Gila+S

= The Helping Hands of Israel = toc

=Rationale - Research project=

I chose GoEco as my subject for this project on Israeli organizations helping around the world, because that is exactly what this organization is doing; GoEco is based in Israel, and works to send volunteers to different countries around the world, where they help with the communities in need, endangered animals, or environmental issues. In addition, I love all animals and support the saving Earth movement, and for that reason I think the projects GoEco has to offer are extremely important. Also, the tourists who join GoEco's volunteering projects have a trip with a lot more meaning, by spreading happiness, than tourists traveling to a country simply for their own enjoyment. All things considered, I feel that GoEco suited the assignment perfectly and I really connected with the organization's values, and hope to join their movement when I can. =The Greatest Kind of Tourist=

The younger generation today is sometimes thought of as spoiled, selfish and lazy. An organization in Israel, called GoEco, is sheer proof that that opinion is wrong. GoEco is an organization which introduced Israelis to the concept of 'volunteer tourism'. This concept allows tourists to both travel cheaply and give back to the community which they are visiting, with projects such as environmental and wildlife preservation, working in orphanages, providing medical aid, and ecological tourism. The organization was founded in 2005, by two close Israeli friends who loved to travel- Jonathan Tal and Jonathan Gilben. Both were inspired to start GoEco after receiving degrees in Geographical and environmental studies, and traveling the world. As Jonathan Gilben tells it, "…After university I volunteered in Mexico for a Sea Turtle conservation program. During my time there I lived on a tropical beach, met people from around the world, conducted amazing volunteer work and participated in unique Mexican cultural events. I was amazed by this travel experience and I realized that volunteer tourism is almost non-existent in Israel. This is what inspired me to co-found GoEco…" GoEco's mission is very honorable. For example, one of their goals is to encourage ecological awareness, as well as to enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. On the same note, GoEco aims to encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others, instead of travelling for only ones own enjoyment. In addition, the organization works to encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel and experience, understand and help with the diversity between the Israeli and Arab sectors firsthand. Tal and Gilben's projects are not built for every person, due to the fact that one must reside in sub- conditions during the whole period of the trip, and eat and live like the locals in the area. Otherwise, a person who loves nature, volunteering and new experiences will have no trouble finding a project that will suit his interests, since GoEco offers countless places to travel to and volunteer in around the world ( In the year 2010, GoEco placed as many as 700 volunteers in different projects around the world). As Stephanie (a GoEco participant who volunteered with lions in Kenya) says, //"…////The site was quaint and rustic. It was like camping out with a bed and great food…some days we didn’t have water and the electric would cut out on occasion; but that never took away from the beauty of this place…"// GoEco's international program can place you anywhere around the world, from China, to Tanzania, to Costa Rica, helping endangered sea- turtles, volunteering with the giant pandas, and teaching English to villagers. Additionally, one can volunteer near famous natural destinations such as the Himalaya Mountains in India, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, or the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Some trips will allow you to raise AID/HIV awareness in countries where the disease is common, photograph wilderness to raise awareness about the local communities, or volunteer in orphanages with disadvantaged children. Likewise, volunteers who are animal lovers can help research lion behavior in a beautiful reserve, take care of orphaned elephants in Africa, or travel to South Africa and volunteer with the Great White sharks. Although the international projects take place in many breathtaking environments around the world, Israel is the most popular destination for GoEco participants. As Tal Gilben points out, "…We believe that by organizing tours that bring people from around the world to help out in Israel, we are promoting a side of Israel that most visitors don’t get to see first-hand -the positive work… that takes place in Israel every day.” GoEco offers a variety of programs in all different locations throughout Israel, such as [|volunteering at a wildlife reserve] in the Arava Desert, a conservation effort of the marine life in the Red Sea, and helping help out at the __ [|Tel Aviv Women’s Shelter] __ .  Volunteer tourism has many advantages, some of which are traveling cheaply and experiencing different cultures. A traveler also has the option of participating in a volunteer project, then moving on to travel alone, with a better understanding of the language and culture of the country. Furthermore, especially for teenagers, volunteering is also a great way to learn foreign languages, meet incredible people, and of course do your part in giving back to less-fortunate communities abroad. The process of joining a trip through GoEco is relatively simple. All you have to do is fill out personal information on the organization's site- : [|http://www.goeco.org] .The trips cost between 170-300 Euros, and last between two weeks to several months. The package includes accommodation, food, and basic training. Volunteers must be aged 18 and older, speak English reasonably well, be in good physical condition, and have flexibility to live in a different environment (with changes in diet, living conditions, and weather). Jonathan Tal stresses that "… the kind of volunteer we are looking for is the adventurous and ecologically-concerned traveler who wants to be immersed in a local culture to become familiar with the local people, customs, and environment by giving back to the community and to the Earth" (- from an article on [] ). GoEco does everything to ensure the trips run smoothly, by preparing and managing the expectations of volunteers before they depart, making constant visits to the programs and volunteers, and improving the projects through volunteers' feedback. In short, the trips GoEco offers are //"… **heaven on earth**… I found I learned so much more about the ways of life in various countries…I am a **better person** for having gone there and shared so much with all of those wonderful people. It truly was an **experience of a lifetime**."// (- written by Stephanie, a volunteer who shared her experience on GoEco's website).

