longer than everyone else to get to the top, but when I finally got there, everyone congratulated me and gave me hugs. It felt so comforting to know I had the support of all of my new friends.

We went to Jerusalem for the last four days of our trip. While in Jerusalem we had lots of fun going to the open air market, touring the Old City, and shopping on Ben

Yehuda Street. But what hit home for me was going through the tunnels at the Kotel. Being able to put my letter in the wall that I’ve heard about my whole life and learning more about the significance of the Kotel was inspiring. I never had the opportunity to meet either of my grandfathers and at the moment I let go of my letter, I could feel their presence and hear them speaking to me; it made everything that told me to go on the trip, that much more important.

One of the most residual sites was the Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. Before entering we had a chance to share stories with the group of a relative that was in the Holocaust. The story I shared was about my Great Uncle Max. I don't know much about his story, but I do know he was forced to be Hitler's personal chef. While there I saw a picture of him and I broke down. Again, the support from my Birthright family was sensational.

As our journey came to an end we went to Tel Aviv and had the opportunity to go to Independence Hall and Rabin Square. Before I knew it the day was over and early the next morning I was flying home. What’s truly amazing, is that my whole time in Israel and since being back I haven’t had any anxiety.

I am so thankful for Adam, Hadar, and everyone who had a part in making my decision to go to Israel, and of course my new family of fourty.

The journey impacted my life in so many ways, not just from seeing the sights, but being able to have a sense of connecting with late family members, while giving me more of an understanding and appreciation of my Jewish roots.

How Birthright changed me for the better

16

by Brooke Weinbaum• • •

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND HOSTED A BRUNCH FOR THE PUBLIC TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO IN ISRAEL AND HEAR FROM SPOKESPERSON, HAL LINDEN

BLURBSFROM

BRUNCH

“I came from a relatively non-religious Jewish family in the Bronx. My mother kept kosher and lit the candles. My dad was a twice a year Jew, but what he was...was a Zionist.”-Hal Linden

“Jewish National Fund is the only Jewish charity that received their fifth year of four-star transparency.”-Alan Dabrow

“I went to visit a research lab. Boxes of strawberries were hung on top of each other. The experiment was how few drops of water to get the lowest strawberries to grow. I was so impressed with how they use their water resources.”-Hal Linden

18

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GET BACK TO ISRAEL. WEEKLONG VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCETrips departing weeks of march 3,10, and 17

trip options to northern or southern israelhelp build israel

open to jewish young adults, ages 18-30for more information visit www.jnf.org/ab

or contact samantha simon at ssimon@jnf.org

Get the staples your wardrobe needs with winter salesBy Rayna Exelbierd

With winter going out and spring pollenating its way in, now is a great time to build up on key pieces while taking advantage of sales online and in the mall. Key pieces are staples that should belong in every woman’s closet. When traveling to Israel, I love to take only my key pieces and purchase tops and dresses there. This not only saves me a good amount of money, but it also makes managing a wardrobe a lot easier! Having one to two pairs of leggings is vital to any woman’s wardrobe. Designed in a variety of patterns, colors, and materials we can dress them up, dress them down, wear them to the gym, to class...the possibilities are endless. I am a huge fan of my pleather leggings from Sears Kardashian Kollection, and of course my simple black ones from places like Target and Victoria’s Secret. Once you know your size, ordering them online is extremely cost efficient. As department stores are making room for spring clothing, great deals on leather jackets can be found. During the winter season one can find fabulously affordable jackets at Target or splurge on a great one from Topshop. A leather jacket paired with leggings looks sharp, enabling endless shirt and shoe options. Tall boots and flats can

make the ensemble killer. I’m really into the riding boot look, but I also love the tall military style that was all over storefronts in Israel during December. There are tons of boots steals right now online. A pair of wedges is necessary for comfort, year round “wearability”, and style reasons. Ordering online from Charlotte Russe and So you Shoes is an affordable way to have some great looking shoes of all styles. As a rule, I never get rid of my jeans, and thus have my “go to jeans”. Every woman needs a pair of jeans that fit them just right. The right jeans can be dressed up and down to make you look beautiful. It is really helpful to have a black, white, and blue pair. Bargains on jeans can be found in Marshall’s, Tj Maxx, and various online sites year round. Jeans can be tricky, so be certain to tape measure yourself and compare to the size chart before ordering. A little black dress is customary and can be found in the most unexpected and predictable of places. Having bold accessories give an outfit, especially a LBD a very exclusive look. Francesca’s Collection is a great stop and also notorious for emailing coupons weekly. Charming Charlie’s is a massive store divided by color, and like

