I am truly saddened by this article. I met my wife in a sister camp. I grew up in that movement, went on the same summer program, and spent the year in Israel. I cherish the memories that this movement (Young Judaea) gave us, and I am proud to say that I became a better person, student, and leader because of it.
Many of those that spent many of our formative summers in Judaean had similar feelings. And as the author describes these were ALL positive. Anti-zionism is the popular cool trend and it is NOT based on facts. We need to take care of our own because history has shown us time and time again that nobody else will. This is NOT done at the expense of others. Go back and see how often Israel is the first to send relief to disaster areas (Haiti, Indonesia, etc.)
Has Israel made mistakes? Yes. But, it is the ONLY democracy in the region, treats Israeli Arabs better than in any other neighboring country, and always considers ethics and humanity in the difficult decisions it makes. You can't say the same thing about Hamas, Syria or the "martyrs" that explicitly target civilians.
Perhaps I'm just not smart enough to understand why Israel is held to a double standard? It's offered the same piece of land that the palestinians want 3 times! They are asked to negotiate with an organization who's founding principal is to drive the Jews into the Mediterranean.
It's sad that the author feels this way, at least the movement has been successful instilling positive thoughts about Judaism and Israel to many more than those that agree with the author.
I'll add... I'm writing this from JFK waiting to board a flight enroute to Israel where I'll meet my wife and our three future zionist children who'll g-d willing attend the same summer camp I that gave me so many wonderful friends and memories. .
On Life After Zionist Summer Camp
I am truly saddened by this article. I met my wife in a sister camp. I grew up in that movement, went on the same summer program, and spent the year in Israel. I cherish the memories that this movement (Young Judaea) gave us, and I am proud to say that I became a better person, student, and leader because of it.
Many of those that spent many of our formative summers in Judaean had similar feelings. And as the author describes these were ALL positive. Anti-zionism is the popular cool trend and it is NOT based on facts. We need to take care of our own because history has shown us time and time again that nobody else will. This is NOT done at the expense of others. Go back and see how often Israel is the first to send relief to disaster areas (Haiti, Indonesia, etc.)
Has Israel made mistakes? Yes. But, it is the ONLY democracy in the region, treats Israeli Arabs better than in any other neighboring country, and always considers ethics and humanity in the difficult decisions it makes. You can't say the same thing about Hamas, Syria or the "martyrs" that explicitly target civilians.
Perhaps I'm just not smart enough to understand why Israel is held to a double standard? It's offered the same piece of land that the palestinians want 3 times! They are asked to negotiate with an organization who's founding principal is to drive the Jews into the Mediterranean.
It's sad that the author feels this way, at least the movement has been successful instilling positive thoughts about Judaism and Israel to many more than those that agree with the author.
I'll add... I'm writing this from JFK waiting to board a flight enroute to Israel where I'll meet my wife and our three future zionist children who'll g-d willing attend the same summer camp I that gave me so many wonderful friends and memories. .