=Rationale - Profile=

Michael Klinghoffer is a most inspiring man, since he spends most of his free time helping young musicians around the country, and that is the reason I chose to interview him for this project. I met Michael Klinghoffer when I joined the youth orchestra he was conducting, about two years ago. From these weekly meetings, I learned to respect and admire Michael, since his musical knowledge is vast; he is extremely dedicated, optimistic, and always willing to lend a hand to those in need. For all those reasons and more, he was a perfect candidate for this project.

I hope Michael's story is as inspiring to readers as he has been to me, and many other musicians who he's touched through his work and volunteering.

=A Man to Admire=

When Michael Klinghoffer was a teenager he thought he'd grow up to become a nuclear engineer. Luckily for countless young musicians in Israel, he changed his career path after a few years, and is now fully immersed in music education. In the middle of Michael Klinghoffer's small office at the Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance, rests his remarkable double- bass. The bass takes up most of the room, leaving some space for his desk, laptop and couch - which is frequented by many students and professors seeking guidance from their dean, Michael. Among his responsibilities, Michael Klinghoffer is the Dean of Performing Arts in the Academy, and in his free time also a conductor in three youth orchestras around the country. Through all of his positions, Michael is regularly guiding and teaching musicians from all ages and backgrounds. Michael Klinghoffer was born in Romania, but when he was four years and one day old, he and his family moved to Israel, the country to which he has always returned. Music has been a part of Michael's life since he was very young. He has played a variety of instruments, including piano, saxophone, guitar, and in high school, the double bass. Though Michael loved playing jazz and rock in groups and in gigs for money when he was younger, most of his close companions were convinced he'd become a nuclear engineer, since he was very interested in that field of science. That considered, Michael admits he never really had a choice when it came to music- it has always been a fixed part in him. At a few points in his life he attempted quitting music, but the longest break hardly lasted five days. Though Michael loves all kinds of music (classical, jazz, rock, anything really, as long as it is good), he admits he especially loves Bach. The changing point in his life came when Michael was twenty one years old and was released from the Israeli army. At that time he was unsure if he would be able to go back to playing music, after all the years he spent in the army where he could not play. An event that put him back into focus came shortly afterward; Michael was attending a concert featuring the 'Sinfonietta Beer Sheba' orchestra, when he heard a musician play a double- bass solo with the orchestra. He only played a few notes, but at that moment Michael understood what he wanted to do next- He wanted to be that soloist's (the legendary Mendi Rodan) student. Two years later, Michael got his wish, and gained the privilege to study with Rodan (who is considered one of the most interesting Israeli musicians in the country). After figuring out that he wanted to continue studying music, Michael started his journey through music schools. First, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Israel (at Tel Aviv University), then moved on to the Yale School of Music. By the morning after his commencement ceremony from Yale University, Michael already had a job as a bass player in the 'Israel Sinfonietta' orchestra (which was probably the best chamber music orchestra in the country those days). Along with that job, he started teaching in the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, thanks to Mendi Rodan's recommendations. Seven years after graduating from Yale, Michael attended the ‘Hartt School of Music’ ( the performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford). and finished his doctorate. As of now, Michael Klinghoffer is wearing quite a few hats at the same time; He occupies an administrative position in the Academy of Music as dean of performing arts (where he supervises 500 students, faculty and curriculum, as well as develops new programs), teaches more than full time, and does what he loves most- working with young people as a conductor in orchestras, in three locations throughout the country. Michael Klinghoffer also invests in other projects on the side. One of such projects is Michael’s new book- //'Mr. Karr, Would You Teach Me How to Drive a Double Bass?',// in addition to a new blog on his website. In order to share his knowledge and experience with others, he posts videos on YouTube giving tips for playing the double bass, and organizes an addition of etudes that are out of print. For Michael, music is not only about moving your bow and placing your fingers in different places. Music is aesthetics, culture and life, and that is where one of his passions comes in-volunteering and working with young musicians. For him that is the most important work, for which he’d rather give up other responsibilities or even work twenty- four hours a day before he would relinquish these projects. Michael started working with young musicians in the North and the South when he was working in Matan (MatanArts is a program working to locate and advance gifted youth, who are farther away from Israel's cultural centers, geographically and socially), as a music director. While working there, he realized that talent is not a geographical issue- there is talent everywhere. It is just a matter of the opportunities that the society and country give these young people. He felt that students in the North, the South, and in further communities in the