Francesca’s also sells clothing and accessories. Both places are really great for finding that “go to” purse you just have to have. I suggest getting a purse in a tone that is going to match most of your clothes. This spring I am most looking forward to buying clothes of brighter shades and new swim suits! Pairing bright shades that don’t necessarily match is known as color blocking. It has been dominating runways and celebrity wardrobes this past season. As a result, garments and shoes are coming out in higher volumes already blocked! Pairing blocked shoes with a plain dress, or jeans and a white tee can vamp it to another level. Above all, the confidence one owns when wearing an outfit is the largest and most crucial element of any woman’s closet.

FASHIONFORWARDFE

BR

UA

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201

2

Rayna  Rose  Exelbierd  is  a  sophomore  studying  

Interna7onal  business.  She  works  as  the  Hillel  

of  Broward  and  Palm  Beach  Israel  advocacy  

intern,  aCer  spending  a  year  in  Israel.  When  

shopping  in  Israel,  Rayna  has  developed  a  

knack  for  hun7ng  out  fashionable  finds  at  low  

costs.  Rayna  does  the  most  damage  in  Tel-­‐Aviv  

and  Central  Jerusalem.

20

Kardashian  Kollec.on  

Faux  Leather  Leggings,  $15

www.sears.com

Serious StaplesThe pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe.

Black  leather  biker  jacket,  $310

www.topshop.com

Tall  lace  up  boots,  $56

www.soyoushoes.co.uk

Wedges,  $56

www.charloGerusse.com

Rose  pin,  $115

www.simonsebbag.com

Color  block  heels,  $98

www.jessicasimpsoncollec.on.com

21

Dolphin Boy: A Review

By Julia Zoltowsky

Dolphin Boy is a documentary about

Morad, a 17 year-old Arab-Israeli boy,

who is traumatized after a brutal attack

by boys in his village. The assault on

Morad leaves him physically and

mentally damaged to the point that he

becomes disconnected from the outside

world and can no longer communicate.

The documentary takes the audience

on an intimate journey through the

eyes of Morad and his family as he

finds his way back to his life before the

incident.

Despite the struggles that

Morad faced during his road to

recovery, he was able to swim towards

his future with the help of Dr. Ilan

Kutz, and his suggestion of of Dolphin

Therapy at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat.

This documentary is truly about the

uniqueness of Morad’s journey and his

intriguing relationship based on

unconditional love with the dolphins of

Dolphin Reef.

Throughout the documentary

Morad rediscovers himself and strongly

believes that the life he has created at

the Dolphin Reef is the life he has

always lived. This self-realization leaves

Morad’s family broken as they try to be

supportive of their son’s recovery.

Morad becomes so disconnected from

his family, that he refuses to speak to his

mother and will only acknowledge his

father who had been with him from the

very beginning of the therapy. As the

film presses on we can see Morad’s

progress and the strides he is making

towards his healing. It is easy to see the

relationships that bloom and flourish, as

well as the ones that become stagnant,

even if it’s only temporary.

One of the interesting

relationships that develop over the

course of this film is Morad and a

Jewish girl who works at the dolphin

reef. They become very intimate and

begin a relationship. One of the more

complex and interesting aspects of this

film, in my opinion, is that despite

Morad, being an Arab-Israeli, and is not

only being treated by a Jewish doctor,

but is also in a relationship with a Jewish

girl. The even greater complexity of this

film however, is that their backgrounds

have no bearing on his healing, because

the dolphins are undeniably the

centrifuge of Morad’s healing process

and they know no race, ethnicity, or

faith. The fact that there is a conflict

that most people cannot understand

between those of Jewish and Muslim

descent is irrelevant as the director Dani

Menkin puts it. Menkin wanted this film

to be unbiased and non-political. He felt

the most important theme in this film

was not that of culture or ethnicity but

of unconditional love and it’s lack of

boundaries.

