June 20

June 20 We began with a panal discussion about Challenges in Making the Holocaust relevant in a changing world. Shulamit Imber, Michael Berenbaum, and others shared their different perspectives in how to teach this subject in light of a ever decreasing souce of live survivors, As sad as the subject is they feel we must plan for a world wherein the the video is the only source of testimonies. The sessions I attended in the morning were quite good as the educators took the helm. I particularly liked the presentation that actually dealt with books I use now in the classroom NIGHT, SURVIVAL IN AUSCHWITZ and MAUS, However the afternoon session left much to be desired as one presenter was not prepared, was quite boring and uses simulation in her classroom- a big tabu amongst Holocaust educators. I am about to take a walk to Ben Yehuda and call it a night, tomorrow is the final day of this conference and I will vbe going to meet my cousin on Friday in Tel Aviv for a "Havsaka" break. here are some photos of new friends from Rwanda, Sweden and Luithiana the flags represent all the countries of the participants

June 19,2012 A very busy, exhausting and inspiring day. We began with presentations from Gideon Sa'ar Minister of Education of Israel followed by Avner Shalev Chairman Directorate of Yad Vashem. The theme was the educational challenges we face in the 21st century. The morning concluded with a presentation from Michael Marrus, Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor Emeritus of Holocaust Studies University of Toronto. I took notes and will be working on them, but the continuing theme of the conference will be the challenges faced in the 21sat century . There are participants from, Senegal, Egypt, USA, Serbia, Croatia, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic,England and many more. We all chose separate presentations to attend for the afternoon. wont go into the actual sessions but I chose Anti Antisemitism and Nazi Ideology presented by professor Dina Porat, Literary Responses to the Holocaust presented by Dr. Alan Rosen, and finally and most difficult subject for me today was Motherhood in the Face of Extermination presented by Dr Frumi Shchori. We ended the day with the preeminent historian on the Holocaust Professor Yehuda Bauer whose knowledge, passion, and message is un paralleled. We also were treated during the mid day break, to a dance performance called "Together Alone" I look forward to another inspiring day tomorrow

Opening of conference

June 18,2012 Evening was our opening ceremony at Yad Vashem. The so called light dinner was an array of sumptuous offerings: eggplant, avacodo, hummus, salads of all kinds, taboulli, salmon, chicken, so much food!!! It was SABABBA!! I was eating and suddenly my eye caught sight of someone I knew! It was Adam from JFR who I first met in Poland, then last summer in NYC and now in Israel, I also realized Jakub (Kobi) ws also here! It was a joyful reunion. The meal was followed by a walk to the Valley of the Communities with several welcome speeches from Dorit Novak- director of the Intl school, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau- Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and a musicial concert by Chava Alberstein. A beautiful evening and a breath taking sunset

June 18. Last of the "free" days. The program officially begins this evening with a concert by Chava Alberston. Today I walked by myself to the Kotel at 8 am and placed some notes in the wall for myself and some friends. It is hard to explain until you are here and walk through the old city to the Kotel, and touch the wall. One finds them self with tears- it just happens.. I then went to find a Shouk ( market) to buy fruit- which was awesome- and actually got lost. It was a way to discover more shops and alley ways. I found my way back by asking for help- using some Hebrew. It is very hot and I am resting for a bit until this evening's program.

June17, The flight was delayed but other than that it was fine. The hotel is beautiful and walking distance from everything. I made sure to get my street fallafal- with the works. I walked to Ben Yedudah street and tomorrow I will go to the Kotel to place the notes in the wall that wre given to me. It is my humble pleasure to do so. Jerusalem is truly a beautiful city; ancient and pulsating with life of centuries gone by. I love being here!

The day before June 15, 2012

I Leave tomorrow afternoon! Very nervous and excited about all the new people I will meet, the historians I will have the humble pleasure of learning from, and of course being in Ertz Israel!

10 DAYS!!!

Less than two weeks! I changed hotels to be closer to the Old City. Trying to get m things together and hope I can consolidate. I will be blogging as often as I can.