peripheries, were not getting the same amount of opportunities as a child in Jerusalem. Michael explains that “…a child in the North or South, if we don't come to them, they won't come to us. I remember a girl from the South (who is now a brilliant student in the Academy) telling me she did not know before we came that there is the possibility of higher education in music, that after high school a musician can keep on studying music in the Academy.” Contrary to students further away, young musicians living in Jerusalem and the center of the country can get guidance and support easily, just for the fact that they are close to many musical institutions and a professor (like Michael) who can easily guide them. Furthermore, (as Michael testifies) it is simply a different situation in conservatories in Sderot or Ofakim than in Jerusalem, because in those areas young musicians encounter and overcome numerous difficulties, such as the general lack of community and parents’ support for their music making, not to mention a lot of financial difficulties. Moreover, some of the youth have to travel very long distances to get to the nearest music center. In addition, over the years and even recently, there have been situations when rockets were being fired at Israeli cities in the South, and then the orchestras found themselves playing music in a protected area while shells were being shot over them. For all the above reasons, Michael launched a project to try and battle these difficulties and differences in opportunities in these disadvantaged areas in Israel. He began them first in Matan, and then later (after a few years when Matan underwent a few problems and practically closed down) continued them as Dean of Students in the Academy of Music. In these projects, he managed to bring professors and students from the Academy to orchestras in far away communities to teach master classes to the young music students and as well as their teachers. These projects took care of two issues at one time- the students from the Academy that had financial difficulties received scholarships for participating in these projects, and the young students from the orchestras gained great guidance- just the meeting between the children was wonderful. For these honorable projects, the Academy received two Council Higher Education awards- once in 2009, and once in 2011; thanks to Michael’s efforts. However, the path to making the programs work was not an easy one at some points. In Michael’s opinion, the most difficult point when reaching out to an underprivileged community is that they have lost trust in people, especially people who came from the outside. The reason for that is that the youth are used to people coming to help them, but then leaving before they complete their commitments, so that is why it takes a lot of time to build mutual trust. Also, it is hard for the musicians receiving the help (and sometimes also for the students from the Academy) to understand that the volunteers are there solely for them, to help, and are not trying to be patronizing or condescending. There have been situations where volunteers working on Michael’s behalf offended a young musician he was working with, and the trust had to be rebuilt from scratch. Michael comes to volunteer with a positive attitude, believing “…Everyone in the world has their own share of knowledge, you can always learn from people… once you realize that there is something you can learn from everyone there, it is easier to build the trust.” Michael strongly believes that if children grow up with music or arts in general, they will be better at what they do (even if it is in the science field), just because of what they have gained in terms of creativity, discipline, and being able to observe details. Through his three orchestras around the country (one in the North, South and in Jerusalem) and programs, Michael is trying to improve the musical field in Israel. He also sees the need to improve the atmosphere in the educational system, where many professionals do not understand the value of supporting young musicians, even if music does not become their profession. Improving music teacher training is also a change that must be applied, since the level is not yet equal to the level in the US. Michael recognizes that music should become a part of life for every single person; all children should study music, because music lasts in one’s life much longer than most of what they’ve learned in school and college. It is important to have teachers who are experienced, and love to work with young students, because in essence, that is the age when the musical personalities are formed. . Michael is convinced that “…. If we want to have good teachers all over the country, what has to change quickly is how we accept teachers and how we teach them…my opinion about teachers is that good is never good enough”. Considering all areas of his life, Michael’s true pride is his family, which includes his wife and three children. One of his dreams are for one of his youth orchestras, which he runs and conducts in the conservatory near the Jerusalem Academy of Music, will travel all over the world as the Jerusalem Youth Symphony. He even believes it is achievable- once the orchestras level and age requirements are raised, they can really create beautiful music and make a lot of people happy. Due to the fact that Michael Klinghoffer is an inspiring figure for many young musicians, his advice to them is very much appreciated. He encourages them by saying “… the best advice I can offer young people is the following- choose your career path not by saying- “will I get a good salary in this? Will I find a job in that?”, but by going after what you believe in, what you love. The truth is it will be hard finding a job in every field! But if you love what you’re doing, you’ll have a better chance to succeed…. The best way is follow your heart”.