Menkin was present at the

showing of the film and a few of the

audience members were able to ask

questions. Menkin wanted to make clear

that this film was to show the “other

side has good people on it too” and

unconditional love knows no

boundaries, whether it be with dolphins

or humans, or father and son

relationships. That is the true magic of

this uplifting and heartwarming film.

To find out more about this film visit

www.dolphinboyfilm.com

“The most important theme in this film was not that of culture or ethnicity, but of unconditional love and it’s lack of boundaries.”

Julia Zoltowsky

Julia  is  a  sophomore  studying  English  at  

Florida  Atlan7c  University.  Her  favorite  

part  of  Israel  was  stargazing  in  the  Negev  

desert  at  night.

22

REAL SOLDIERS. REAL LIVES. REAL PEOPLE. Israeli Solders Speak Out is an innovative program featuring a diverse group of reserve duty Israeli college students. Their mission is to educate, inform, and delve into conversation

EAST COAST: MAR. 11-­24, 2012

MIDWEST: FEB. 16 -­ MAR. 1, 2012

SOUTHERN CA/SOUTHWEST: FEB. 21 -­ MAR. 2, 2012

PACIFIC NW/NORTHERN CA: FEB. 20 -­ MAR. 2, 2012

FOOD FUN-DAMENTALS Trying to find an Israeli restaurant

open on a Saturday afternoon proved to be a harder task than anticipated. While the aesthetic beauty of the Middle East is widely appreciated, the real pearl of the region is the cuisine. The palatable and intoxicating splendor of the regional cuisine of Israel is a true indulgence for every sense. The restaurant Boca Skewers in the heart of Boca Raton, land of the Jewish stereotype is one attempt at captivating the culinary customs known for igniting the senses while animating the palette.

One might over look the restaurant at first. It lacks the opulent portentousness of its affected surroundings. One can only assume they are trying to provide as much of a taste of the region as a feel for its simple goodness. This is important in much respect because the success of a meal is largely contingent upon the surrounding décor.

The primitive and straightforward menu is full of age old favorites at practical prices. We started with a small sampler plate as an appetizer (large enough for three to share) and it

proved substantial enough and provided a great variety. The tzatziki sauce had a zestful kick that produced a refreshing effect. Freshly stuffed grape leaves, tabouleh salad, falafel balls and babaganush were some of the other components that made up this taste of the Middle East. I only found one

unforgivable issue and that was with the lackluster hummus. Bad hummus in a restaurant like this is like having a burger joint with no ketchup. The hummus had no flavor and lacked the velvety consistency that gives the golden staple its adherent reputation.

After the bountiful platter of assorted appetizers, a spiced

lentil soup (complementary

with every entrée) arrived. The pinnacle of the meal was by far the juicy and succulent gyro that completed the kingly feast. It came with an Israeli salad and spiced rice all over a warm (imported) pita. While waiting for the check I sipped on my Turkish coffee characterized by its potent tang and sampled the sweet and savory baklava comparable to my favorite Greek eatery in NYC. The rest of the meal while appetizing proved no more of an illuminator on past memories of the regions themselves.

The best part of the restaurant is the daily deals they provide. You can Google the restaurant itself or you text skewers to 72727 and get updated deals good for the time indicated. So with all that said, as a college student with a champagne taste on a tap water budget, I would call myself a returning customer. And so my journey continues to find the best places for Israeli food in the South Florida area.

My name is Will and I am

addicted to hummus. I must admit I did

not always support the once radical usurpation of onion dip’s long-lived

monopoly on supermarket crudités. However, the Middle Eastern ‘chickpea

gazpacho’ known as hummus would

quickly prove it’s superiority. I was born

and raised in New York and I am currently

a college student on a tap water budget with a Champagne taste. I am constantly on the prowl for deliciously, delectable,

decadence.While this culinary voyage of the palate is contingent upon me finding

the best Mediterranean cuisine available, I make it my duty to unearth -potential 8th wonder of the world- South Florida’s most delectable Hummus.

MEET THE FOOD FUN-DAMENTALIST

By Will Jackson

24

MARCY’S MUSIC OF THE MONTH

Hear the latest hits on and off Israel’s airwaves from Marcy’s mouth!

BY: MARCY MORRIS

MELECHMiri  Mesika's  deep,  mesmerizing  voice  is  back  again  with  her  2012  album  Melech.  

