Day 4 – Thursday, February 19, 2009

We landed early this morning in Ben Gurion Airport and arrived at our hotel at 6 am. After a brief rest, we participated in a fascinating session with two well known journalists: David Landa, former editor in chief of Ha'aretz and Yossi Klein HaLevi, a senior writer for the Jerusalem Report.
The two discussed the contemporary political scenario in the State of Israel, dealing with issues ranging from the election to the Palestinian conflict and the looming threat of a Nuclear Iran. Fierce debate ensued between our speakers as to the correct course of action for the future – they posed the question, do we focus first upon the threat abroad in Iran or on the inner threat at home? One consensus seemed to have emerged; that politically, the core citizenship of the Land of Israel is neither on the extreme left nor on the right, and thus the outcome of the new coalition, should it be formed, will have reflect this reality.

We then had lunch and witnessed an incredible program, funded in part by the JNF, Susan’s House. Susan’s House is an artist’s workshop for troubled teens. Many of the young artists come from broken homes, past drug addictions and histories of theft and abuse. The program’s leaders help identify teens who are struggling with these problems and who have an artistic bend. We looked at the beautiful crafts that are being produced and interacted with a few of the young women who were working on their projects. The children also recieve regular private therapy if needed to help them boost their self confidence and self worth. What was most fascinating to me was that they displayed true talent in their work, it was not a chesed project, or a halfway house, but an honest way of bringing out the genuine skill set and interests in young adults who would have otherwise been lost. One of the core values of Judaism is the performance of acts of Chesed. According to our Sages, these acts of Chesed are considered far more valuable when they enable the recipient to develop their own talent and earn a living themselves; notwithstanding the beautiful art work and crafts, Susan’s House accomplishes precisely that.