=Rationale - Personal Connection=

My mother and father always wanted to immigrate to Israel (also known as 'making Aliyah'), due to the fact that both their parents had planted seeds of Zionism inside them all through their childhood that was spent in the U. S. A. As soon as it was financially possible, my parents packed up our house and we flew to Israel to build our home in this special country. That was 10 years ago. Today we still live in Israel, and I have every intention to stay here for the rest of my life. The reason for that is, that Israel is a huge source of pride for me. I am proud of all the unthinkable tragedies the Jewish people suffered through and //survived// against all odds, emerging stronger every time. Likewise, I am proud of all the successes, beautiful art that has been created here, and the numerous brave and special people that reside in Israel. I chose to express in this project the pride I have for Israel, using a collage of pictures and quotes that represent the hard times, and amazing things Israel has to offer.



=Collage Explanation= Collage photo explanation: 1.Phoenix, the mythological bird, which rises from ashes. 2.Carving of the exile of the Jewish nation from Israel 3.Part of a Psalm, describing the yearning for Zion in the diaspora. 4.Young holocaust survivors 5. An illegal immigrant ‘Maapilim’ ship from the British Mandate period 6. Newspaper article, declaring the birth of the Israeli state 7.Portrait of late poet Rahel Bluwstein, who wrote many beautiful poems about Israel 8. ‘Palmach’ soldiers who fought for Israel’s independence. 9. ‘Halutzim’- pioneers who immigrated to the country to try and settle the land. 10. ‘Agam Hahula’ –a lake that was a breeding ground for [|malaria] in the times of the Halutzim, and was drained in the 1950s, which turned out to be a blessing and a hardship. 11.Ethiopian immigrants on operation ‘Moshe’, 1984. 12.New immigrants from ‘Nefesh BNefesh’ charter flight. 13. The actress Renana Raz, starring in the commercial ‘Yisrael Mityabeshet’, to raise awareness for Israel’s water issue. 14.Tamar Fogel, 13. Her family was murdered brutally in their home in Itamar, by two terrorists on March 11 Th, 2011. 15.Moshe Emoyal, kiosk owner. Pointing at bullet holes in his kiosk which were fired during a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. 16. Photo of a road in Sderot, with a hole in the cement from a rocket launched from Gaza on to the city. 17. Mount Carmel Forest fire, Hanukah 2010. 18.Lyrics of the song by Ehud Manor, which declares ‘I have nomother country, even if the land is burning’. 19.Mount Carmel Forest, seen with buds, one year after the fire. 20.An Israeli highway seen on Remembarence Day, when all drivers stand beside their cars for a minute of silence while the siren is heard, to honor the fallen. 21.Soldiers praying at the Western Wall 22.Kalaniyot, the red flowers that blankets the country during the Winter. 23.‘Mahane Yehuda Shuk’, Jerusalem market. 24.The’ Bamba (an Israeli peanut snack) Baby’. 25.Children planting trees on ‘Tu Bishvat’. 26.Part of a prayer we say on Hannukah, praising the Macabbim’s (Jewish soldiers who fought the mighty Greek, and won) braveness, and thanking Hashem for the miraculous victory. 27.A standard Israeli weather forecast- warm and sunny J 28.Israeli soldiers praying with a Torah in the field. 29.(From Bereshit, 12) Hashem’s promise of the land of Israel to Abraham. 30.Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, doing a headstand. 31.List of Israeli Nobel Prize laureates; considering the size of the country, Israel has an impressive number of Nobel prize winners (compared to other countries).