Mesika,  originally  from  Herzilya  belts  it  out  just  as  she  has  in  the  past.  Her  

breathtaking  voice  is  unlike  any  other!  Her  

powerful  music  and  meaningful  lyrics  seem  to  have  a  similar  sound  to  her  previous  

music.  Her  latest  album  has  some  newly  added  effects  and  even  some  techno  beats  

work  their  way  into  the  background  of  the  

music  to  make  for  more  of  a  pop  feel.  From  her  first  album  in  2005  until  

now,  Miri's  still  got  it!

THE FIRE IN MENatti  Raz,  an  Israeli  singer,  and  familiar  voice  of  popular  music  of  today,  comes  out  

with  his  latest  album,  The  Fire  in  Me  this  

month.  This  Mizrachi-­‐style  singer  makes  you  want  to  just  get  up  and  dance!  He  has  

the  classic,  vibrant  Middle-­‐Eastern  sound  and  his  music  is  played  in  clubs  all  over  the  

country.  Raz  can  always  be  heard  on  

various  Israeli  radio  stations.  Keep  an  eye  out  for  his  catchy  tunes  this  month.  

Marcy  is  a  junior  studying  health  

administra7on  at  Florida  Atlan7c  University.  

In  her  spare  7me  she  enjoys  playing  Jewish  

music  for  people  of  all  ages.  Marcy’s  favorite  

part  of  Israel  is  hiking  in  the  Negev.

26

One of the most interesting social games of the twenty-first century has made its way all around the world. The television show "Big Brother" has made it's impact here in the United States and even in Israel, where it is called "HaAh HaGadol". The purpose of "Big Brother" is to put over ten people from

all different walks of life together in a "house" (which is really just a sound studio) and film them 24/7, while cutting off all contact with the world. Each week contestants compete for survival and rewards, but it is the petty drama and backstabbing that makes the show interesting. Regardless of the cultural differences, a viewer can expect to see an extremely vast group of individuals as contestants on the reality program, all fitting into the same stereotypical and type casted role. Picture all of the views of Jewish Americans and now

intensify that ten fold on the Israeli version of the show. On the current season in Israel, one of the contestants can be described as not so fond of Arabs, and is confined to this house

living with a pro-Palestinian sympathizer. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the outcome of the show. Recently at FAU, we were honored to have the host of "HaAh HaGadol", Assi Azar came and spoke to the students, not just about the show but about what he had going on in his own life. He had recently made a

documentary called "Mom

and Dad: I Have Something to Tell You" about his experience

coming out as a gay man and he has been speaking to college students all over the country about the important issued in the LGBTQA community. It goes to show that he didn't waste his fifteen minutes of fame, and is doing something very positive to promote a very current issue.

Here and there we're all the same.

BIG BROTHERHere and There:

By Howard Rudnick

Brooke Weinbaum of Owls for Israel andFrank Gorritz, President of LGBTQA with Assi Azar at FAU

27

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Debbie Meline is the Executive Director and Alissa Maizes is a Board Member of the Broward Palm Beach Chapter at Friends of Israel Defense Forces. I had the opportunity to speak with them about Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and their deeply rooted connection to the importance of taking care of the soldiers who defend Israel and the Jewish population around the world.

What is the mission of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces?

FIDF initiates and helps support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilitates for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. The FIDF also provides support for the families of fallen soldiers.

What initially drew you to become involved in this organization?

Maizes: Ever since my first trip to Israel, and even before that, in my upbringing, I knew it was important to support Israel. A friend of ours invited us to an FIDF dinner, and from that point on, it has been a priority in my and my family’s life. The reason why I feel FIDF is a perfect fit to meet my needs in supporting Israel is because Israel at this point of its life has a lot of similar issues that we have, but one thing they are always going to need is the IDF.

The FIDF provides countless services and programs to the soldiers overseas. Are there

any specific programs that you connect with?

Meline: One of the most popular programs right now is the IMPACT! Program, which provides scholarships for soldiers who finished their combat duty to go to university and get an academic degree. We know that 18-year olds do not go to college like they do here, they go to the army, men for three years and women for two, to two and a half years. Many of them simply cannot afford it. The Impact Scholarship Program gets donors to provide scholarship for their tuition and a living subsidy, $4000 per year for four years so that the former soldier can go to college and we call it ‘Impact’ because not only does it have a very positive impact on the individual’s life, it has an impact on all of Israeli society because we are contributing to a more educated and more competent population, a better prepared work force, and more responsible productive citizens, so it is having a long-term impact on Israel’s well being.

There are lone soldiers, soldiers who live in Israel without their families, people who made aliyah, and it is a little bit lonely for them on the weekend or on holidays. The ‘Flights for the Lone Soldiers Program’ provides extra support to make sure that they have gifts on the holidays or a plane ticket to their family once during their army service.

There are programs that serve the family that has lost someone. ‘The Legacy Program’ provides services to the family.

Maizes: The Legacy Program provides services to the family afterwards, everything from sending them to camp, to making sure that they have a B’nai Mitzvah, and a wedding; to make

sure that even though their parent is no longer there, these special life cycle events are still acknowledged and celebrated, and also to give the families the emotional support.

Meline: Sometimes the parents are so devastated by the loss of their older child that they cannot give emotional energy to the younger child so ‘Legacy’ steps in for the whole family.

How many FIDF offices are there and how do they support one another?

Meline: The main office is in New York and we have a national staff that supports all of the regional offices. The national staff has a Marketing Director, Programming Director, an IT Department. The national office supports all of the 15 offices across the country, and we are trying to expand to different areas with chapters so we can reach a broader population. Every year, the staff gets together in New York and we go over professional development and priorities of what needs to get done.

What has been your most memorable moment in your involvement with the FIDF?

Maizes: In September of 2011, my family had the honor of having an Israeli soldier, Captain Ori Ron, stay in our home. We had the best time with him, everything from shopping and dinner to going to services and sharing him with our synagogue, Congregation B’nai Torah. It was an incredible weekend because I was able to share him with so many people who are now getting more involved with FIDF. A few things he said to us: he always thinks about the FIDF, he didn’t know as much about FIDF as he does now, but he sees things on the base that say FIDF. A few things he said to us; he always

Community Spotlight

FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCESBy Rose Morris

29

thinks about the FIDF, he didn’t know as much about FIDF as he does now, but he sees things on the base that say FIDF.When the connection was made, and when he was brought here by FIDF, he realized that without this, he wouldn’t have some of the things he did, and he mentioned the gym equipment. Here, we can go to a gym or get coffee on almost every corner. This is their only break, and they also get to take good care of themselves. Something as simple as gym equipment makes a huge difference to these soldiers. He is a soldier who diffuses bombs and mines. He was injured and still went back to do more.

Debbie: His engineering unit was in charge of breaking through the border into Lebanon and they were attacked. Even after seven or eight months in the hospital, he went back.

Maizes: And he wants to keep on going.

What have you learned from FIDF?

Maizes: I always understood there was a great need to support Israel and the IDF but it taught me that there is this great organization, whether you give your time or money, you can make a huge difference.

Meline: The unique thing about FIDF is that many our programs allow you to develop a very personal relationship with a soldier. Even through IMPACT!, when one of these students is adopted, he or she has already written to them a letter and on the bottom of the letter is their email address, so maybe they will write back and develop a relationship with that student. All of the soldiers who come to visit are so

delighted and heart-warmed to know how much the American Jewish population cares about them. I took a soldier named David who is a pilot to speak at a synagogue in Greenacres and he was shocked that there is a prayer that is said every Shabbat for the welfare of the State of Israel and for the welfare of the soldiers. He was also shocked that when we say Birkat Hamazon (blessing after meals) that we have a line that says, ‘Please keep safe the soldiers of the State of Israel,’ and I told him how now, in my house, when my children and I say Birkat Hamazon, we mention the names of all of them, of David, of Ori, of Reut, every Friday night when we say the blessing. It is important for the soldiers to know

that the

support is widespread, and it is not just money, it is prayers and pride, hospitality and personal connection, we really do support the soldiers of the State of Israel.

Maizes: We develop relationships with them. We feel so honored that we can help them but they cannot stop thanking us. I feel, here they are risking their lives so we can have Israel. We have been writing back and forth to Ori as well a soldier we donated an IMPACT! Scholarship for and they are so excited when they hear from us. Ori said he cannot wait until the kids come to Israel and he wants to show them the inside of the army. He has two sisters, yet thinks of my children like brothers now. You connect with them.

What specific events does the Broward/Palm Beach Regional FIDF office hold?