=My Israel, Israel 'Sheli'=

Israel for me is both awe inspiring and a source of deep pride. I think of the land of Israel as a phoenix, who burns fiercely and is reduced to ashes only to rise again as a new young bird, reborn anew to live again. The Jewish people have been through countless discriminating attacks, starting from being enslaved to Pharaoh in Egypt, to the painful Spanish inquisition, until the unimaginable Holocaust. The pain is still being felt today, through the anti Semitism directed towards Israel, and the many terrorist attacks in the country. Most recently, the massacre and murder of the Fogel family in the settlement of Itamar shocked and traumatized the entire nation. Furthermore, on March 23rd, 2011, a kiosk near the central bus station in Jerusalem was bombed, killing one woman and wounding 39. Though the owner of the kiosk, Moshe Emoyal, wasn’t new to these horrible sights ( since his business was bombed once before, in the year 1994), he chose to be optimistic and humorous, by proposing to rename his kiosk “paam shlishit glida” (a popular saying in Hebrew, meaning ‘third time- ice cream’). For me, Moshe’s brave attitude represents the amazing, strong, and humorous personality of the Israeli society. Though the Israeli nation has been through so much, they have always risen, stronger and more regal than ever before. The tragic story of the Mount Carmel Forest illustrates this idea perfectly; during the holiday of Hanukkah in the year 2010, the Carmel Forest rose in flames. The fire burnt millions of trees along 25 kilometers of the magnificent forest, and 44 people were killed. Against all odds, the mountain has started to grow buds this past autumn, standing as a source of hope and pride for the whole country. Other problems our small and beautiful country faces are the missiles being shot at the North and South of the country, putting many families in pain and loss. Moreover, Israel faces a water crisis, which everyone is concerned about. A well known commercial called ‘Yisrael Mityabeshet’ (meaning Israel is drying out) starring the Israeli actress Renana Raz, raises awareness to this issue. In the commercial, Renana Raz’s face slowly cracks, representing what will happen to our gorgeous Kinneret sea if it should ever dry out. Nevertheless, Israel is known for its lovable and unique qualities. First of all, the well loved peanut snack called ‘Bamba’ was invented here, along with many other delicious foods. Secondly, the country has many special and touching traditions, such as the siren heard on the Remembrance Days (for the Holocaust, and the fallen soldiers). When that penetrating sound is heard across the country on those days, time stands still, while all Jews stand silently for one minute to remember the nation’s fallen heroes. Last but not least, only in Israel can one spy the meaningful sight of Israeli soldiers in their uniforms, reading from the Torah, with ‘teffilin’ and a ‘talit’ wrapped around their shoulders. To sum up, I hope my collage reflects the pride and love I feel for our Land of Israel, because it is a country soaked in tears, but with eyes towards the future. Israel has so much to offer to the world, and since God promised the land to our forefather Abraham when he first set foot in this country, I hope and believe the Jewish nation will always live and thrive here.

=Reflection= Accomplishing this project took many hours, but I am left with inspiration for my own life which makes all the work worth it. From interviewing Michael Klinghoffer, the dedicated musician, I learned to appreciate my musical studies much more. Furthermore, I loved researching the GoEco organization, since the projects they organized sound amazing, fun and important. For that reason I hope to join one of their trips when I am older. It meant a lot to me to be asked the question 'what Israel means to me'? , Because I never thought about it before. By creating the collage, I had to answer, and I enjoyed the artwork immensely. I hope my project managed to reflect the inspiring personality of Israel and its people, and my love for the country of Israel.

=Bibliography= [|] [|/] [|] [|] [|]
 * Barbibro, Rafi. “Vacation with a Purpose”, __Ynet__, 10.04.09, 03.11.11.
 * Chernick, Karen. “Learn More about Volunteer Eco- Tourism from GoEco’s Jonathan Gilben”, __GreenProphet__, June 9Th 2010, November 2Nd 011.
 * Leonie. “JVN Volunteering Profiles- GoEco”, The __Jewish Volunteering Network,__ August 2Nd 2011, November 3Rd 2011.
 * Lerer, Guy. __Trend Channel 10__, April 3Rd 2010.
 * “About GoEco”, __GoEco__, November 4Th 2011.