Meline: We just had our annual gala dinner, on January 8th at Boca West Country Club where we honored a wonderful couple, Joan and George Kessel, and had over 420 people in attendance. We raised 1.3 million dollars, and that is our annual hallmark event. We have other events, which include golf tournaments, luncheons, dessert receptions.

Maizes: Whenever a soldier comes, we honor them and share them with the community. We always want to be as effective as we can with our resources so we are constantly reevaluating and seeing how we can reach the community.

Meline: We also have a Young Leadership event coming up on March 31st, ‘The White Party.’ It is at a private home in Golden Beach and they may call the office if they would like more information. It is a huge event for Young Leadership from all over South Florida.

If you would like to join our Young Leadership email list, and for future events including the March event, you can call FIDF office at (561) 483-2771 or email us at Boca@fidf.org and we will add you to our list.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces: Their job is to look after Israel, ours is to look after them.

Rose  Morris  recently  graduated  from  

Florida  Atlan7c  University  with  a  

degree  in  elementary  educa7on.  Rose  

enjoys  exploring  new  places  and  her  

favorite  thing  to  do  in  Israel  is  walk  

around  Jerusalem  on  Shabbat.  

30

THEIR JOB IS TO LOOK AFTER ISRAEL. OURS IS TO LOOK AFTER THEM!

561.483.2771 BOCA@FIDF.ORG

www.FIDF.org 501C(3) not for profit organization

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

8177 Glades Road, Suite 208 Boca Raton, FL 33434

Your  tax  deductible  

donation  will  change  the  life  

of  a  soldier  

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

Yalla Israel Magazine Launch Party

2

Israeli Film Series-Davie

Israeli Music-Temple Bat Yam-Fort Lauderdale

FLORIDA LOVES ISRAEL Conference

3 4

5 6

ADL Lecture Series -BOCA

7

Engaging Israel-Boca

Club hopping through Israel-FAU

8

Israeli Movie Night-FAU

9 10JNF Sapphire Society Luncheon

11

CUFI-Danny Ayalon-Miami

12

Dudu Fisher- Miami

13

Case for Israel-FIU

14

Engaging Israel-Boca

Valentine’s Day: Shocolove-FAU

15 16

Alan Dershowitz-Miami

17 18

19

Israeli Film Series-Boca

20 21

Engaging Israel-Boca

Krav Maga-FAU

22

iFest Israel-Nova

iArt Israel-Boca

23 24 25

26

ORT American International Gala

Gimelstob Symposium-FAU

27

Gimelstob Symposium-FAU

28

Lend a hand to the world-FAU

29

Harry Truman and creation of Israel-Boca

FEBRUARY 2012 פברואר

CHECK WWW.YALLAISRAELMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED EVENTS AND INFORMATION32

YALLA, Let’s go!February Highlights

Florida loves Israel Conference

February 2-5, TallahasseeThe "Florida Loves Israel" (FLI) Conference provides the opportunity for various Florida college students and community members to gather and learn about Israeli culture and advocacy through workshops, breakout sessions, and speakers.In addition, students will have the ability to network with various leaders, creating a strong and unified Florida voice for Israel.

iArt GalleryFebruary 22, Yaacov Heller Gallery 5pmStudents at Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach will have the opportunity to submit and show their original artwork inspired by Israel. Featured artist, Ruben Salvadori will speak.

Gimelstop Symposium

February 26,27 FAULeading scholars from around the country will describe current research on contemporary

Israel at FAU's symposium "New Scholarship on Israel."  The program will take place on FAU's

Boca Raton campus on February 26 and 27.  

Topics include changes in gender roles, Israeli art and literature, the kibbutz movement, and

Israel's relationship to the American Jewish community.  Complete information is available at

www.fau.edu/jewishstudies or by calling

(561)297-0645.

South Florida Summit for Israel

Saturday Feb 11 7pm

Ministerio Internacional El Rey JesusChristians and Jews Stand United for Israel!Speakers include Israeli Deputy Foreign

Minister Danny Ayalon, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico Chaim Shacham,

Apostle Guillermo Maldonado

For more information visit www.elreyjesus.org

33

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

THE avi chai foundation

israel on campus coalition

the david project

hillel of broward and palm beach

owls for israel

jewish student union

youR only guide to all things iSrael in South florida

37

www.yallaisraelmagazine.com